Going the distance: Marathon training with Cadence co-founder Ross Mackay

When Ross Mackay laced up for the Berlin Marathon on September 29, 2024, he was stepping into unfamiliar territory. The founder of plant-based food company Daring and co-creator of performance drink brand Cadence is no stranger to challenges, but running 26.2 miles? That was a whole new game.

“Running is relatively new to me, and the idea of running a marathon always seemed a little crazy,” Mackay tells Wellworthy. Yet, driven by the same goal-setting mentality that fueled his business success, he committed to training for and completing his first marathon.

Ross Mackay running the Berlin Marathon (via @rossmackay).

“I thrive on having something tangible to work toward. Setting goals and hitting milestones is how I’ve always approached life,” he explains. “The marathon felt like the perfect next challenge. I wanted to prove to myself that I could tackle something as big as this.”

Learning from the pros

New to marathon running, Mackay turned to Chris Lieto, a former Ironman World Champion, for guidance.

“Chris, George [Heaton], and I spent some time training together in LA, which was a game-changer for me,” Mackay recalls. “Chris helped me not only with the physical aspects but also with the mental side of long-distance running, which I didn’t realize would be such a big factor.”

Ross Mackay warming up for the marathon (via @rossmackay).

The support didn’t end with their in-person sessions. “After that, we kept in touch, and he would check in with me after most of my training runs, offering feedback and adjustments,” Mackay explains.

This ongoing guidance proved crucial as Mackay faced the challenges of marathon training. “The hardest part was staying consistent, especially during busy periods with travel or work,” he admits. “Having someone like Chris in my corner really helped me push through those moments when my motivation was low.”

Inside Mackay’s marathon training kit

“With all the travel I had leading up to the race, staying on top of my routine was a challenge, especially with time zone changes,” Mackay explains. To tackle this and other hurdles, he relied on a carefully curated set of products throughout his training and on race day.

Ross Mackay lays out his marathon gear (via @rossmackay).

“I found Cadence Sleep really helpful, especially since the tryptophan helped regulate my body back into a rhythm and fight jet lag. It was essential to feel rested before big training runs.”

The Garmin epix™ Pro multisport watch was another go-to. While he tries not to focus too much on the watch while running, he notes, “The recent switch to Garmin has been amazing for tracking pace and HR.”

For race day, Mackay focused on proper fueling and hydration. “Pre-race, I relied on a combination of carbs from a new product we’re sampling and sodium from the Core Hydration System,” he says. “It’s so important to get this balance right, as understanding your body’s needs for carbs and sodium intake can make or break performance, especially in endurance events.”

Ketone-IQ played a crucial role in optimizing Mackay’s performance. “A game changer for energy and focus,” Mackay says, using it during training and on the start line in Berlin. “I noticed a real boost during long sessions, and it helps with sustained mental clarity.”

Lessons learned and looking forward

Reflecting on his marathon experience, Mackay gained valuable insights about focusing on his own journey and balancing athletic pursuits with his other responsibilities.

“I’ve learned is to not compare myself to others, especially when I’m surrounded by world-class athletes in my day-to-day life,” Mackay shares. “Training is just one pillar in my life. I’m a father, a husband, a CEO — I have so many other responsibilities that make balancing it all challenging.”

Looking ahead, Mackay plans to adjust his outlook. “If I were to train for another marathon, I would try to enjoy the process even more and stay focused on my personal journey, rather than the external pressure to perform,” he reflects. “Ultimately, running should be enjoyable, especially when the going gets tough.”