Mindful Miles: Find Joy in the Journey with Inspiring Running Tips from Matt James

Across our sanctuaries, we love to celebrate running and its ability to open our eyes to the beauty of nature—especially in urban settings. From community run clubs to special features like this one, we hope to inspire a deeper connection to nature through mindful miles.

Entrepreneur, creator, and avid runner Matt James, shares this philosophy. As someone who has run for years, run in many races, and trained others along the way, he appreciates the importance of finding joy in the journey. Now, along with over 52,000 other runners, Matt is currently training for the New York City Marathon on November 3, 2024—an exciting race that weaves through all five boroughs of the city.

Go the extra mile in your running journey by exploring Matt’s story, race strategies, recovery tips, specific insights for first-time marathoners, and more. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok for music tips, contagious energy, mid-run inspiration, and some incredible eats!

Going the Distance with Matt James

Marathons have become a significant part of your journey, inspiring many of your followers. What motivated you to start running marathons, and how has it influenced your approach to fitness and life overall? 

Running has been something I have enjoyed for a long time. I started running more seriously during my first job out of college at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh with a run club of co-workers. It was a great way for me to get to know my colleagues but also I realized I enjoyed running. As my career and the cities I lived in changed, I always returned to running. It is the balance in my life that empowers me to feel great and have a constant goal I am striving towards. 

At 1 Hotels, we embrace the idea that nature can be a source of renewal and inspiration. How do you incorporate natural elements or outdoor spaces into your training routine, whether for recovery or motivation? 

Almost all of my running is outside - I love to run wherever I am in the world because it is how I explore a city or a place. I have seen so many unique parts of the world by foot and being outside is so grounding to me.

For first-time marathoners, what’s one crucial tip you’d give to help them not only complete the race but enjoy the entire process—from preparation to crossing the finish line? 

The advice I always share, and also remind myself constantly is to try and just enjoy the race, remove expectations, and just show up ready. It is so easy to get nervous and set lofty goals, it is also easy to let that distract you from enjoying the race. Marathon days are so exciting and exhilarating - spend some of the time on the course without music taking in the energy of the crowd and the natural landscape around you - especially in NYC. 

Nutrition plays a key role in marathon prep. How do you ensure your meals are both nourishing and energizing, and are there any specific foods or habits you swear by for optimal performance? 

I swear by a routine, I am pretty consistent with the foods I eat leading up to the marathon. I eat oatmeal with peanut butter for breakfast almost every morning and have protein with veggies for dinner, with a few smoothies in between. 

Do you have any post-marathon recovery techniques or self-care routines that you rely on to bounce back both physically and mentally after a marathon? 

I love a cold plunge and infrared sauna for recovery. I also have a favorite spa that I go to for foot and body massages as my body recovers from the marathon. Self-care is key to feeling good in the days after a big race!