Welcome to Michael Labs
I’m Michael Labs—personal trainer, hybrid athlete, and marathon runner—sharing my journey of strength, endurance, and discipline. Here you’ll find everything from long runs and marathon training to heavy lifting sessions, endurance challenges, and behind-the-scenes looks at what it takes to balance it all.
This channel is about more than just workouts. It’s about building mental resilience, pushing past limits, and becoming the best version of yourself through fitness, nutrition, and discipline. I share real training insights, tips, and experiences you can use to improve your own journey—whether you’re chasing your first 5K, training for a marathon, or trying to get stronger in the gym.
Follow along for:
• Marathon prep & hybrid training
• Strength workouts & performance tips
• Nutrition & recovery strategies
• Motivation, discipline, and personal growth
Michael Labs
Long caption, but I hope you enjoy ❤️
Growing up, I was slow, overweight, and far from a great runner. For years—even up until five years ago—I truly believed running wasn’t for me. I convinced myself it was something for “other people.” At over 200 pounds, strong and muscular but not the typical “runner’s frame,” I wrote myself off completely.
I convinced myself that running just wasn’t in the cards. But in 2020, I stepped outside and ran 3 miles. My average pace was 11:30 per mile—slow, very slow. But I didn’t stop. I just kept running. People often ask, “How do you run and lift?” My answer is simple: “I eat enough food and don’t stop when I start running.”
It’s not always easy—it’s hard work—but the truth is, so many of us create these false beliefs about ourselves. We tell ourselves we “can’t” or we’re “not built for it.” These beliefs aren’t real, but because we accept them, they shape our reality.
Over the years, I kept running. I ran my first half-marathon three years ago, and since then, I’ve done five more—all on my own. I’ve run 18-mile and 15-mile distances, not fast, averaging 8:30-9:00 per mile, but I did them.
These photos are here to remind you: you are NOT the negative thoughts you have about yourself. Those thoughts are roadblocks, not truth. You can achieve your goals—physical, financial, relationship, or otherwise—once you stop standing in your own way. Don’t be your biggest enemy; the world will already challenge you enough. Just keep running, and one day you’ll find success.
This half-marathon was a “you did it” moment for me. Next up: the Ocean City Marathon in 2025, two more marathons in 2026, and an Ironman in 2027. Hold me to it.
Oh, and my entire prep for this half-marathon is on my YouTube channel (link in bio). The Half-Marathon Video drops February 2nd. Thank you for all the support—it means everything!
Fueled by @bpnsupps @nickbarefitness
1 year ago | [YT] | 5
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Michael Labs
Eat your protein, this is why:
1. Builds and Repairs Muscles
• Protein provides the amino acids needed to repair and build muscle tissue after workouts, making it crucial for recovery and muscle growth.
2. Supports Immune Function
• Many components of the immune system, like antibodies and enzymes, are made of proteins, helping your body fight infections and stay healthy.
3. Enhances Satiety
• Protein is highly satiating, meaning it keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which can help with appetite control and weight management.
4. Maintains Bone Health
• Protein contributes to bone density and strength, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis as you age.
5. Boosts Metabolism
• Eating protein increases your metabolic rate because it requires more energy to digest compared to fats or carbohydrates (thermic effect of food).
6. Regulates Hormones
• Protein plays a role in hormone production, such as insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, and ghrelin, which controls hunger signals.
7. Aids in Tissue Repair
• Beyond muscles, protein helps repair skin, hair, nails, and other tissues, promoting overall healing and regeneration.
8. Supports Enzyme and Neurotransmitter Production
• Proteins are the building blocks of enzymes and neurotransmitters, which are critical for digestion, brain function, and energy production.
9. Helps Preserve Lean Mass
• During weight loss or aging, a high-protein diet helps prevent muscle breakdown, ensuring you lose fat rather than muscle.
10. Essential for Growth and Development
• For children, teens, and pregnant women, protein is vital for growth, cell production, and overall development.
1 year ago | [YT] | 0
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Michael Labs
What kind of content do you enjoy, fitness related:
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Michael Labs
Pre gym talk
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Michael Labs
Live friends!
1 year ago | [YT] | 2
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Michael Labs
Pre gym chat
1 year ago | [YT] | 2
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Michael Labs
Going live in 15 mins. Ask me anything! Fitness, money, relationship, content, anything at all. 3rd time going live 😅
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Michael Labs
Live
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Michael Labs
Live for the first time ever
1 year ago | [YT] | 1
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Michael Labs
Late night gym sessions hit different
2 years ago | [YT] | 7
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