How to nail your progression run


Newsletter #921: Monday, 21st September 2026


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Hey runners, in today's newsletter, Copenhagen delivered a weekend of records and upsets.

Agnes Ngetich won the world half-marathon title in a world record, going a second inside the women-only mark Peres Jepchirchir had held since 2020 and finishing 50 seconds clear. Andreas Almgren took the men's title, cutting 35 seconds off his own European record and becoming the first European man to win it since 1996.

Over 5K, 21-year-old Dawit Seare ran down Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the last 100 meters for an Eritrean record, while Likina Amebaw won the women's race by seven seconds just days after her Ultimate title.

And as always, we round things out with the practical stuff: the eight best hip flexor stretches, whether running actually builds muscle, and how to use progression runs in your training.

Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor, Marathon Handbook


​Andreas Almgren Takes World Half-Marathon Gold in Copenhagen​

The Swede ran 58:06 on Sunday, cutting 35 seconds off the European record he set in Valencia last October. No European man had won the global half-marathon title since 1996.


​Likina Amebaw Wins World Road 5K Less Than One Week After Ultimate Title​

The 28-year-old Ethiopian took the lead inside the opening kilometer and won by seven seconds in 14:41 on Saturday. Australia's Rose Davies was third and broke the Oceanian record.


​The 8 Best Hip Flexor Stretches For Runners​

Why they're important for runners & how to get them right.


​Does Running Build Muscle? 6 Smart Strategies to Get Stronger While You Train​

Yes, it’s possible to gain muscle and improve endurance at the same time—here’s how to optimize your running routine for strength.


​Progression Run: Benefits, Examples + How to Do It​

Use progression runs as an effective - and challenging - speed workout.


​Dawit Seare Wins World 5K Title After Chasing Down Jakob Ingebrigtsen​

Seare is 21, his 12:56 in Copenhagen is an Eritrean record and the fastest these championships have produced, and he took the win off Ingebrigtsen in the last 100 meters.


​Agnes Ngetich Wins the World Half-Marathon Title in a World Record​

The 25-year-old Kenyan ran a second quicker than the women-only record Peres Jepchirchir had held since 2020, and finished 50 seconds clear of the field.


​Is the Pegasus Plus 2 Nike's Shoe of the Year?​

The Nike Pegasus Plus 2 is the brand's latest workout shoe. It has lots of bells and whistles that make it go fast: Zoom X foam in the midsole, an AirZoom pod, and a noticeable rock-forward profile. But its secret weapon, says senior editor Alex Cyr, is its unexpected comfort and cushioning. Unlike its predecessor, the Pegasus Plus 1, the 2 feels good on the feet, and can easily guide you through long workouts without battering your legs. Watch our full review on Youtube.


Quick Sprints:

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