During a recent treadmill run, I was re-watching "Breaking Bad" to pass the time. In one of the episodes, Walter White found himself in a challenging situation. Discussing his troubles with his lawyer, Saul Goodman, Saul offered him a piece of advice: "It's not a disaster. We'll live to fight another day."

This simple phrase, intended for a completely different context, seemed perfectly fitting for the world of running.

All runners, regardless of experience, face tough days. Maybe it's a workout that didn't go as planned, or perhaps life got in the way, and you missed a training session. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a race doesn't go as you hoped.

But, as Saul pointed out to Walter, setbacks don't signify the end. They're just bumps along the way. Every missed training or less-than-ideal race is not a disaster. It's a single page in a vast book of your running journey.

Remember, running is about persistence and resilience. One rough patch doesn't define the journey. What's important is how you move forward, how you pick up the pace, and keep going. Every setback offers a lesson and an opportunity to come back stronger.

So, the next time your run doesn't go as planned, think of Saul's advice. It's not the end. There's always another day, another run, and another chance to push your limits.

Best wishes on chasing your running goals.