Stop Comparing Focus on Your Own Running Journey

Hugo van den Broek, a former elite marathoner from the Netherlands, has lived a life deeply intertwined with running. From his early days as a 15-year-old discovering his talent to running a personal best of 2:12 in the marathon, Hugo’s journey is one of passion, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Now, at 48, he has transitioned into coaching, mentoring young athletes, and running a charity foundation in Kenya. His story is not just about running fast but also about giving back and inspiring others to reach their potential.

Hugo admits that during his career, he often pushed himself too hard. He would do three intense workouts a week plus a long run, leaving little room for recovery. While this approach helped him achieve impressive results, it also led to chronic Achilles issues later in his career. Reflecting on his journey, he realizes that he could have achieved the same level of performance—or even better—with a more balanced approach.

As runners, we often fall into the trap of thinking that more is better—more miles, more speed, more workouts. But as Hugo van den Broek, a former elite marathoner with a personal best of 2:12, shared in a recent interview, overtraining can be one of the biggest mistakes runners make. Hugo’s journey from an 800-meter runner to a marathoner is a testament to the importance of balance, patience, and building a strong foundation.

Key Takeaways from Hugo’s Running Philosophy

1. Variety is Key- Hugo emphasizes the importance of varying your training. Whether it’s tempo runs, long runs, or interval sessions, mixing up your workouts keeps your body and mind engaged. Sticking to the same routine can lead to plateaus, so keep challenging yourself in different ways.

   
   

2. Build a Strong Foundation- Just like building a house, running requires a solid foundation. Hugo stresses the importance of developing your aerobic base and incorporating strength training. Without a strong foundation, you risk injury and burnout. Start with easy runs, build mileage gradually, and don’t neglect strength work.

   
   

3. Listen to Your Body- One of Hugo’s biggest regrets from his running career was pushing himself too hard, and neglecting signals from his body that told him to rest or take it easy. He advises runners to avoid overtraining and to pay attention to their body’s signals. Recovery is just as important as training, so don’t be afraid to take a rest day or adjust your plan if needed.

   
   

4. Focus on the Present- Hugo credits his success to learning how to stay present during races and training. Whether you’re running a marathon or a 5K, focus on the moment rather than worrying about the finish line or past performances. This mental discipline can make all the difference.

   
   

5. Give Back to the Community- Beyond running, Hugo’s work with the Kibet4KidsFoundation in Kenya highlights the importance of giving back. Whether it’s through coaching, charity, or simply supporting fellow runners, finding ways to contribute to the running community can be incredibly fulfilling.

Coach Hugo, who is the head coach and founder of Kenya Camp, loves to share his knowledge about training and running.

Hugo’s story is a reminder that running is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned marathoner, the key to long-term success is balance. Avoid the temptation to overtrain, focus on building a strong foundation, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. After all, running is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

During our camps, coach Hugo is very hands-on, and apart from leading the workouts, he also gives several seminars in which he shares his knowledge with our guests.

In 2024 coach Hugo was on the Run Culture podcast with Dane Verwey.