What It Takes to Perform at 2:14: Esteban Trujillo
For Esteban Trujillo, running isn’t something new. His performance has been built over time.
Based in Fort Collins, he’s not just an athlete, but a fitness trainer and running coach. He’s someone who has spent time chasing both his own performance and helping others find theirs. And with a 2:14 marathon personal best and 1:05:57 half marathon, he’s operating at a level where the margins are small and the expectations are high.
But what stands out more than his impressive time is his perspective behind it.
TRAINING WITH INTENT AND VOLUME
Esteban’s training reflects experience.
His marathon build includes peak weeks of around 135 miles, often structured across six days of double runs, with long interval sessions and extended marathon-specific efforts reaching 24–26 miles.
Alongside that, strength, stability, and mobility work are built into his routine consistently as part of a foundational plan with a clear understanding of what his body needs to perform.
RECOVERY AS PART OF THE SYSTEM
At this level, recovery isn’t optional.
Massage once a week. Physiotherapy sessions. Sauna and cold plunge after work. A consistent focus on getting 8 hours of sleep, supported by tools like the EES Wave.
Everything is structured to support the training load and keep his body ready to go again.
STAYING GROUNDED THROUGH THE PROCESS
For Boston, Esteban’s focus is simple: Control what you can. Don’t take anything for granted. Stay consistent, and trust that the result will follow.
When things get hard, Esteban doesn’t look ahead. He looks back to the people who have been there from the beginning. His husband. His dog. The community that supported him when he first started running six years ago. It keeps things in perspective and brings him back to the reason he started, and why he continues.
THE MENTAL GAME
Even at this level, the challenges don’t disappear. The monotony of training can be a challenge, along with the doubt that comes when a workout doesn’t go exactly to plan.
What’s changed is how he handles it.
He’s learned to adjust based on how his body feels, rather than forcing perfection. Staying present helps him to keep moving forward without overthinking what didn’t go right.
QUICK FIRE
Pre-race meal: Dinner: pasta and wine. Breakfast: bagels, Maurten bar and gel
Which marathon are you running: Boston Marathon
Favourite route: The mountains of Colorado
Morning or evening: Morning
Solo or group: Both, depending on mindset
Running style: Resilient
ONE PIECE OF ADVICE
“Respect the distance. The marathon is a process. Build your story through the training cycle, from beginning to middle to end, and focus on execution. Each race adds another chapter.”
You can follow Esteban’s marathon journey via his instagram @frontrangerunner
