CJ Albertson, one of America’s leading marathoners and ardent AltRed consumer, is finishing his race season in New York. With strong performances in both the Boston and Chicago Marathons, he has set personal bests and marked himself as the top American finisher in both events. As he approaches the New York City Marathon, Albertson shared some insights into the mindset and training adjustments that have fueled his recent success. Here's what he had to say about his breakthrough season and his approach to tackling one of the world's toughest marathon courses.
Consistency and Confidence: The Keys to Boston and Chicago Success
Reflecting on his performances, Albertson highlighted that his success at Boston came not from changes in his training but from a consistent and confident race plan. “For Boston, I didn't make too many changes to physical training. In fact, my training wasn't that great,” Albertson noted. “However, I aimed to run a really consistent race and was confident I could run right around 2:09:50… which is what I did.”
Chicago, on the other hand, presented a different challenge—and one Albertson met with a new focus on speed. “I had improved my ‘speed workouts,’ doing them faster than marathon pace both in the morning and evening two days a week. This enabled faster paces to feel more comfortable for me,” he explained. The results speak for themselves, with Chicago’s fast course allowing him to push his limits and clock a significantly faster time.
Top American Finisher: Pride and Purpose
Being the top American finisher in two of the world’s most prestigious marathons was no small feat for Albertson. Yet, true to his humble and determined nature, he acknowledges this as just a stepping stone in his career. “It feels good,” he admitted. “I would like to be more competitive on the world stage, but as of right now, finishing consistently as the Top American and higher on the overall lists are good steps for me.” It’s clear that representing the United States carries meaning for Albertson, and his aspirations for greater international success reflect his drive and dedication to continuous improvement.
Preparing for New York: Staying True to a Proven Approach
With such an outstanding year behind him, Albertson’s approach to New York may come as a surprise. Rather than reinventing his strategy, he plans to stick to what’s worked, taking the confidence he gained in Boston and Chicago into this final major race. “I'm keeping my approach pretty much the same,” he said. “In Boston, I know I executed that race really well relative to my current fitness. In Chicago, I reaffirmed that my fitness has improved.” Confident in his fitness, Albertson knows that a solid race in New York is within reach if he combines the strengths he’s built this year.
Tackling New York’s Tough Course
The New York City Marathon is known for its challenging course, with its rolling hills and iconic bridges requiring careful energy management. To address this, Albertson has added some hill work to his training, although terrain limitations have posed a bit of a challenge. “I don't think any of the hills are too devastating (though I don't know for sure),” he said. “I'm just anticipating I’ll need to manage my energy well, just like in any marathon.” Albertson’s disciplined approach will undoubtedly help him stay relaxed and composed through New York’s tougher sections.
Balancing Recovery with High Performance
Albertson has been racing at a demanding pace, and recovery between events is critical. The short window between Chicago and New York has tested his ability to stay in peak condition, but he relies on his body’s natural rhythm and routine to support recovery. “I attempted to train well enough that Chicago wouldn’t leave me that fatigued,” he shared. “For the most part, I just stuck to my normal routine after Chicago. The body likes routine and circadian rhythms.” This disciplined approach, along with allowing extra rest when needed, has enabled him to restore energy levels quickly and even continue building fitness.
Albertson is hopeful he’ll feel his strongest yet at the New York City Marathon. By sticking to a proven routine and maintaining a mindset of discipline, he’s set himself up for another memorable performance, and fans are eager to see where this year’s journey will take him next.