I Used AI to Run a Half Marathon (Really)
A few months ago, I tried to run a single mile—just one—and it nearly broke me. I was huffing, puffing, and questioning every life decision that led me to that sidewalk. Let’s just say… it was humbling.
Then my daughter Hannah—Archway’s marketing director—told me she was signing up for a half marathon. That was the moment. I thought, Well, if she’s going to run 13.1 miles, maybe I can make it past mile one.
So naturally, I turned to AI for help. I opened ChatGPT and typed:
“Act like David Goggins. Give me a 10-week half marathon training plan for an almost 60-year-old beginner.”
It gave me a full-on roadmap—daily runs, pacing tips, mental toughness reminders, the whole deal. And here’s the surprising part: it actually worked.
With some help from AI (and a whole lot of stubbornness), I followed the plan—mostly—and made it across the finish line at the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in 2:33:17, placing 11,309th out of 17,254 runners.
Hannah ran it too and absolutely crushed it: 1:44 finish time, top 4% of all women. Different paces, different goals, same finish line. I’m proud of us both.
All this to say, if AI can help me go from zero to 13.1 miles, I promise it can help your agency, too. Whether it’s running, automating repetitive tasks, or finally getting serious about cybersecurity—it starts with one step.
A Few Rookie Tips From a Now-Official Half Marathon Finisher
✔ Mental strength > speed. Your mindset gets you to the finish line.
✔ Pace doesn’t equal progress. Slow and steady gets it done.
✔ Age is not a limit. Starting later just means you appreciate it more.
✔ Good shoes = fewer aches. I went with Hoka Cliftons
✔ Carbs are fuel. Don’t skimp when you’re training.
✔ GU gels? Weird—but they work.
✔ Accountability helps. Even if your partner runs circles around you (looking at you, Hannah)
✔ AI makes a great coach. It got me across the finish line—and it’s helping agencies too.
Speaking of AI…
The same tech that helped me survive 13.1 miles is also helping insurance agencies work smarter—not harder.
If you missed our AI 101 for Insurance Agencies webinar, it’s now available to stream. We packed this session with real-life use cases, tools, and simple ways to start using AI even if you’re not techy.
🎥 Watch AI 101 for Insurance Agencies
This is the same webinar that literally broke our Zoom account—so yes, it’s worth a watch.
Cybersecurity = Do It Before You Wish You Had
While you’re embracing automation, make sure your tech stack is actually secure.
Here are 3 quick wins every agency should check off this week:
🔐 Enable MFA – It’s still the most effective way to block intrusions
📬 Check Your DMARC Settings – Protects against spoofing and phishing
💾 Back Up Your Microsoft 365 – Because Microsoft doesn’t do it for you
Not sure if you’re protected? Run a free domain check here.
My Favorite Laptop Right Now
I’ve been using the ASUS Zenbook Duo, and I genuinely love it. It’s fast, lightweight, and has this slick dual-screen layout that makes multitasking so much easier—perfect for handling Zoom calls, presentations, emails, and yes… replaying your favorite AI webinar while editing a proposal on the second screen. Great battery life, crystal-clear display, and sleek enough to carry around to client meetings or conferences without looking like you borrowed it from IT.
The Last Word
This whole experience—training with AI, pushing through 13.1 miles, and realizing what I’m still capable of—was a reminder that growth doesn’t stop just because you’ve been doing things a certain way for years.
Whether it’s running a race, adopting new tech, or tightening up your security, the hardest part is usually just getting started. But once you do, it’s incredible how far you can go with the right mindset and the right tools.
If you’ve been thinking about trying AI in your agency—or wondering whether your security setup is really where it should be—now’s a great time to take that first step. And if you need a nudge? That’s what we’re here for.
Best,
Brad Ruben
President, Archway Computer
P.S. If you’ve done a scenic half marathon you’d recommend, hit reply and let me know—I’m officially looking for my next challenge.
