From Backyard Miles to Big Dreams: David's Journey Through Running and Life
Foreword by Erica Segel
When I first heard about David’s remarkable journey, I was immediately inspired—not just by his incredible accomplishments, but by his mindset and mission. At only 16 years old, David crossed the Malibu Moves Half Marathon finish line with a remarkable time of 1:39:47, placing 4th overall and 4th in his age group (12-19). Even more impressive, he was the 3rd youngest participant in the half marathon.
David’s story is about more than running—it’s about self-discipline, resilience, and a relentless drive to push past his limits. He embodies the spirit of Malibu Moves: celebrating movement, building community, and discovering new possibilities.
It’s an honor to share David’s journey with you. His story is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets perseverance—and I hope his words inspire you as much as it has inspired me.
By David Dixon – When I first stepped into the Malibu Moves race, I didn’t know what to expect. What I found was nothing short of uplifting. Out of all the races I’ve done so far, this one stood out for the energy and positivity of the community. It wasn’t just about the miles; it was about being surrounded by like-minded people, all chasing something bigger than themselves. Running along the stunning coastline with scenic views and having such an incredible, encouraging crew at the aid stations made it an experience I’ll never forget. Competing in a new environment challenged me in ways I hadn’t imagined, and I loved every second of it.
How It All Began
I only started running last summer. Back then, I was looking for something new—something to channel my energy into after I stopped playing baseball. My first run was about a mile, done in my backyard wearing a borrowed Fitbit and no running shoes. It wasn’t glamorous, but it sparked something inside me. That day, as I sat in the back of my grandma’s car, I made a promise: I’d run every single day, no matter how I felt. That mindset has driven me ever since.
I’ve always been hungry for more, constantly looking to push past limits. To me, running is about proving to yourself that you can do more than you thought possible. It’s about breaking through walls of doubt and coming out stronger on the other side.
Balancing Life, Training, and Modeling
Balancing school, training, and a modeling career isn’t easy. Honestly, it takes sacrifice and a lot of planning. Most days, I’m up by 5:30 a.m.—sometimes even earlier—getting my main cardio session in while the world is still asleep. Training can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the plan, and I fit in strength training later in the day. Between runs, I focus on recovery and knocking out schoolwork. Modeling gigs fit into the schedule when they come up, but everything revolves around staying consistent with my training. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.
“Motivation isn’t always there, but I’ve learned to rely on discipline. [...] The key is to make it so natural that it feels like breathing. [...] I firmly believe that we’re all capable of much more than we think.”
Building Discipline Over Time
When I started running, I didn’t know much about training methods or routines. No intervals, no speed work—I just ran. My approach was simple: add a mile every week. Before I knew it, I was running 26.2 miles and completing an unofficial marathon in under 4 hours. That time on my watch is one of my proudest accomplishments.
Motivation isn’t always there, but I’ve learned to rely on discipline. Whether it’s 100 degrees out or I’ve only slept for four hours, I show up. The key is to make it so natural that it feels like breathing. I’m not saying you shouldn’t listen to your body—recovery is crucial—but I firmly believe that we’re all capable of much more than we think.
Biggest Challenges and Lessons Learned
One of the hardest things for me has been learning when to hold back. I have a tendency to push myself too far, and that’s led to injuries. Over time, I’ve gotten better at listening to my body and weighing the pros and cons of pushing through. It’s not easy, but it’s a lesson I’d pass on to anyone: don’t underestimate the power of rest and recovery.
Another lesson? Almost everything is temporary. Whether it’s pain, frustration, or doubt, it will pass. Knowing that makes it easier to push through tough moments, both in running and in life.
Chasing Big Dreams
Looking ahead, I have some big goals. I want to tackle ultra marathons, compete in the Badwater 135, and one day cross the finish line at the Kona Ironman World Championship. These are big dreams, and they’ll take a lot of work, but I know I’m capable—and I believe everyone else is, too.
As far as modeling goes, I’d love to keep pursuing it alongside my running goals. It’s all about finding balance and making time for the things that matter.
Advice for Anyone Starting Out
If you’re hesitating to start something, whether it’s running or chasing a dream, my advice is simple: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a miracle to happen—it’s not coming. Learn to rely on discipline, because motivation will come and go. Tie up your shoes, grab some water, and hit the road. It doesn’t matter if it’s half a mile or five miles. What matters is that you take that first step.
“You’re stronger than you think. The first step is the hardest, but once you take it, there’s no limit to where you can go.”
Making an Impact
At the end of the day, I want to inspire others to realize their potential. We live in a fast-paced, judgmental world, but I hope my story encourages someone to push through self-doubt and chase what truly matters to them. When you push past limits and embrace the hard things, you discover something magical: who you really are and what you’re capable of.
To anyone reading this: you’re stronger than you think. The first step is the hardest, but once you take it, there’s no limit to where you can go.
For media inquiries, interviews, or speaking engagements, please contact:
Daviddiordixon@gmail.com
