May 11, 2026, 8:34 am | Read time: 9 minutes
A half marathon is more than just a run for many—it stands for perseverance, change, and often a new beginning. But how do you prepare properly? What makes a training plan effective, and what mistakes hinder progress? Jeffry McEachern, a running instructor at Peloton, knows the answers. He participated in the Berlin Half Marathon this year and spoke with FITBOOK after the race about his passion for running, his unique running community, and optimal running training.
“I Crossed the Finish Line in Tears”
FITBOOK: Why was the Berlin Half Marathon so special for you?
Jeffry McEachern: “Berlin means a lot to me. I lived there for ten years and was quite lost when I first arrived. I didn’t really know who I was or where I wanted to go. Running changed a lot back then. When I ran my first Berlin Half Marathon in 2016, I crossed the finish line in tears. At that moment, I realized: More people need to experience this feeling. Realizing what you can achieve was life-changing for me.”
What does running mean to you personally—more mental balance or athletic performance?
“Nowadays, it’s a mix of both. It really depends on the session. A relaxed run is often a place of calm for me. I have time for myself, for my thoughts—or sometimes consciously not for thoughts. In our daily lives, we are constantly surrounded by stimuli: phones, social media, news. Running is where I find peace. At the same time, there are sessions where performance is the focus. Then it’s about structure, discipline, pace, and training goals. But fundamentally, running is a space where I can organize myself. Sometimes I take a problem with me on a run and come back with a decision or a new idea. This principle—moving forward step by step—applies to my life just as it does to running.”
“Strength Training Makes Runners More Resilient”
How do you combine strength training and running?
“When my focus is on a half marathon, running sessions take priority. I run, for example, three times a week. At the same time, I try to incorporate at least two strength training sessions. For me, strength training is the foundation. You can’t build a house on sand—and in running, it’s our muscles and stability that support us. I used to think I just needed to run more and more. Eventually, my body showed me that wasn’t enough. Strength training makes runners more resilient. Exercises that promote stability on one leg are especially important because we constantly catch ourselves on one leg while running. I’m also a big fan of yoga. I like the flowing movement and the balance it provides to running.”
Are there phases when your training changes?
“Yes, absolutely. I believe training goes through phases. Sometimes yoga is more central, sometimes strength, sometimes running. Not everything can always be a priority at once. It’s crucial to ask yourself: ‘What do I need right now?’ This also includes recovery and conscious rest. That ultimately makes you stronger.”
“A Good Half Marathon Training Includes Four Components”
What does a sensible training strategy look like?
“The most important thing is that the training plan fits into your life. First, you should set a specific goal and allow enough time for preparation. Then you need a structure that is realistically achievable. I am convinced that a good half marathon training plan includes four components: the running training itself, strength training, mobility, and recovery. Many make the mistake of thinking they just need to run as often as possible. But without stability and recovery, the foundation is missing. A good plan supports everyday life instead of creating additional stress. And it should be flexible enough to adapt when life gets in the way.”
What mistakes do you see most often?
“The most common mistake is doing too much—especially without a clear plan. Many think they need to run as often as possible and forget about strength training, mobility, and breaks. Another mistake is trying to make up for missed sessions. If you’re sick or your body needs a break, you should listen to it. You don’t have to make up for anything. Trying to compensate for several missed runs in a short time is more harmful. Sleep and recovery are also often underestimated. Those who train but consistently get too little sleep weaken their bodies instead of building them up.”
What role do mindset and recovery play?
“Both are extremely important. First, you have to distinguish: There are mental resistances—and there is real pain. If something really hurts or isn’t right health-wise, you should definitely slow down and seek professional advice. In the mental area, it helps me to acknowledge what is present: fear, doubt, fatigue, or uncertainty. If someone thinks about quitting while running, I often say as a coach: ‘Run to the next bench or the next lamppost. And if you still want to stop there, that’s okay.’ But often you realize you can go a bit further. This thinking in small steps is very helpful. You don’t have to see the whole path immediately. It’s enough to take the next step. This way, you regain control over your thoughts.”
“Get to Know Your Own Body Better”
What should runners definitely keep in mind?
“First: If you haven’t run much before, you should get a medical check-up. It provides security and is especially sensible before a new physical challenge. Second: Recovery is crucial. This includes sleep, rest, and a diet that matches the training load. Third: Learn to listen to your body. Training is not just about getting fitter but also about getting to know your own body better. How does an easy run feel? When do I need to slow down? When can I do more? This awareness is very important.”
How do you recognize the right running pace?
“This is one of the most important questions because many start too fast—in training as well as in races. An easy run should really feel easy. If you can breathe only through your nose or even sing along, you’re usually in the right zone. If you’re out of breath early or get a stitch in your side, it’s a clear signal to slow down. Many could run much longer if they started more consciously and calmly. Special outdoor and tread courses, like those offered by Peloton, where walking and running are alternated, are particularly helpful for beginners to build endurance and find out what pace is sustainable in the long term.”
“I Only Had Running Shoes, Music, and the Motivation to Start Running”
FITBOOK: You originally worked in a completely different field. How did you find your way to running and coaching?
“Entering the fitness field was mainly due to my own story. I started running about eleven years ago during a difficult phase in my life. I had little money, lived on a sofa with my girlfriend, and the only things I had were running shoes, music, and the motivation to just start running. So I went out, listened to Beyoncé, and ran in the park. Back then, I didn’t know I was already intuitively working with intervals—alternating between walking and running. Much of what I teach today as a trainer was later developed from that. Before my current job, I worked with talents, helping people get on stage and realize their potential. It was exciting that I had people in my life who saw the same in me. They told me I had a talent for motivation, energy, and coaching. So I initially got into the training field through cycling and later increasingly into run coaching.”
What particularly shapes your work as a coach today?
“Two things have stayed with me to this day. On the one hand, I learned in a previous job how important structure is. On the other hand, I’ve always enjoyed motivating people and awakening something in them. This combination is the foundation of my coaching today. Some people primarily need structure, others the right words at the right moment. When both come together, discipline emerges. And that’s exactly what I want to help with. For me, movement is not only physically important. It was the beginning of a mental change in my life. I pass on this experience today.”
Former soccer player André Schürrle’s time in the half marathon
“You Run Like a Giraffe!” After a Running Coach Dismissed Me, I Really Took Off
“I Need the Community Just as Much”
You motivate many people as a fitness coach. How do you experience this role?
“The best part is that many people come not just for the training but also for the feeling they take away. Some start because of an interval training and leave with new motivation. That touches me deeply because I firmly believe that training and mental strength go hand in hand. I also became the runner I am today because several things came together: mental strength, training, strength work—and the community. Many think that as a coach, you’re mainly there for others. But I need these people just as much. The training community gives me purpose, drives me to keep learning and improving.”
What fascinates you about the running community in particular?
“I’m touched by how different the people are who stand at the start—and how much they are connected by something. Everyone brings their own story: personal goals, losses, new beginnings, health, joy in movement, or even a good cause. In the track, you experience a special form of community. People cheer each other on, even though they don’t know each other. That’s exactly what I love about running.”
“Every Decision for Movement Creates Ripples”
Was there a moment that particularly shaped you?
“The first Berlin Half Marathon in 2016 was certainly one of the most formative moments. That’s when the vision was born in me that as many people as possible should experience this feeling. That’s why encounters with people who train with my videos are so important to me. At events, I repeatedly see how different the paths to running are. That inspires me greatly. A particularly emotional moment was a community run in Cologne. There were young people there who said they only came because they had watched their parents train with my courses and were motivated by it. That was a strong reminder for me that coaching often has an impact far beyond the individual. I believe every training session, every decision for movement, and every positive experience creates ripples. You don’t always see immediately what comes of it. But that’s exactly what makes this work so special for me.”