"2:09 Isn't Enough Anymore" | Reed Fischer on Dad Strength, Leveling Up, & Taking Risks

Tinman Elite professional marathoner and HAX coach Reed Fischer returns to the show (this time as a new dad!), to talk all things parenthood, perspective shifts, and the reality of what it takes to be competitive in the marathon these days. Reed also shares his takes on 'dad strength', the record-breaking results at the Boston Marathon this year, and why he's willing to take a little more risk with his running now leading up to the 2028 Olympic Trials. Speaking to 'dad strength', Reed explains why a shift in perspective can actually become an athlete’s greatest competitive asset. Pulling from his experiences navigating his wife Christine’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2023 to entering parenthood via surrogacy, Reed talks about how finding deep fulfillment outside of the sport builds a higher ceiling for performance than a hyper-obsessive focus. For both aspiring elites and recreational runners, Reed’s insights offer a ton of value on leveling up as an athlete while keeping the sport in its proper place.In This Episode:00:16 New Dad Life Update08:20 Back to Running Schedule12:25 Finding a New Rhythm18:03 Is Dad Strength Real?26:42 Seville Marathon Recap37:20 Training Block Setup37:39 Lower Mileage / High Intensity Approach40:51 Shift Toward Speed41:16 Double Threshold As A Marathoner46:53 Sub 2:10 Reflections49:12 Thoughts on Boston Marathon57:35 Why Americans Are Getting So Much Faster01:09:35 Next Build: Bigger Risks01:15:29 What Our Kids Can Take From RunningUnlock the Ultimate HS Training Library: Want complete access to a library of 150+ training plans? We're excited to offer the HAX Athlete Bundle, with plans including base building and XC training to 800 through 5K specific plans across varying time goals and experience levels. Just $24.99/month gets you complete access alongside a premium TrainingPeaks membership. Get yours today: https://checkout.trainingpeaks.com/product/781dc3ac-6723-4bbf-93cb-bc0066c68201HAX Show Partners: The HAX Show is grateful to partner with Lever Movement and LifeQuotes to bring you this conversation. Learn more about each of our partners below. Lever Movement:Recover faster, run injury-free, and improve performance with a Lever device.Use code HAX20 for 20% off at this link: https://levermovement.com/discount/HAX20LifeQuotesGet your quote: https://lifequotes.com or call 800-955-6618⚒️ About Hammer & Axe TrainingOur coaches work with runners of all levels, providing genuine relationships, proven training methods, and education that helps athletes train with purpose and consistency.1:1 Coaching | Take our quiz to find your coach: https://haxtraining.com/take-the-coaches-quizTraining Plan Library: https://www.trainingpeaks.com/partners/hammer-axe/Follow For Daily Training Content: https://www.instagram.com/hammerandaxetraining/Read Our Newsletter: https://thehammer.beehiiv.com