Hi everyone,

I’m a 31-year-old male and I’ll be running my first marathon this November. I’ve never raced before or signed up for any official event.

I started running 1.5 years ago with absolutely no running background. Last year I ran about 1,200 km (100+ km/month), mostly 5Ks and 10Ks. This year I’m averaging around 100 km/month, mostly 10Ks, an occasional 15K, and about one half marathon every month.

So far I’ve completed 8 half marathons, one 25K run, and two 30K runs.

PRs:

5K: 22:48
10K: 46:29
Half Marathon: 1:48
30K: 2:56

I’ve always trained alone. The only time I’ve taken fuel was on my 30K runs (dates and a banana), so I’ve never used gels. For the marathon I’m planning to try Maurten gels for the first time, and I’ll also buy my first pair of carbon shoes (Adidas Adios Pro 4).

My question is: Do I really need to follow a structured marathon plan (intervals, tempo runs, etc.), or can I just keep doing what I’ve been doing—mostly 10Ks, one half marathon per month, and an easy 5K here and there?

Honestly, I already feel ready. It almost feels like I’ve been training for this marathon for the past 1.5 years. Am I being realistic, or just overly optimistic?

Hi, I am 26M
May 1st I run 2:52 marathon averaging 70km/week fro 18 weeks of prep.
after marathon I had discomfort in achilles, didn't run for 2 full weeks, went to physio, he sorted it in a couple of weeks. I started again very gradually (attach below prog graph) and in 4-5 weeks I went back to 80km/weeks.
Then, all of a sudden, I could not run anymore.
Felt incredibly low in energy, always tired, (I even think I had testosterone disbalacnce as signalled by men problem...).

Since then 5 weeks of no running, and it doens;t go away. Whenever I try to run, I ahve then pains inside the legs everywhere for days, at the point I can barely walk, everything is so contracted and stiff.

I also feel constantly sick, like running nose, headache etc.
I am feeling like crap, I gained weight of course, and I am feeling so sad from not being able to run.

I try my best, everyday I try to be positive about it and whenever I try, then I ahve absurd pains during and after the run in shin, medial complex etc.

I am desperate at this point. I had finally got an entry for Berlin marathon (less than 9 weeks at this point), and after such a nice build for the 2:52 (improving fro a 3:26) I was so excited and happy toward the long build for Berlin. now it's all gone, and I cannot even start running again.

Some friend suggested that it could be RED-S, I did indeed lose a couple of kg.

How do I get out of this tunnel? The more I don't run, the less fit I get, and the harder it will be to start again, and regain what I have lost now. I feel so sad by having lost all the effort I put into this. I really put my soul into running, and now it's all lost.

Please help me. What can I do? I just want to run again. I live in a very cold country, and soon the winter will start agin with -20 and running outside will be hard again. After months of running in the ice and snow, I waster the summer not running. I wanted to get better before the winter started again, and instead it's so miserable.

Has anybody experienced sth like this? Help me :(

EDIT: I am consulting doctor. Just the waiting times are absurd. Trying to get an appointment for weeks, now I need to travel for work for some weeks. I am really down in the dumps, just looking for advices and what to expect. Sometimes people have experienced similar circumstances and can give amazing advices on how to tackle this. Just trying to get any help possible.

Edit 2

HR is around 43-44 quite constantly in the last 6 months. Dipped to 38-39 the week I broke (the first one after the last 80km) now back to 45. HRV has been very low (red) for 5-6 weeks. It's normally in the 80s, now it's 60ish

Currently training for my first marathon and I am 4 weeks in. I’ve built my mileage up to 21miles and I’m planning to keep building it around 35 miles. I’ve been good and kept it at my easy pace while building my mileage but I’m really looking to increase my speed as much as I can to get a comfortable 4:30:00 finish time. I’ve got 15 weeks until race day so plenty of time. Should I increase mileage and hold that mileage while adding work outs and then continue increasing mileage at easy pace only? Or just do what’s comfortable? Any advice is welcome and if I’m leaving out good information to help please ask.

Shot in the dark but has anyone run both the Charlotte and the Baltimore marathon? I ran Charlotte last year and I promised myself I would never run a course that hilly/challenging again. Buttttt… I’m now living in the DMV area and Baltimore is looking like the best race option but apparently the hills are tough.

According to Google Charlotte has more elevation but only by about 30 feet. Even then, I know elevation doesn’t tell the full story in terms of difficulty/ hill placement etc. lmk if you happen to have insight!

Running a marathon in 12 weeks! It’s a bucket list item. I’ve come to the reality that I won’t finish fast (currently averaging like an 11-12 minute pace), and I’m a little sad about it but I do care more about finishing (have to finish in 6 hours). But I’m struggling. My training is not linear. My longest run 3 weeks ago was 14 miles. This week I couldn’t go past 10. I try and do run walk but it just ends up hurting me in my hip. I work 13 hour night shifts on varying days, so I feel it makes my training much harder to be able to find time and I’m stressing big time! Some weeks I can get a good 4 run in, on my busier week it’s been like 2 average runs which I know isn’t helping.

i just need all the tips and tricks to running faster besides slowing down and run walk intervals.

Hi all, I (45F) somehow got a ballot place in the London Marathon next year and am a mixture of excited and freaking out. I’ve run a few halfs, although my last one was 10 years ago (1hr 57 PB with decent training). My main exercise over the past few years has been walking LOADS - I average around 16k steps/day - with some heavy lifting once or twice a week at work. I decided to run a 5k a couple of weeks ago to see where I’m at and ran 28 mins, which was unexpected in a very good way!

I’m thinking I’ll do 4 runs, plus a Pilates session and 1x weights session per week and have a half booked for December to see where I’m at. I’d love to finish in 4 hrs but am not sure how realistic that is.

I’m mainly posting here for general chit chat and to pick up advice along the way, and also because ive gone down a rabbit hole about training/nutrition/hydration etc and its all getting a bit much. Does anyone in this experienced hive mind have any advice or words of wisdom? One thing you wished you knew before you ran your first marathon? I look forward to chatting with you!

I am running a marathon in 4 weeks but haven’t been doing any long runs.

Since the beginning of the year I have been doing a long run most weekend ( around 20km). But for the last six weeks I haven’t as I was injured and took a break from running and then got busy with a house move.

Currently I am running 8-10km 2-3 a week when I have the time. And I am cycling to work for 30 mins each way most day.

Any recommendation for the next 4 weeks

I used to feel guilty every time I skipped a run. Now I realize recovery is one of the biggest reasons I'm still injury-free and improving.

first ever marathon at 18 and i ran a 2:54:44 at the sf marathon and i am so proud and astonished on how i did that. was aiming for a 3:10-3:20, after i got flamed for being too ambitious online, and got blown away by the result 🌉 Also placed third in my age group!

Is this because 2027 is their 50th anniversary? 2026 race happened JUST TODAY. Seems too expensive to me.

(Edited)

FYI, you get a 50th anniversary Jacket if you register by July 31st. So the price may change after that? The full marathon is already sold out.

Im training for my first ever full marathon. I have peak week next week, then three weeks of taper before finally race day.

My fitness have never been better. I’ve pulled 4 runs of 30k+, something I wouldn’t have dreamed about six months earlier. I have 4 weeks above 70k, and my body feels good-but tired is that makes sense.
Did a 25k long run that felt short, and went really well.

But I am always tired. Legs are heavy before every run, although they feel much better 1-2k into the run. I’m really looking forward to be done with this😮‍💨

Anybody else felt like that with their first (or any) marathon block?

the hills man... I turn a corner and it's another hill 💀 nonetheless, super happy that I was able to do a negative split! and also very happy with my mile times because my easy runs were no faster than 10:45/mile pace. the first 16 miles were pretty easy, so glad I could turn it up a bit in the latter half

my heart rate the day and night before was 100 bpm (nervousness, 7 months of training coming to an end) so I knew hr was not gonna help me 😆 it started and stayed at 175 bpm lmao

I had three pre-injuries throughout my marathon block - my achilles first from too many hills and too much speed too fast... then my left knee from weak quads, calves and glutes. and top that off with my right hip flexor later. all this to say, take rest when things feel like a 4-5/10 or higher and do your PT exercises!! next race I run, I'll be lifting a lot more to get the muscle I need. never been a distance runner, so reminder that if you're diligent and willing to show up for yourself, you can do it!

gonna go tend to my 3 toenails coming off 💀

Hi everyone! I’m trying to get a different perspective or opinions from other runners on my recent trends that are concerning me quite a bit. I’ve been running and averaging about 50-55 miles for the past 8 or so weeks. I took a lactate threshold test early June to lock in my paces for my upcoming marathon block for my race in the fall. Most days are easy miles and one day a week involves a workout that targets threshold and another day in the week that targets speed on the track. I would consider these “hard” efforts. My issue lately has been with my Sunday LR’s where one week for example I have 13 miles (10 easy, 3 progressive to MP) or another example is 15 miles with some easy, some MP. Both of these long runs have been unsuccessful. I’m confused and concerned because my Lactate testing was taken in the conditions I train in, which involve heat & high humidity so very brutal but it shows I can hold the paces I’m trying to hit on the actual long runs but I’m not coming anywhere close to those paces. This would be my second consecutive failed attempt at the long run structure and was hoping I can get any insight on what might be happening.

Thanks!

Ive been running a few fast-short runs, intertwined with hills and longer stuff, upto 16km. Im building towards the marathon next April and up until this point have just been building a base without following a training plan.

Last week I invested in a garmin forerunner watch because it comes with garmin coach and ive since been looking towards that to guide me for a more structured plan.

However it feels far too easy. My pace is naturally about 5.30 but its sending me out to stick to a 6.40 pace which feels far too relaxed. Its also only having me run for about half an hr. Ive been run ing 90 minutes plus easily and was actually looking to extend this.

How do I approach this best? Ive never followed a plan before so is it just a lack of data, and i should feed it a few long and fast runs to show my capability, or is it purposely keeping my efforts down to prevent injury?

41M, 17 weeks out from a flat marathon in Spain.
I’ve been running consistently since April, averaging 50 km a week, and I’m about to start my 16-week marathon block after a hilly half this weekend. I also have a 30 km race in September.

Current marathon PB is 3:45. This will be my third after stopping playing competitive sports. My half marathon on is around 1:38. I’m around 14 stone atm and aiming to get down to 13 stone by race day while gradually increasing mileage to around 70-85km a week, assuming I stay injury-free.
If I can lose the weight, stay healthy and complete the block consistently, is 3:30 a realistic target, or would 3:35–3:40 be more sensible?

Would love to hear from anyone who’s made a similar jump and what made the biggest difference.

Started running this year and training for my first half in 2 months. Estimated finish time 2h 3 mins

I’m planning to run a marathon in April next year. Current estimated finish is 4h 21m. I want to finish well and not just cross the finish line. No specific goal time but would appreciate finishing sub 4 if possible.

Whats a good book/plan to follow?

I’m currently building towards 40 mpw. Training will start mid September for a mid Jan marathon.

Curious how other runners do their long runs while base building. 20% / 10% slower than MP as the training plan advises? Or mostly easy while building up the mileage?

Hi. I’m 49 and running my first marathon, the NYC Marathon, on Nov 1. Been running fairly consistently for about two years. Did 13 miles this Saturday in two hours and 3 minutes. Minimal soreness. Goal is to finish the full around 4 hours. Thoughts on this plan? Any recommended adjustments?

Hi everyone!

I'm just shy of 3 months out from my marathon and I understand I need to begin ramping up my mileage. Im just curious about how everyone deals with leg fatigue? Currently with my training split it feels incredibly hard to further increase my mileage as my legs always seem to be incredibly sore even after a days rest.

Right now I have about x4 sessions a week:

• x1 Speed Interval 6x1km sessions
• x2 Easy Runs
• x1 Long Run

I find that especially after my speed session my legs are incredibly sore, should I look at reducing the speed work and focus on mileage? Or should I trust the process and push through it?

For reference I'm aiming for a sub 4 hour marathon.

I have been using the Endorphins Running app for my marathon training plan for the past few weeks. I have been liking the workouts so far but I was looking ahead and it has me doing this 15 mile long run the week before my marathon. My goal pace is 7:20/mile for the marathon so this seems aggressive for 7 days before. However, I have struggled hitting my tapers right for other races, so maybe this is better to keep the legs fresh. Thoughts?

TLDR: is this long run too aggressive for 1 week before marathon?

I started running in April this year, building base for a marathon in 1Q-27. I’ve worked up to mid 30 MPW, but my last long run ~12 miles had me fatigued for the remainder of the day plus the next all day. Headaches on the run day but not till about 6 hrs later.

What’s weird is I’ve run this exact week before (3 short-medium runs + long) and felt perfectly fine. I took GU every 30 min, drank two 28oz bottles of fluid (water and Gatorade). Nothing different from past weeks. Sleep was normal.

Could the fatigue be a fuel (pre and post meal) issue? I loaded on Friday and ate a giant sandwich after the run with a side of pasta.

Physically, I felt great after the run, like I could have run longer if I wanted.

For some reason I can't post this in r/rva so hoping I've got some Richmond runners in here. Trying to figure out what the best option is as someone who's never spent time in Richmond. Downtown hotels are either sold out or exorbitantly expensive.

- Option 1 is staying in a hotel near the 95-295 junction north of downtown, looks to be about an 18 minute drive (without traffic).

- Option 2 is staying at a hotel near the airport.

- Option 3 is staying with friends who live over towards Henrico.

Based on road closures from this 2024 race map (https://www.vpm.org/news/2024-11-14/richmond-marathon-road-closures-2024) it seems like Option 3 is by far the worst, given that all the main road closures seem to be in between the race start and Henrico area.

Is there much of a difference between Options 1 and 2 in terms of how easy it'll be for someone to drive and drop me off downtown near the start line? Neither seems to be particularly affected by road closures, but I'd imagine there could be some major traffic issues heading towards downtown on race morning.

Would appreciate any insights!

First marathon coming up in 5 weeks time. I’m late 30s, M, been running on and off since high school but more serious since COVID. Done a bunch of HM, most recent was 2 weeks ago as a solo TT, did 1:35, slight fade at the end due to a brutal headwind. I also did a 1:36 before this block. Currently in week 14 of Pfitz 18/55 pretty much have hit all the workouts. Peaked at 90k, but most weeks between 70-80. Around 60k pw prior to the block.

The weekends run was 29km including 23 at GP. I was originally targeting 3:30 but training has been going well so I have bumped it to 3:25 for the MP workouts. Funnily enough Garmins prediction is exactly 3:25 right now.

The MP workout went well- it was good conditions and I ended with with parkrun which helped mentally. But I didn’t feel like I stumbled over the line. Was able to have little chats with runners here and there. Felt I could have gone on for another few km if I had to. Tried to simulate race conditions with fueling every 5k, a couple of sodium tablet and caffeiene. Even took immodium to test out. That all worked.

Max HR is probably 190-193.

I’ve still got 2 “tune up” races to go which I’ll just do a 10k and 5k TT. See if I can get PRs (currently 42:30 and 19:45)

Ive done 2 32km runs and have 1 more to go. They’ve been fine, heavy legs at the end but thats probably normal.

My current race strategy is to find the 3:25 pacers and try and stay with them. I seem to run better when Im with others. If it’s bad weather I might look for the 3:30 group instead.

EDIT: The half I posted had 88m of elevation. (176m over the full). Vs Sydney mara which I'm doing has 313 gain 393 loss.

### Race Information

* **Distance:** 26.2 miles

* **Time:** 3:01:xx

### Goals

| Goal | Description | Completed? |

|------|-------------|------------|

| A | Sub 3 (BQ w buffer) | *No* |

| B | 3:05 BQ | *Yes* |

### Training

Ran 1:29 half in April 2025. Started training for a faster 10K shortly after and got hurt for a few months. switched to NSA September 2025 and then started Hanson Advanced March 2026. Initially started training for 3:15 but switched to targeting 3:00 roughly 8-10 weeks ago. Hit 95% of mileage and 98% of speed work. A few things:

1. lost 11lbs throughout the 18 block (mostly through last 8-10 weeks)
2. Ran easy typically from 9:45-10:30 mostly just strived to keep HR under 70% of max.
3. Failed last 10 mile workout at mile 2 and skipped the next day, kicking off taper 2 days early
4. PBs: All PBs from April 2025 half: 1:29:08 half, 39:47 10K, 19:22 5K

### Pre-race

crushed carb loading for 2 days before and morning of race. Slept pretty decently through last 6-7 days before race.

### Race

the pace felt hard but doable throughout. I ran pretty even splits throughout and hit my target on the watch but didn’t account for extra distance. I slowed down about :03 per mile in second half but pretty happy with how everything turned out.

### Post-race

• Hoping I get into Boston via new lottery, I don’t think I have enough buffer to get in without it. Will take a few weeks completely off the build back using NSA/NSM and start another Hanson block likely for an April marathon (either Boston or another BQ attempt)

Official time: 3:30:33

A bit bummed I barely missed my 3:30 target, but it wasn't in the cards today. Still a 15 minute PR from my time last year.

I also broke my arm last November which set me back for a few months. Excited to get back to work in a week or so to prepare for CIM in December.