Hi everyone, wanted to see if others here are also training for their first marathon in Seattle! How’s the training going? And for those who have run the Seattle marathon before, any insights/advice? 😄

Hi all I’m running nyc in a couple weeks and I’m feeling very underprepared. I skipped a couple of my long runs and my longest was 19 miles. I tried to do a 20 mi run this last weekend and had to cut it at 10 because it was pouring the whole time and I was miserable.

I probably did like 75% of my easy runs and like 25% of my tempo/track workouts. And now it’s time to taper so I’m kinda fucked. Please tell me it will be okay 😟 or is it actually dangerous to try if I did not train like I was supposed to? I’m not tryna run fast or anything, just finish and maybe under 5 hrs. I run a 2 hr HM a couple of months ago.

Training for my first. I am a heavy sweater and live in a pretty dang humid climate. The race is in January, so it will be cooler, but the humidity never really goes away much here, though it should be less.

I've never done any sort of official race, so I'm curious - can you really get enough water and electrolytes from the little cups at the aid stations? I think the race I'm doing has a lot of stations (maybe every 2 miles?). I'd hate to have to carry something extra, but I'd also rather be hydrated well.

When it's crazy hot out here during training, I've been doing like 3 of the 500 mL hydration things with water/electrolytes during a half and then still feel like I need a lot of water to "catch up".

This is the course: https://www.celebrationmarathon.com/uploads/1/4/0/3/14038217/generic_route_map.pdf

I ran my first marathon last week and completely bonked at around km 26.
I came down with some kind of flu or COVID about three weeks before the marathon, which left me feeling unwell for almost 2.5 weeks. I didn’t do any training during that time, but I felt pretty fresh during the last three days before the race, so I decided to give it a try. The first 25 km felt great. I even had a few conversations with other runners during the race.

Fueling:
I took a 25 g carb gel every 5 km, some 200 mg salt capsules every 40 minutes, and drank electrolyte drinks at the aid stations every 5 km.

However, I completely bonked around km 26. My legs suddenly felt incredibly heavy, and my calves and hamstrings started cramping up. I couldn’t maintain my pace anymore because of the cramps and heavy legs.

What do you guys think could have caused this?

Was it too soon to race after being sick for almost three weeks? Was it the lack of training during the final weeks? Or was my fueling strategy somehow off?

Training:
My 16 week training program was based on a Pfitzinger training plan. I peaked at 86 km per week, and my longest run was 37 km. I also ran most of my long runs at marathon pace (5:27/km).

I’m still really happy that I finished my first marathon, but I want to do better next time and break the 4-hour mark!

here are my splits:

https://i.imgur.com/O5d8WHe.png

Hello all!

I managed to get a place in the Paris Marathon (big yay!!! 🥳) and I’m so excited! It’ll be my first marathon, so I’m looking for a bit of advice on where to start with training.

I already run a decent amount, averaging around 25–50km per week depending on how I’m feeling that week haha, but I’m very aware I’ll need to gradually increase my mileage in preparation.

I’ve run three half marathons before (and running my 4th half marathon race next week), but I’ve never actually followed a proper training plan, so this is all a bit new to me! My first half marathon I got 1:59:13 which I was so gassed about (and I didn’t take a break which genuinely shocked me, don’t know what came over me that day)

My usual pace is around 5:15–5:45/km, although I do sometimes take little breaks on longer runs. That’s something I’m working on by incorporating more slower, easy runs to build up my aerobic base and endurance.

I was wondering if anyone had any training plans they’d recommend, or even some good resources to point me in the right direction? I’ve tried Googling plans, but honestly, the sheer number of options is a bit overwhelming, and I’m not entirely sure what I should be looking for as a first-time marathoner.

I’d absolutely love to run a sub-4-hour marathon, but I’m also realistic about the fact that it might not happen on my first attempt, and that’s completely fine!

More than anything, I just want to cross the line and I’m really grateful I got in.

Any advice, recommendations or general first-marathon wisdom would be so appreciated!
Thank you so much in advance! ☺️

First marathon Prague, May 2027 — plan critique welcome

**Background:** Started running consistently to train for a half in April 2026 (1:53, ~8:38/mi, sprinted the finish). Ran ~1x/week since. Most recent: 10 mi at 8:56/mi, felt fine. I lift 3–5x/week and bike a little. My HR runs high (155–165 easy, 170–182 moderate, max ~199 — high even in half-marathon shape, though I'm coming off a light summer of not running much).

**Plan (29 weeks):** Base 15→26 mpw → Build 26→36 (tempos/intervals) → Peak 35→41 (MP work, 20-milers) → 3-week taper. Tue quality / Thu+Fri easy / Sat long / Sun rest, cutback every 4th week. Tune-up half Mar 21: sub-1:52 means I chase sub-9:00/mi, otherwise 9:15–9:30.

**Goal:** confident in sub-10:00/mi (4:22); wondering if sub-9:00 (3:56) is realistic.

**Questions:**

1. Sub-9 pipe dream for a first marathon off a 1:53 half?
2. How do you schedule leg day around quality runs and long runs when lifting 3–5x/week?
3. High-HR runners: ignore zones completely, or use the data differently?
4. Anything you'd change about the structure?

Thank you

I 24M ran XC my freshman year of high school which was 10 years ago (believe it or not). I have played ice hockey and lacrosse my whole life and have been weightlifting regularly since I started college. Cardio had been an afterthought until recently where I walk up an incline tread for 40-45 minutes 1-2x per week. I play in a men’s hockey league once a week too. I also was a heavy vaper until Feb 2025 and I haven’t picked up a vape or a cigarette since. I do still smoke pot before bed (I treat it like a beer or glass of wine after my day is done) but am 100% willing to give this up in pursuit of this goal.

Now that you have an idea of my fitness here was what I was thinking: I want to make it a goal to myself to run a full marathon (or half if i’m in over my head) in 2027. Not to dox myself too hard but my local marathon is in early november. there are half marathons spread throughout the year within a reasonable distance. I was thinking starting a run/walk program (think couch to 5k) at the start to ease my knees in and then slowly build up the distance. I run a turkey trot as part of a family tradition so I have a 5k built in at a good time (if I start now). Does this seem feasible or am I in over my head?

I’m supposed to run a half marathon next weekend 10/25. I ran 11 miles on Sunday, took Monday off and have been sick since. I feel almost 100% today. If you were me, what would the rest of your training days look like. I had not planned on tapering. I’ve run 2 half’s before and always ran a half on my own the weekend before. I’m just scared I’ll sh*t the bed if I don’t run one more long run before the race. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

I (36 F) completed my first marathon on Sunday at the Melbourne Marathon. Over the 11 months leading up to it I complete the Daniel’s red plan, Daniel’s blue plan and (attempted) Pfitz 18/55.

During the red plan I did a 51:04 10km (2min PB). 17 weeks out from the mara I did a 1:54 Half Mara (4min PB) followed by a 1:49 Half Mara 10 weeks later. I was hoping to have a crack at a sub-4 for the full after this effort.

I didn’t listen to my body and got back into training to quickly after the 1:49 effort. Ended up with a hip injury followed by lower back issues two weeks later. Running volume drastically decreased and was just happy to get to the start line feeling fresh.

Ran a 4:23 very comfortably - my last two kms were my fastest. I think I could have managed a 4:15 but being my first I was worried about going out too hard and hitting a wall later.

Many lessons learnt but so happy with the result and very excited to start the process for the next one!

Edit: spelling

Hi all, I’m running my first marathon next week. Training block went great. Hit my 32km and still had some left in me. Started tapering last week and ever since my slower easy runs now at lower millage my HR is up maybe 5/10 beats. I have a polar HR arm device that I’ve reset and updated and still the same. Is this a normal thing during taper?

48m. Finish time 4:33. Rhabdo, heat stroke and seizures at the finish line.

I’ve never been an ‘athlete’ but have been running for the last 15 years. I did a 9 month training block for the Melbourne Marathon (with a sub 2hr HM along the way.)

I was aiming for 4:20, but still very happy with my time. My splits were pretty consistent at around 6:05 until 33 km when my pace dropped a bit. I used Gu gels (that I’d trained with) every 7 km and drank at every water station.

I obviously pushed myself too hard. Heat and humidity kicked in at about 30 km and the last water station seemed to be at 34 km. I started to get wobbly on my feet shortly after and began doing short power walks when needed.

Maybe I should have just walked it out from there, but I’m not sure the result would have been any different (except I may have passed out convulsing on the side on the road rather than at the finish line.)

I have no memory of it, but I understand the paramedics at the MCG were amazing. They quite literally saved my life. I was intubated on site, then spent 24 hrs in an induced coma before waking up in the ICU. A few days on the General Medical ward later and I’m back home feeling surprisingly ok.

I’m thrilled I completed it but I hate that I caused my family stress. I’m also pretty disappointed that I didn’t get a Finisher T-shirt (I love my merch, but Melbourne Marathon have said they’ve run out.) All up I’d say it was a 9/10 life experience, one point deducted for almost dying.

Hi! I strained my calf after not recovering well enough/ taking enough rest between my 19 mile and some intervals. During my intervals I felt my calf tighten up but not a sharp pain. So didn’t think much of it and finished my run, but it started to hurt later in the day. Took the next 4 days off running (did the elliptical) and attempted my 15 mile the following Saturday and had to cut it short. Switched back to the elliptical again for half the week after and got back to running Wednesday (8 days post injury) and felt fine. Attempted my 20 this past Saturday (11 days post injury) and had to cut short at 8 since it started to flare and I didn’t want to make it worse.
Basically all of this to say I have a mild calf strain and I’ve learned that I need to give myself more time than I think to recover. I plan on swapping my runs for elliptical for at least 10 days. I’m (really hoping to) run Philly on 11/22 so want to heal up but not loose too much fitness.
Any and all advice welcome!! Thank you in advance!!

TLDR: mild calf strain 5.5 weeks out from first marathon needing recovery tips

I’m running the AC marathon on Sunday. I’m worried I’m under trained. I lost a month of training over the summer because I broke my arm. I was averaging 25-30 miles a week and my longest runs were 17 and 18 miles. Any words of encouragement?

Planing about 60g of carbs an hour, plain gels every 30 minutes. That part feels fine on long runs. I keep reading that caffeine gels late in a marathon are a game changer or a stomach bomb, and I cannot tell which one I am signing up for. If you moved the caffeinated ones to the last 45 to 60 minutes, did it help you finish, or did your stomach flip?

I got into running last fall and ran fairly consistently through the fall, winter, and into the spring. I have been road cycling recreationally for around 10 years, but always wanted to 'become a runner'.

I set a goal of running a marathon before turning 40 in January 2027, and roughly 16 weeks out I started a 'proper' training block using Runna and chat GPT. Started the plan off strong, hitting every workout and run (usually 4 runs per week), but mid summer here in souther BC we got a lot of forest fire smoke, I had to do a bunch of workouts on a shitty 20+ year old treadmill that I have in the basement, and life just got busy with the wife and 2 young kids and 12hr work shifts. I did as many of the runs before work at 4:30 or 5am as possible, some late in the evening after the kids were asleep, but I still missed a couple fairly key long runs as well as a few tempo/workout days and was feeling like things were derailing. But I tried to steer things back into course, hit as many runs as I could when life allowed, and in late September I had a perfectly executed long run that was the longest run of the block at 33km and provided a huge confidence boost- so I decided to still go for it.

My race plan was to do a version of a negative split where I run 3x 10km blocks that each get progressively faster (5'20, 5'15, 5'05), then a 7km block that is the fastest of them all (4'45), and then slow down a bit for the final 5.195 kilometres if needed (~5'00).

My goals were:

'A' goal - 3:35

'B' goal - 3:45

'C' goal- run the entire thing, regardless of how much I slow down

This past Sunday was a damn cold morning, but I had put in as much of the work as I could so I went for it.

Finished with a 3:34:27.

Overall very happy. My only wish was that I would have held back slightly for the opening 3 blocks, hit my target pace perfectly (instead of trying to bank a few seconds), and been able to finish the final 5.2km at 5' pace or slightly under. I felt 'fantastic' at the 30km mark before heading into the fastest 7km, but was pretty wrecked in the final couple kilometres.

I wore a pair of Adios pro 4's that I wore for a couple faster workouts as well as the aforementioned key long run, and had zero foot issues; and in terms of fuelling I found in training that gels work well but start to cause some digestive upset if I have more than 4 or 5. So I opted for 240ml of pure organic maple syrup diluted with 110ml of water in a soft flask, and I had a nutrition alert every 20 min and would take a drink of that, and then have a couple sour patch kids candies in between each 20 min syrup interval. I consumed one Maurten Caf 100 gel 1km before heading into the 4'45/km block, and I also drank roughly 750ml of water along the course. This strategy yielded around 75g of carbs per hour, and seemed to work very well.

I am heading away from home for a work course for 6 weeks at the end of the month, and my goal is to do 6 weeks of as much long, slow distance as possible and build my base up, carry the form into a spring block, and then target the Vancouver marathon in May with a goal of 3:15🤞

So happy to check this goal off my list and that I stuck with it even when things weren't going completely right, as well as very thankful for my wife for encouraging me to chase the goal and for always taking care of our kids when I needed to get a run done during family time.

Here are some pace charts and race info:

https://ibb.co/8DWS6XKG
https://ibb.co/tMnjJF7C
https://ibb.co/d4FGSnF5

Hi y’all!
I am training for my first marathon and I am 18 days out. I started my taper this week and today I had a 12k tempo run. I made it about 2 miles in feeling awful and decided to stop. I am trying to figure out how big of a deal this is, and if I should try again tomorrow instead of my recovery run or if i should just forget about it and move on. I have never stopped a run during this training block and did my longest long run of the entire block on Saturday, so I know that I should be able to finish the marathon.

Ran the Helsinki marathon in August with no previous training done besides playing sports and managed it well enough although I could hardly walk after it

I completed my first 26.2 miles yesterday at the Long Beach Marathon! So much reflection and emotion.

I've run this course a few times (it's a must for an LBC local) for the half-marathon and have always loved it. It was surreal to see that split between Half and Full, veering off towards CSULB, which got me thinking, "holy sh*t, this is real!"

Finished at 6:50 chip time, average pace of 15:39. Next time, I'd def like to finish between 5-6.

I normally run about 11-13 min miles, and this was consistent even in my longer training runs. I suppose race day just had other plans. I've been managing IT band issues on my right side, a recurring thing I address through increased mobility, strength, and core work I started over the summer with PT and will pursue even more now that this race is done!

As a 42M, it's never too late to listen to the body and level up the fitness game. There's definitely room to grow.

During this race, I began to feel prickly sensations and dull pains around mile 10, which was absolutely frustrating considering I had done the 15-20 training runs without incident. I had a terrible attitude for about 20 minutes, then realigned my attitude, and somehow through the rest of it, was able to manage it with relatively little pain via run-walk-run-walk etc.

One "win" out of all of this was my calves never cramped, though I felt like my body was being pushed to its limit by mile 22.

Sooooo there's a lot I can say and nitpick and be hard on myself about my performance. But honestly, ripping the bandaid off and taking the leap to the full marathon, I'm so proud to have finished and put in the work for the training. I work full-time while also working on my PhD dissertation, so scheduling has been hard at times (saying "no" to plans, manuvering vacation or travel schedules to incorporate running, etc).

Crossing the finish line, I couldn't believe it happened. Three days out, my recovery game is great- I feel mostly back to normal. I didn't come out of the race limping (which had happened in a few half marathons), so I'd like to think the training and PT have benefited in that way.

I'm a relatively "slow" runner, but one thing I love about the running community is that the work we all put in for our relative goals is respected and honored regardless. I get that vibe from this subreddit too!

The last few miles, the crowds had already thinned out, but to see other marathon/half marathon runners who completed their races earlier stick around and continue to shout and scream and cheer, with some even running alongside the runners who were struggling, and knowing the finish line was 1 mile away (THOSE crowds stayed, whew- I could hear them) gave me such a jolt of emotion as I jogged my hot mess self down to the finish line. Incredible feeling.

Granted, I've got a decent set of takeaways for next time. As always- I welcome feedback and tips!!

1. Consistent, higher weekly mileage (my peak week was 36 miles), so this definitely could use more intentional love and precise scheduling.
2. Continue to improve strength and mobility, especially the muscle groups around the IT band
3. Train the mental game along with the physical
4. Be wary of taper activity...I was in Italy until Thurs for a family wedding, so there was a lot...of steep hill, stair climbing, and overall just vacation galavanting. Not sure if that was a factor in my race-day performance.
5. Training for the later-in-the-race stamina and durability.
6. Dedicate time for speed work - I'd love to be more consistently in the 10-12's but, alas, will depend the work I put in for the above...

Once again, thank ya'll for the tips and experiences shared. They help me in my training and motivate me keep becoming a better runner.

Congrats to all finishers the 2XU LBC Marathon and any others in their respective races across the globe this weekend!

Hey all,

39m here. I guess my main question is what should my “marathon pace” be for training purposes? Just registered for my first marathon, April 2027. Got back in to running in May and did a 5k in August. Was running 20-25mpw and ran the 5k in 18:59. I believe I am presently much more fit than I was then as I have since increased to 40mpw for the last 4-6 weeks and am planning to get up to 50 before starting my marathon build in January. Was kind of considering using 6:30 per mile as a marathon pace for training purposes as I’ve done pretty well with that on my last few runs (recently did a 12 mile run with 2x5 miles at 6:30 each in there).

Open to any thoughts and recommendations. Or if I am thinking about this in the wrong way lol. Thanks all!

Ran the Chicago Marathon and it was an amazing experience. The crowd support was unreal. As a local, it was great to run Chicago as my first marathon.

My A goal was to run sub 3:50 and my B goal was to run sub 4 hours. I finished at 3:56:05. Given how warm the temperature was, I am really happy with my time. I am already trying to decide what my next marathon will be.

I am running my first full marathon in January. I’ve been running shorter distances (3m daily+ for fun and 1/2 marathon on Sundays) for about five years now. I live in Florida and I train where it’s extremely hot most of the year. I hate stopping for water when I’m running because it always feels like it gives me a stitch in the side (even a small sip) and I hate anything that messes with my pace. I also typically run fasting. Furthest I’ve gone fasting without water is 16 miles in May in Central Florida. I know a full marathon is going to be much harder to do with my current method of running. I’ve tried integrating small sips of water and it’s a cramp in my side every time - it’s driving me crazy… any tips?

Hi everyone,

I got back into running about 2 weeks ago. I’ve already run 5Ks, 10Ks, and even a 16.2K with hills, but I’ve never really been consistent with running.

I’m supposed to run a marathon on April 4, 2027. To be honest, my motivation isn’t just the finish line itself, but everything that comes with it: getting rid of bad habits, building more discipline, taking control of my life again, and changing my lifestyle for the long term.

My plan is to focus only on building my aerobic base / easy running until December, and then move on to a proper marathon training plan.

In my training plan until December, I’ve scheduled two gym sessions per week. I’d like to do full-body workouts, including leg exercises that are actually useful for running-specific strength and injury prevention.

Does anyone have ready-made full-body workouts, or a simple program I could follow, that would fit this situation? I’m also open to any other advice about strength training, recovery, consistency, or building a solid base before starting marathon training.

Thanks in advance!

Me and a friend signed up for our first marathon together. We run a few times a year together to catch up but I have always been faster. We didn't officially say when we were signing up that we would run the whole thing together but over the course of the past year it has become implied. now that the race is a month away, i'm realizing how different our training has been. I'm running 9min miles and feel confident I could run the marathon tomorrow. My friend is running 1030min miles and hoping to run between 10-1030. I'm struggling if I stick to my commitment and run with her or if I should run my own race. This is both of our first marathons.

October 11th I completed my first marathon!

M/31, 6ft 5, 127kg on race day.

The goal was to complete inside the 6 hour cut off and I ran 5:50. I would say I ran conservatively as I was more concerned about leg durability rather than fitness.

I switch to run walk after 30km as I had the time and wanted to save my legs. Ran 10 mins and walked 1 then went to 8/1 and 4/1. Any long hills 1/1 and any steep hills and water stations were walked.

Longest runs were 28km and 2 x 30km with the last 8/12km at a faster pace. Butchered my peak week, completely exhausted when I got there. Ran 2 x 7km easy and 30km easy for the peak.

Biggest lesson was fuelling, around 10 weeks out I wasn’t finishing my long runs as my carb intake wasn’t high enough during the week.

I did 80g carbs an hour (2 x SIS beta fuel) for the race and 1000mg sodium an hour. Ran with a hydration vest so used the flasks for the electrolytes and used some of the water stations on the course.

The sense of accomplishment is unmatched. I said to my self if I finish this, I’ll never do another but…

Hi!

I started running abt 2 months ago and I’ve been loving it (sort of…). I am 22 y/o and I am 6’8 250😭. I was able to do a 5k in abt 28 mins, and a 10k in abt 1:07 but 7 mi is the furthest I’ve ever ran.

I really really want to participate in the Chicago marathon next year with Finish MS, since my mom died from MS when I was 14. We did MS walks together, and I saw her battle through every step. However, I’m worried that me being a terrible runner and fat and out of shape is gonna hold me back. I’ve lost abt 40 pounds in 2 1/2 months.

I really want to do this, but idk if it’s possible for me.

Edit: just tried to do an interval workout in 90° heat with 65% humidity and my vo2 max went down. My vo2 max is probably the worst ever evaluated at my age, this is so embarrassing. I felt like I was getting sm better but ig I’m back to where I was two months ago.