Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Miller.
Hi Christian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I first got into endurance training in the spring of 2023, when I challenged myself to run 10 miles — something that felt huge at the time. That run sparked something in me, and I decided to document the entire journey on Instagram (@christian.trains), sharing the ups, downs, and everything in between.
As I kept pushing myself into more challenging events, like ultramarathons and full Ironman races, my Instagram started to grow along with me. Two years later, I’ve completed a 50k ultramarathon, two full Ironmans, and built a community of over 17,000 people who follow along for tips, inspiration, and the raw, real side of endurance training. What started as a personal challenge turned into a full-on passion project — and it’s still just the beginning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth, but I’ve been fortunate to avoid any major injuries for most of the journey. That said, the volume and intensity of endurance training — especially during peak weeks — can take a serious toll. There are times when motivation runs low, and it really comes down to discipline and reminding myself why I started.
Race day brings its own mental and physical battles. During my last Ironman, I raced for nearly 12 hours and finished in 11:48. Somewhere in the middle of that, when everything hurts and your mind starts to drift, it becomes a game of staying focused and staying strong.
More recently, I’ve been dealing with a leg injury that forced me to defer my attempt at the Jersey City Marathon. As frustrating as it was, I knew I had to make the smart call — I want to show up healthy and be able to give my best when the time comes. It’s all part of the process.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of endurance training and sharing my journey online, I work at a global accounting firm as part of a data specialty group. I’ve been building my career in this field over the past two years, and I genuinely enjoy the work — there’s something satisfying about solving complex problems and making sense of data.
That said, the long hours and time spent in front of a screen have definitely pushed me to dive even deeper into endurance sports in my personal time. For me, it’s about balance. I believe everyone should have personal goals and passions they pursue outside of work — something that challenges them, keeps them grounded, and helps them grow. Endurance training has been that outlet for me.
What I’m most proud of is being able to inspire others through the process. I’m not a pro athlete — I’m someone with a full-time job, putting in the work before and after hours, and sharing that journey with thousands of people. I think that’s what sets me apart: showing that it’s possible to chase big goals while balancing real life.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is staying true to myself and continually setting myself up for success — whatever that looks like at each stage of life. When people hear I’ve done two Ironmans — a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and a full marathon — the first question is always “why?” And honestly, I get it. Most people don’t voluntarily sign up for something like that.
But for me, it’s about unlocking the potential we all have inside us. I came to the realization that most of us never really know what we’re capable of — not until we either do it or fail trying. I want to find that edge and keep pushing it. So far, that pursuit has brought me a lot of growth and fulfillment.
What’s been really special is how this journey has inspired others. As my online presence has grown, so has the responsibility to stay transparent and keep it real. I’ve had people reach out saying they started running because of something I shared — and that means the world to me. If I can help even one person believe they’re capable of more, then I’m doing something right.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian.trains?igsh=MXU1eGlvemtqN211NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@christian.trains?si=jdzGyIfnLBzr7GF0
Image Credits
Kathryn Brutzman, Peter Glennon
