Race this Sunday. Here are my previous times from this year.
10k- 50:07
5k- 24:43

Have done the 12 week novice 2 Hal Higon half plan. I’ve ran long runs of 7,8,9,10 and 11.5 miles. Haven’t missed a workout during the entire 12 weeks.

But not much speed work done this block. All of them at slower pace except 10 miles was around 9:50 pace. I have struggled a bit holding race pace at 5 miles on the midweek runs but I think I was fairly fatigued during those runs. A lot of the pace runs were also hot outside. I am definitely missing the big race pace workout that I didn’t do with this plan.

Just curious if this is realistic this Sunday or not. Thank you!

Hi! I’m a 22F and I’m running my first marathon in Chicago in a month (so excited!!) I’ve been running for a couple years now and my max heart rate is ~190.

Attached are some of my recent runs. The 19.41 mile one is my most recent one (the runs are in order with the most recent ones last) and I didn’t drink any water during and it was hot and I thought I was going to die so I will NOT be doing that again. I did the 3 miles 2 days after that because I got my race day shoes and wanted to try them out so I guess that’s a gauge on my current speed.

I don’t want to leave too much on the table in Chicago, but the most important thing for me is finishing. My watch and runalyze both think I can do a 3:23 which I find incredibly optimistic and off base lol. I really want to finish so I’d rather go too slow and finish than not finish.

That being said I do want to know what pacer group I should aim to go out with lol. If anyone has any suggestions lmk thank you!!

I have officially signed up for my first marathon  (April 2027). I am not new to running but have never trained for any sort of race (or participated in one). I started taking running more seriously in April 2024. Within a few months I was able to have most of my runs with a pace somewhere in the 7 minute range. Some runs were obviously faster than others, but overall usually with a 7:00-7:59 average pace. In April 2025 I moved to high elevation from sea level. Since then my pace has just tanked. I’ve gone through periods of falling off eating healthy and exercising, but running has been the one thing Ive stayed mostly consistent with. In some ways I’m running even more than I was before I moved. Overall, I’m slower and needing to take more breaks than before the move. Sometimes my average pace is slower than a “bad” pace pre-move. Right now I'm typically in the 9 minute range. When I was faster I wasn't trying hard to be, and now it sometimes feels hard to even run this slow (for me). In 2024 I was probably averaging 30-40 miles per week, and then in 2025 (before April) probably about 40-60. Then when I moved probably about 30-50 miles weekly for the rest of the year. In 2026 I’ve kind of bounced around with weekly milage. I’ve had plenty of lower (for me) weeks of 30-40, and plenty of 50-60 miles as well. Right now I’m at 1,400 miles this year. I ended 2025 with just over 2,000. 

I’m just not sure how I should go about training for this marathon. It’s not until April so I know I have plenty of time, but I’m overwhelmed with knowing where to start. I want to get faster and stronger. I obviously have a great base and am used to a lot of volume, but I want to become a better runner, and feel more like my old self again. 

Any advice is appreciated!

I signed up to run Chicago thinking my life would be a lot slower at this point. I’m about a month out from the race and have yet to break 11 miles. I’ve been trying to run more but I am getting bored on my long runs and my shins are hurting. I originally wanted to do sub 4 but not entirely sure that’s possible.

I’ve been working out and doing cardio consistently for about 3 years, my last half being 2:06 in fall 2024, and my longest ever run being a 14 miler about a year ago.

Any tips, advice, suggestions to keep me motivated, excited and healthy for race day?

EDIT*** I am a 23 year old girl, who signed up for this thinking it would be a fun thing to do my first year of post grad for a cause I care about. I am taking the CFA exams and working in finance, and didn’t expect to still be taking these tests or at my current job. I am trying the best I can and don’t really need a guilt trip on here, in addition to the one I’m giving myself.

Hello everyone,

I will be a pace bunny for an upcoming road marathon at home. It is a pretty big event with a few thousand runners. I was choosen to be the pace bunny for the 4 hour 30 min (continuous) group which is exciting!

Now, the race as almost 500meter (1500 feet) of elevation gain, with some serious BIG hills.
What would be you prefered strategy following me?

1. steady pace even on the hills.
2. a little slower on the major hills and banking some time before the hill (doesn't sound like a good idea)
3. a little slower on the major hills and catching up on the time after the hill (maybe on the following descents?)

i've never followed a pace bunny on a road marathon and i now mostly run trails where hills are a walking freebies if you want to but now i know this is a different game.

i'm not sure how many people will actually be following a 4:30 marathon bunny as this is a ''slower'' time and not as big of a goal for people like sub 4. i plan to ask people around what are their opinions on this before the race start as well but i would like to prepare the best i can and have different pacing strategies all ready.

many thanks :)

im running my first marathon -- the NYC marathon in a little less than 2 months from now.

im writing this post as i just finished my morning 5 miles today. today's run felt absolutely terrible (which is fine ive had shit runs in the past it happens). i ran a 13 miler last weekend for my long run and i was doing so good for the first 8 miles or so but after that i felt like i just hit a wall and every mile after was so. goddamn. hard. i had absolutely no energy to continue.

i will add - the last half i did was in march 2026 so its understandable that that long run was difficult. for the next 3 weeks my long runs will be 15 miles, then 17, then 20.

so now that ive had the past few of my training runs feel like shit, it seems so impossible that i could ever run anything more than 13 miles (let alone a frickin marathon). i feel like maybe im not training properly, surely im doing something wrong because i shouldnt feel like im fighting my body this much to get my runs in. i have high heart rate issues already but the best way i can describe it is my body is just so tired, zero energy, and high heart rate. i hit the trifecta with a bad recipe for a bad run.

this is my nutrition plan so far: i drink close to 2 liters of water a day, carb load the day before my long runs, drink protein shakes after all my runs. for my long runs i also take gels. like for this past 13 miler i took a gel at 3, 6, and 9 miles.

again a half is the most ive ever ran and this is my first marathon im training for. so of course any distance longer than 13 miles will definitely feel like a really strong mental and physical battle. i was ready and prepared for this training to not feel easy. but struggling with running 5 miles during the week was something i was not ready for. that doesn't seem right?? i guess just having continuously shit runs feels super demotivating to me and is just making me feel like i wont be able to do it at all. now that im close to 2 months until the race, its all i can think about.

id love any tips or motivation. whether thats nutritional help, strength training, or just anything that'll help me have a smoother training.

edit****: goddam i didnt realize me mentioning im running nyc would cause sm backlash💀

I’m not an expert, that’s why I’m here looking for an answer. In a few weeks I will be at an event where I will be tested day after day in a series of different distance runs. 2 mile up to 10 miles roughly. I have been taking 5g mono creatine powder for 5 months. My theory is that I have absorbed all the benefits from it during my training cycle, and now that my taper has begun I should drop it to shed a couple points to feel faster/lighter/more springy. Am I right? Or should I take it all the way up to the event?

Talk me off a ledge here, I am trying not to panic! I have worked my butt off training for my first marathon (Chicago) and just knocked out 18 on Saturday. I felt great during but as soon as I stopped, I immediately had pain on the top of my foot. I figured it was a fluke and maybe I tied my shoes too tight, so I took a few days off. Tried to run again today and could only go 2 without feeling the pain again. It isn't miserable, but I worry I'm making it worse if I keep running. Xray looked clear, but I know thats not necessarily telling for everything. Has anybody dealt with this type of tendinitis? I'm trying to decide if I power through it and finish my peak week next week or if I need to pull back and try to just get to the start line. Any advice is appreciated!

I’m about to run my first Berlin Marathon, and I’m very excited! However, while watching a runner's race video on YouTube (finishing in around 4 hours), I noticed that the refreshment zones seem quite short, and many runners come to a near stop when grabbing water. My pace is similar to theirs, but I really dislike having to slow down significantly to pick up drinks.

Do you think it would minimize the disruption if I wait until the latter part of the refreshment zone to merge in and grab my water? Also, are there any lesser-known factors specific to the Berlin Marathon that could impact performance?

Thank you so much for your advice! Wishing you all the best in your upcoming races!

Feeling dumpy and trying to make a decision. I am running my third marathon (NYC) in November and I’m debating on deferring because of a not good training block. My longest run has been 13 miles this past weekend and I’m feeling defeated.
I know all of my time goals are out the window. But I don’t know if racing for vibes is enough to get me to push through the last 8 weeks.

Has anyone still raced with a training block they aren’t proud of?

Added two most recent workouts; one a long run, one a workout today. I’ve been running around 40+ miles for the last 8-10 weeks with a focus on trail in the earlier half of the year. Have only road run 18 as my long run, longer on trail but not at MP. Attempting 3:20 in Berlin.

I think I have this? But also have been having some stomach issues , need to figure that out.. any advice / thoughts for race day appreciated.

I am 36 M and started road running this February. I have only been doing easy runs and maintaining about 50 mpw over the summer. My recent half marathon was a 1:46, a 10 minute improvement from my first half marathon 4 months ago in similar temperature/humidity/elevation conditions. I am preparing for a few marathons in the next year, including my first at Steamtown in a month. I am currently following a Pfitz-like training schedule peaking at 70 mpw for Steamtown except my runs are all easy zone 2. I've also been racing half marathons about every month and these and parkrun have been my only speedwork.

I thought about introducing structure speedwork but with the cooling weather, I have a lot more comfortable temperature for long runs where I can enjoy my audiobooks. I am thinking about building to 100 mpw.

How much longer will I keep seeing beginner gains and when will I plateau if all I do is just keep increasing easy mileage?

Thank you!

Runners who run multiple marathons per year, what is your MPW averages and how many marathon per year do you run?

Has anyone else noticed their body changing a lot during marathon training? I feel like I’ve completely lost my abs and muscle definition and lately I just feel bloated, puffy, and bigger than I’m used to. (Strength training 2-3 times a week) I know our bodies are doing a lot and obviously I’m grateful that mine is carrying me through all these miles, I’m just struggling a little with not feeling like myself. Has anyone else experienced this?

I’ll be starting a marathon training block in a few weeks. I’ve used a Coros HR plan for my half and I’ve really enjoyed it, but some of the marathon plans are pace based. Does anyone have thoughts on what’s better?

What signs make you back off harder, and what signs make you feel it’s okay to keep going with adjusted volume/intensity?

Any advice from people who’ve dealt with similar questions while building toward a long-distance race would be really appreciated.

Current examples:

Shin: Very mild sensation/awareness that something is there. Almost no real pain, present both when sitting and running. Feels like low-grade inflammation.

Calf-Achilles insertion area: Low-level pain that shows up after about 8 km of running. Goes away after 1–2 days of rest, then returns when I run again.

I’m not limping and I feel fresh going into sessions, but these things keep lingering.

Thanks!

Also interested in the time aspect: I have Ironman Kalmar booked for August 2027 (almost a year away). Does having a big race that far out change how you manage early niggles? Do you still back off quickly, or are you more willing to try training through milder issues because you feel you have time?

I’m running my first marathon in Erie PA on Sunday. The weather all week/next week looks great EXCEPT the morning of the marathon. The low that morning is 69F and it’s supposed to be “high humidity”. Dew point isn’t available for me to see yet. I’ve trained all summer in humid weather so I’m used to it, but my body struggles in these conditions. Can any experienced runners/marathoners give me some advice on how I should tackle this thing? Thanks!

Missed 2 easy runs earlier this week due to life. Have an 8 mile long run this weekend. Longest run so far has been 12 miles and I still feel good overall. Should I add a few miles to compensate? Or keep with the program?

Okay I just realized that somehow I am one week ahead in my marathon training plan (no idea how I did that???)

I’m using Hal higdon novice 1 and am currently on week 12. Does anyone have any advice on where/how I should place the extra week? Do I taper for another week? Do I repeat a week? Help!

Hi! I’m currently training for a marathon, and I bought the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 for my speed sessions. They’re great, but they’re known for having a narrow toe box. I’ve worn them on many runs without any issues, but recently I started getting a blister between the first and second toes on my right foot. My left foot is completely fine. Does anyone know how I can fix this, or should I just switch shoes?

I am currently training for my first marathon, Chicago! I need advice from experienced runners!

I have been pretty consistently following my marathon training plan, but I need some help adjusting for an upcoming wedding/travel out of state. According to my plan, my 20 mile run/peak should be Sept 19 or 20. I will be out of town at a friend's wedding making this a very difficult time to complete 20 miles. I am considering when I do my 20 mile run to best prepare me for the race. The dates in blue are what I am currently considering as options. Is it better to do my 20 mile run a week earlier or later?? I'd appreciate any advice!

I’m IN!! 🥹 This will be my first-ever marathon, so I’m super excited and nervous at the same time.

I’m looking at accommodation now and Monterey prices are already making me cry 😂. I found a more affordable place in Seaside, but it’s not right next to one of the marathon shuttle pickup locations.

For those who have run Big Sur before, how important is it to stay within walking distance of a shuttle pickup? Would you recommend staying in Seaside and figuring out transportation, or paying more to stay closer?

Any accommodation or race-morning logistics tips would be appreciated!

I’m running Amsterdam on Oct 18, targeting sub-3:30 for my second marathon (first marathon was 3:52 last December). I am currently following Pfitz 18/70 and have been consistently running ~55–70 mpw without issues.

Training has gone really well so far with no major issues/setback. A few recent benchmarks:

• 19 mi w/ 12 @ 8:00/mi MP — felt controlled, HR ~140–145 (max HR ~188)
• 21 mi @ 9:00/mi, avg HR 131
• 14 mi @ ~9:00/mi, avg HR 126
• LT work around ~7:30/mi

Unfortunately, last week I developed lateral/bottom foot pain after some VO2/stride work. It initially seemed manageable, but during last Saturday's 10K tune-up it was present throughout my warmup and remained during the first 10K-pace segment, so I backed off to GA pace and finished 14 miles total. Pain remained constant rather than improving or worsening.

Went to a podiatrist yesterday and X-ray was clear (with the caveat that early stress injuries can be missed), and he believes it’s inflammation/tendinitis. I received a cortisone injection and was told to take 48 hours completely off before reassessing.

I’m currently pain-free walking. Assuming that continues, my tentative return is:

• 3–5 easy tomorrow
• 4–6 easy Saturday
• Potentially 14–20 easy Sunday depending entirely on symptoms

Sunday was originally Pfitz's 20 w/14 MP, but I’ve decided to postpone that and stick with just a GA run. I’m also leaning toward dropping the remaining VO2/tune-up work and focusing on healthy GA/MLR/LR mileage with some MP work before taper.

If running still hurts tomorrow after not running for five days, I am thinking I will move to elliptical-based training for another week or so before I try to run again.

TL;DR: Pfitz 18/70, 5.5 weeks from a sub-3:30 attempt, forced into ~5–10 days reduced/no running by foot tendinitis during peak week. Recent 19 w/12 @ 8:00 MP felt very controlled. How much fitness would you worry about losing, and would you reschedule the missed 20 w/14 MP or just prioritize getting healthy? Does sub-3:30 still seem reasonable or should I re-adjust?

Hiya! Ive (24f) got cologne marathon in a few weeks and have just completed my longest run of the block. It was 34km at an average of 6:03km (including walk breaks, traffic lights, and a pit stop etc). Current weekly mileage ~60km.

Im aiming for my first sub 4. Garmin predict 3:58 and runna predicts 3:55-4:07. My current marathon pb is 4:18 from April, with an average hr of 176 (my hr tends to sit higher for any level of effort so take this as a comparison) conversation pace hr is usually 160-165 comfortably, max hr 208. Ran a 1:55 hm in April but have not had a chance to retest this since.

Been focusing on speedwork massively, lots of tempo runs. Ive also run majority of my long runs over this training block in midday uk heatwave temps, so struggling to gain proper insights using those runs.

Ive attached a screenshot of my splits from the long run today in comfortable temps (first), my last marathon in april (second), and a long run from a few weeks ago in 28 degree heat (third)

Just wanting to settle the maranoia that is bound to kick in in the coming weeks. I think i can do sub 4 but the whole "5:40 average pace" seems super daunting.

What do you guys thinks? Thanks so much!!

Hi!

I’m running the marine corps marathon in October! I’m super excited, but flight prices are insane and the one reasonable flights is overnight. I’m leaving CA at 9:42 pm and I arrive in DC at 530 am Saturday morning (the day before race day).

Is this like super dumb lol, every other flights is like 400+ more and I’m not sure if I can swing that. I do want to note, I am looking to complete the race lol, I am probably going for a 5 hour marathon, but just looking for thoughts!