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in conversation w Fabio
Fabio Testa, known online as @runwithfabs, embodies the spirit of relentless daily pursuit and personal growth. Selected to be a member of the @altrarunning_europe LDN25 team, he balances his passion for running with his roles as a digital creator, community leader, and most importantly, a father and husband.
Fabio's journey is marked by his candid reflections on the highs and lows of endurance sports. From navigating the challenges of the Brighton Marathon 2025 dubbed "The race to forget" to completing a staggering 50 half marathons in 50 days, and completing the formidable 100K 'Race to the King' ultra in the South Downs, he openly shares his experiences, emphasising that not everything goes to plan despite best efforts.
Throughout this conversation, we aim to draw parallels between our respective 'endurance sports' and delve into our inspiration, largely drawn from his transparency as someone pursuing better.
Running is often seen as a solitary sport, but it’s full of internal battles. What’s a personal mistake or misstep that changed how you train or how you see yourself?
Fabio : From the perspective of how I train, I started my running journey thinking that by ‘just running’ over and over again, I would get better, faster. In part, this is true, but many will know that this can only get you so far. When you start, the progress you can make is crazy. It’s addictive. But it plateaus.
To help continue my progress to where I am now, I made the decision to join a run club -Beds & County, as running with others who are faster than you really helps you push your limit. I complemented this with a structure that incorporated different styles and techniques, such as intervals and tempo sessions, which helped me shave off precious seconds on race day.
I have never been one to consider myself fit or ‘good’ at any particular sport. Growing up, my friends were and by comparison, I would say I was average at best. I mention this as you referenced internal battles and how I now see myself. Now, I see myself as capable. I can do tough things, and the discipline of running has shown me that.
But still, I am constantly battling the imaginative, self-applied pressure of: ‘They are better’, ‘I can do more’, ‘What I do isn’t that impressive’, ‘I’m average compared to them’. And it’s something you have to be careful of in today’s world.
Are there rituals you’ve built from past mistakes, like something you now do every race day because one time, not doing it cost you?
Fabio : I have made far too many mistakes, and each time it has cost me crucial time, but that has been a blessing, as it has taught me where I can improve for races later in my ‘running career’.
Anyone running a marathon or long-distance races will likely resonate with this, but I would always do four key things leading up to a race:
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Carb load the week of, to top up fuel supply.
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De-load 2–3 weeks before a race, to promote recovery.
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Avoid fats and fibres two days before, so you don’t need the ‘boys’ room mid-race.
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Remind myself that all the hard work is done, this is just a victory lap.
Our brand believes mistakes compound into, ultimately - the end goal, whatever that may be. When you hear that, how does it apply to your story as a runner, father, & man?
Fabio : As clichéd as it sounds, there was a saying I heard ‘if you don’t fail, you’re not even trying’ and it’s something that has stuck with me ever since. For my running, if I don’t “fail” then I would be fighting with the prospect of knowing I could have pushed myself further and that I could be capable of more.
As a father, it’s important to set an example that failure is okay. Don’t be fearful of failure; otherwise, you will hold yourself back and never realise your true potential, so long as we are humble enough to admit our errors and learn from them.
As a man, accepting that setbacks happen, and that is life - helps you deal with the turbulence of everyday life peacefully.
Starting anything takes risk. It requires taking a chance, an acceptance that for the most part, you're not going to be good at something for a short period. From your experience, what advice would you give to someone who wants to start running?
Fabio : Don’t underestimate what you are capable of. Don’t overestimate how far it really is. Everyone starts for their own reasons, but we all stay for the same: the way it makes us feel afterwards.
Start small, be brave, be patient, and give yourself a goal, something to aim for, no matter how trivial. It might just be the best thing you ever do. It was for me. I am better for just ‘starting’.
As a clothing brand, you can physically see the developments from sample to sample & acknowledging these developments although 'failures' upon our standards, help us to come to terms with failure & actually lean into it & embrace it. You share this perspective but acquired it through a completely different experience, what are your thoughts on your experience as a whole in reflection?
Fabio : Failing hurts now just as much, if not more, than it did when I first started. The difference now is that I know the value that comes from failure and how it moulds me in my pursuit of better. The experiences that failure has brought me have allowed me to learn, grow, and be a better father, husband, brother, son, and friend.
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