Welcome to The PhD Race, your go-to space for a balanced and effective PhD life.
— Dr. Blessing Adeniyi, PhD in Sustainability Management, University of Waterloo
I’m so glad you found your way here. It doesn’t matter if you’re a new PhD student trying to figure out how to juggle research and life, or a veteran candidate deep in the trenches, battling thesis deadlines and imposter syndrome — this space is for you.
The PhD journey is tough, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, overwhelming, or exhausting. The PhD Race is here to give you practical insights, a sense of community, and the motivation you need to cross the finish line strong.
What we do
We explore what PhD students deal with every day: research struggles, time management, mental health, and motivation. Through weekly posts, we offer advice, stories, and strategies to help you stay on track, find balance, and get the most out of your journey.
We also run the PhD Friday Spotlights, featuring PhD students sharing their research, stories, and what keeps them going, plus a growing hub of tools, downloads, and guides for productivity, mental health, and career planning.
A bit about the founder
Submitted, defended, graduated
Submitted her thesis in Feb 2025, defended in April 2025, and graduated in June 2025, writing most of the thesis in the final year.
Built a career alongside the PhD
Worked full-time in federal policy through the final two years, and became permanent in that role before submitting her thesis.
Parented through the doctorate
Raised a family while finishing her PhD, without the conventional markers she once thought she needed to be a “real” researcher.
Our mission
I started The PhD Race because I know firsthand how challenging this journey can be, and that with the right support, mindset, and community, it’s possible to not only survive but thrive.
Here, we don’t pretend everything’s perfect. We talk about the messy middle, the late-night panic, the small wins, and everything in between. Because finishing strong isn’t just about getting to the end — it’s also about finding strength in the process.
So join us. Take whatever you need: research advice, productivity tips, a pick-me-up, or just reassurance that you’re not alone. The PhD Race has got you.
The PhD Race 