At fitgit.me, we believe that peak performance and sustainable health go hand in hand. In our latest Role Models & Inspiration feature, we sit down with ultra-marathoner and wellness entrepreneur Diego Lin, whose journey from burned-out tech executive to boundary-pushing athlete offers valuable lessons for anyone who views the marathon as a metaphor for life. Here is his story—one grounded in intentional training, radical rest, and holistic longevity.
Q: Diego, what initially drew you to ultra-marathoning?
Diego Lin: Ironically, it began as a way to disconnect. I was deeply embedded in the startup world, burning through 80-hour weeks. Running was my escape. But when I pushed past the marathon mark into the ultra-distance world, something shifted—physically, mentally, spiritually. It wasn’t about finish lines anymore. It was about sustainable health. That became my real finish line.
Q: How did your fitness philosophy evolve over time?
At first, I chased PRs and volume. But I hit a wall—stress fractures, sleep issues, mental fatigue. That’s when I started integrating breathwork, mobility, and fasting protocols. My new philosophy? Recovery is a growth strategy. Running is not isolated cardio—it’s systemic integration of mind and body. Sustainability became my compass.
Q: Can you share a real-world example of how you structure a training week?
Definitely. I operate using a high-low rhythm. Mondays are mobility and zone 2 cardiac drift runs. Tuesday is strength with single-leg RDLs and VO2 max intervals. Wednesday: breath-hold walks and meditation. Thursday is a long trail run—low tempo, high terrain awareness. Friday I unplug. Saturday is a threshold tempo. Sunday is full recovery—cold plunge, journaling, and family time. Every element serves the greater mission of sustainable health—not just speed.
Q: What advice would you give to marathoners on the edge of burnout?
Zoom out. You’re not training for a race—you’re building a future self. Swap “How fast can I finish?” with “How long can I thrive?” Don’t mistake movement for momentum. Sustainable health is your ROI over time. That will get you not just across finish lines, but through life stronger.
Every mile Diego runs is a form of meditation, every training cycle a design sprint for the body. His approach reframes the role of the marathoner—from competitor to creator. At fitgit.me, we’re here to echo that message: Choose sustainability over sacrifice. Train for longevity. And most of all, always remember to TTFBs!!!
