What originally started as a joke between two comedians unexpectedly turned into one of the most unique fitness-centric community events in entertainment. According to Tom Segura, part of what to 2 bears 5K It caught on with the fans so quickly, the idea itself was ridiculous. At the time, neither Segura nor the longtime podcast host Bert Kreischer it was known for being an elite athlete who made the whole concept more accessible to everyday people who would never have considered competing before.
“Maybe those two fat, middle-aged guys who were known for being healthy decided to do it,” Segura says. “And it inspired a lot of other people who had never done it before.”
As time went on, the event grew into something bigger than both comedians initially expected. What started out as podcast banter eventually evolved into a full experience that combines fitness, comedy, celebrity appearances, fan interaction and live entertainment. Looking back now, Segura says there is very little he would change about how the incident unfolded, other than wishing they had committed to the idea sooner.
“I don’t know that I would change much,” he says. “Besides I wish we had started it years ago.”
Structured approach to learning
While Kreischer often adopts a more spontaneous style of preparation, Segura admits he approaches the physical side of the event differently. For him, summing up the competition and improving his performance year by year requires months of preparation and a very disciplined approach to training.
“Bert is more of a wing guy,” Segura says. “I can’t do that, so I start my mile months in advance.”
Even with the training, Segura openly admits that running itself is not something that comes easily or is enjoyable for him. In fact, he says that part of the process involves working his brains out every year through disliking the study until the fit feels most rewarding.
“I hate running,” he says. “But I’m slowly embracing it because it’s getting closer.”
This gradual mental shift has become part of his annual routine leading up to this event. While the training isn’t always exciting, Segura says having a race on the calendar gives him a specific goal to work toward, which ultimately helps him stay in charge of both his conditioning and fitness.
This year, Segura says his main goal is simple: finish the race in under 30 minutes and continue his tradition of bettering his previous year’s performance.
Reboot due to recovery
Segura’s current approach to fitness was strongly shaped by that a serious basketball injury that he suffered in 2020an accident that damaged both his leg and knee and forced him into a long rehabilitation process. The experience, he says, completely changed the way he thought about health, exercise, recovery and long-term physical longevity.
“It prioritized physical health,” says Segura. “It also makes me listen to my body in a way I never did before.”
Before the injury, Segura admits that he often approached fitness with a mindset that revolved around pushing through discomfort, without much focus on recovery or movement. But after being forced physically rehabilitate he developed a greater appreciation for balance, fit and functionality rather than just chasing heavier lifts or aesthetic goals.
“I’m more into movement and circuit training now than ever,” he says. “I don’t think about ‘big’ lifts like I did when I was younger.”
The recovery process also showed how important mental discipline is during severe physical setbacks. According to Segura, one of the biggest revelations throughout his recovery was realizing how mindset ultimately determines whether one achieves one’s goals.
“It’s very mental,” Segura says. “We’re all capable of doing more, but you have to have the right mindset to prepare and get through it.”
This realization now defines much of how he approaches fitness and life in general. Rather than relying on motivation, Segura believes that consistency and mental discipline are often what separate people who make consistent progress from those who constantly struggle to stay committed.
Fitness Routine: Consistency and Longevity
These days, Segura’s training routine revolves around extremes and much more around creating sustainable habits that fit the demands of travel, work, family life and recovery. Most mornings start with a trip to the gym before the rest of the day is spent with responsibilities.
“I wake up around 6:30 or 7 and go to the gym,” he says. “Most mornings I run a mile and then do a workout that’s been more circuit-based lately, so I get cardio and resistance.”
Instead of strictly scheduling recovery days, Segura says he’s learned to pay more attention to how his body feels each day. Some days call for a stronger effort, while others call for stepping back and giving priority.
“I take days off because I feel like I need them,” he said. “I have no plans for them.”
Sleep has also become one of the biggest priorities in her health routine, especially when balancing the physical demands of travel with the realities of parenting and life on the road.
“Eating clean isn’t that hard,” explains Segura. “Sleep can be a real challenge for travelers and kids, but if you don’t make sleep a priority, you won’t perform well in any physical activity.”
The most overlooked fitness tip
While the modern fitness industry often overwhelms people with complicated routines, conflicting advice and unrealistic expectations, Segura believes most people would benefit from simplifying the process and focusing on fitness over perfection.
“Don’t overthink it,” he says. “Just do it. It doesn’t have to be good to count.”
The same philosophy became important during his recovery after his injury. Segura credits physical therapists and occupational therapists with helping him safely return to training, and says many people underestimate how important smaller recovery exercises are.
“Do the simple things that you think are a waste of time,” she says. “It’s the difference between a full recovery and long-term problems.”
As for race day itself, Segura expects the same mix of competitiveness, comedy and complete unpredictability that has defined the event since its inception.
“I think we all want to beat each other,” he says. “But we’re also at an age where we know we can hurt ourselves.”
And when the race finally ends?
“Drink Por Osos straight,” says Segura. “Then a cold plunge.”
