We kick off 2026 with double race vibes and fresh resolve. We headed to Overland Park for the Hangover Half Marathon, then jumped the timeline to Parkville for the Time Travel 10K, trading late-night confetti for early-morning miles. We talk course feel, start-line energy, and why these New Year races are sneaky-good fitness barometers. There’s honest chatter about rebuilding after a rough 2025, the small wins that signal a comeback, and what “encouraged” actually feels like when you’re clawing back consistency. Then we set our 2026 running goals on air, invite you to do the same, and explain how our goal-card idea will circle back in December. Tokyo prep is officially real, flights booked, fire lit. Hit play for race-day stories, practical momentum, and a community check-in to start the year right.