Malik J, better known as The Running Gamer, found a way to combine two passions that don't often overlap: running and video games.

In this episode, Malik shares how a simple challenge led him into the sport, why he nearly walked away from running after college, and how Detroit's running community helped bring him back. We talk about building a unique identity online, racing two 5Ks in less than 12 hours, traveling to Spain for the Seville Marathon with ASICS, and the lessons he's learned chasing faster times.

Most importantly, Malik explains why runners get into trouble when they start comparing themselves to everyone else and why trusting your own process matters more than copying the pros.

Whether you're training for your first race, chasing a marathon PR, or trying to find your place in the running community, this conversation is a reminder that there is more than one path to success.

Chapters

00:00 Back to Back 5Ks & Chasing Sub 17
06:25 The Running Gamer: Combining Gaming & Running
11:10 How Running Changed His Life
15:51 From Spartan Races to a 2:37 Marathon
20:56 Don't Train Like Everyone Else
26:23 Experiencing the Seville Marathon
32:56 NYC Half Marathon Experience
42:12 Berlin, Bigger Goals & What's Next
46:25 The Detroit Running Community

Follow Malik:

instagram.com/mjordan5.0/


Follow The People Run Podcast:

instagram.com/thepeoplerunpodcast/
Music: instagram.com/mech__beats/