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Ian Carter

@iancarter94

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Runner
Coach for @mckirdytrained
Flagstaff, AZ

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One week ago, I had the opportunity to run the Chicago Marathon.

So many goals. So many hours of training. So much time, energy, and heart poured into one race. And yet, this experience reminded me that no matter how much we prepare, life doesn’t always go according to plan. Injuries, unexpected challenges, and everything happening beyond the miles can change the outcome we worked so hard for.

I showed up hoping for one result, but Chicago reminded me that not every race is a PR, and sometimes our bodies and minds aren’t where we hoped they would be.

And that’s okay. 🤍

I believe God has a plan for each of us, even when we can’t understand it in the moment. Maybe Chicago wasn’t the race I envisioned, but it was the experience I needed to gain perspective, practice acceptance, and remember why I started.

A missed goal doesn’t erase the work it took to pursue it. One difficult day doesn’t define your potential. And what we call failure can often become our greatest opportunity for growth.

Growth doesn’t always look like a PR. Sometimes, it looks like adjusting, giving yourself grace, learning from disappointment, and finding the courage to keep going. What matters isn’t just the outcome, but who we become along the way and the people who remind us of that.

To everyone who supported me, whether you were in Chicago, sent a message, checked in, or celebrated the effort regardless of the result, thank you. You made me feel so seen, supported, and loved. This sport has given me so much more than finish times, and the people in my corner are a huge part of that.

Chicago, you weren’t the race I hoped for, but you gave me lessons I’ll carry into the next one.

The goal hasn’t changed. The journey just looks a little different. And I’m not done yet. 🤍

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Marathon #25 ✅

Cold, rainy and hilly but we got it DONE

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@simba_runner w/ a strong last push on Lake Mary before beginning the taper for @chimarathon in 2️⃣ weeks. 🔥💸

🎥 @barkrman22

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Biya Simbassa | Road to Chicago: Episode 1

I’ve had the pleasure of following around @simba_runner lately to document his training for @chimarathon. It’s been super fun getting to know him and watch him rip on the roads of Flagstaff!

Go check it out the video at the link in bio!

#chicagomarathon #flagstaffaz #flagstaffrunning

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Summer ‘26 featuring lots of running and finally going to concerts

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Doing the work!!!

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25 miles steady on Lake Money this morning👊🏾

#asics
#running
#marathontraining
#saturdaylongrun
#chicagomarathon

📸: @austcorb

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21 miles later

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Fast and fun at the Philly 10K

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We’re headed back to the @nycmarathon!

Julia Paternain looks to make a wave at this year’s race. This will be her 4th marathon but her first effort at the NYC event. Meanwhile, Kamohelo Mofolo will be celebrating his 21st birthday with a jaunt around the city in what will be his second marathon!

We have Coach @dmont330 running his 24th straight NYC marathon - and a host of athletes aiming to find their best on Nov 1st.

Keep your eyes pealed for the McKirdy Shakeout announcements for this race and for the rest of 2026! Will we see you in New York?

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8 mile tempo on Lake Mary this morning. 🤙🏾

📸: @ajbeach.earth

#lakemary
#Temporun
#marathontraining
#asics

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Tough but worth it

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