My 2nd toe, longer than my first, is getting bruised and sore and I am training for Chicago.
I have purchased larger socks and shoes and it is not quite working.
What do you all do to protect your linger toes from damage or pain?
19weeks from first marathon. I already have a base of ~50mpw.
Trying to figure out what plan I should use... Or maybe just do my own thing? Hal Higdon has a bunch of plans and Idk which one (if any) to choose. I already do 2hr long runs on the weekend (14-16 miles).
I have a time goal that I believe is reasonable for my first marathon, have two 10ks in the middle of the training block.
Any suggestions from those wiser than me? Feeling overwhelmed.
I did a 20 week training plan with Runna.
My peak week was 76.6km.
Runna estimated my race time to be 3:52 - 4:03
Garmin estimated 3:57:15
Strava estimated 4:10:12
I did the Gold Coast Marathon which is a nice flat course with top temperature being 20 degrees Celsius when I finished and wind got to 20km/hr so conditions were decent.
I finished in 3:59:27
So in conclusion, trust in the Runna training 😊
I was running 30+ miles a week consistently before the end of May. Then I got sick.
I went to multiple doctors throughout June. I was tested, prescribed antibiotics, told it was probably viral, and basically got, “It just has to run its course.” That was the extent of the help.
Now it’s July, and I still feel like a completely different runner.
Before this, 10 to 12 mile runs were normal. Now I’m exhausted after 3 miles. If I push past that, I can finish the run, but it feels like I’m dragging my body the entire way. My lungs feel like they just never recovered.
The frustrating part is that I don’t know if I’m making myself better by continuing to train or if I’m just digging a deeper hole.
I am training for my second marathon in October, with another in December and one in February. Before I got sick, I thought I had a legitimate shot at breaking 4 hours. Now I’m honestly wondering if I’ll even be close and whether I’ll be lucky to finish around 5.
Has anyone else had a virus completely destroy their aerobic fitness like this?
How long did it take before you felt normal again?
Did you just keep running through it, or did you completely back off until your lungs recovered?
At this point I’m honestly looking for some peace of mind because this has gone on way longer than I ever expected, and my doctors haven’t given me much beyond “it’ll get better.”
TL;DR: Healthy runner averaging 30+ miles per week. Got sick at the end of May. Multiple doctor visits, little improvement, and now I’m still exhausted after 3 miles more than a month later. Training for marathons in October, December, and February and wondering if anyone else has experienced a recovery this slow.
Hi first timers!
Only me again 😄
I see a lot of people in firstmarathon aiming for that sub-4 hour mark for their first marathon.
I wanted to share some of the biggest takeaways from my own training that finally got me under that 4-hour barrier.
12 marathons down, 8 under sub 4.
It took me a few failed attempts to get it right (and still learning!), but once I got it all sorted in training, nutrition, carb loading, mindset, fueling and execution on race day I haven't looked back.
Put together a little video (well, 15 minutes!) of some of the main things to do during your months of training for the marathon - that worked for me.
The video is here if your interested:
https://youtu.be/4O-Yu4B-p2c?si=-1T6pxCD6lIuIXhY
As always not to be spammy, here is the general gist of the video.
1. You need a pace buffer
To run exactly 3:59:59, your average pace needs to be 5:41/km (9:09/mile). But aiming for that leaves you with basically zero margin for error. Instead, aim for a 10-minute buffer. Aim for a 3:50 finish time. Meaning your actual target pace in training (and in your head!) should be around 5:27/km (8:46/mile).
It gives you breathing room for water stations, crowded corners, tough moment or a bathroom break (it can happen..!)
2. Are you actually ready? (The benchmarks)
A good way to gauge if you're in sub-4 shape before starting a block and attempting a sub-4 is seeing where your shorter distances are at.
Roughly speaking:
5K: ~25 minutes
10K: ~52 minutes
Half Marathon: ~1:54
Ish. Not an exact science but those are the sort of numbers to be hitting.
If you are not there yet, don't stress it. Just spend a few extra months building your base before jumping into that sub-4 14-18 week marathon block. Race shorter distances if needed.
3. You don't need carbon shoes
Don't blow your budget on carbon plates if you don't want to. Just get a solid rotation, one pair for easy runs, one for speed work, and maybe a fresh pair for race day (having worn them for a couple of long runs beforehand). Carb plated shoes definitely help (more in recovery after the marathon I’ve found).
4. The training block
Aim for 14-18 weeks, running about 5 days a week. I’ve tried shorter, but doesn’t seem to work. You have to mix it up alittle (in basic terms):
Uphill repeats: These are super for building strength and running form without the grind of a flat long run.
Speed work: Intervals and Fartleks to get some turnover in your legs. Once, twice a week max. But only one needed for sub 4 and if you’ve been running a while.
Easy runs: 30-50 mins at a spot on conversational pace. (I know boring!)
The Long Run: Gradually build up to 30-32km (about 20 miles). Don’t worry when you start - those distances look intimidating but by weeks 8 and 10 you’ll be ready.
5. DO NOT run the full distance in training
I see this question so much from the running club I’m a “pacer” for: “How will I know I can run 42.2km if I don't do it in training?"
Do not run the full distance before race day. The injury risk is huge, and it will take you 2-3 weeks just to recover from that one run, ruining your training block. Max out around 32km, or if hot and humid, max out your time on feet to 2.5 - 3 hours. The crowds and adrenaline will carry you those final 10km…..(I say that with a smile on my face).
6. Fueling and Carb Loading
Start carb loading 3 days out, we’re looking at 80% of your plate to be carbs (white rice, pasta, pizza, bagels etc). If you struggle to eat it all, drink liquid carbs like fruit juice (7-10g of carbs per kg of body weight is the target). On race morning, stick to what you know.
and practiced with. Simple, quick and relatively easy to digest 2 to 3 hours out before the marathon (think bananas, bagel, small helping of oats/porridge etc).
For me, it’s always bagels, jam, a banana, and coffee.
During the marathon take a gel every 25-30 (ish) minutes, put an alert on your watch if needed. You might end up taking up to 8 gels (22g per gel).
Practice this on every single long run so your stomach gets used to it, don’t shove down extra if you miss one!!
7. The pacing reality
Everyone talks about negative splits (running the second half faster), but for a first marathon, it's incredibly tough to pull off - actually forget that, first or 50th it’s difficult to do!! Most of us (myself included) run positive splits, banking a bit of time in the first half and holding on for dear life at the end (marathons wouldn’t be the same otherwise! 😂) Just get comfortable with that 5:27/km pace during your long runs - long runs, easy pace, last 5-8k marathon pace on SOME of them.
8. The Golden Rule
Nothing new on race day. No new shoes, no new gels, no new breakfast.
Basic stuff only if you know it!
Happy running and always happy to answer questions or give feedback on here or over on the channel!
Paul
Hi all-
I’m training for my first marathon and today is a rest day before my long run tomorrow but I’m feeling so guilty.
Today I already took my dog for an hour long walk and will walk more but I’m tempted to go train more because I feel bad for being so lazy
Here’s my usual weekly schedule (I walk a total of 20-25k steps per day including my run steps). I run 35-45 mpw right now and my race is in October.
My strength sessions are progressive overload and around 30 mins- 1 hour
I just feel so lazy and bad about eating as much on fridays if I take a true rest day. I’m sure I probably am but curious to know any thoughts
okay so I wanna run my first marathon in oct. the longest run I have ever done was 11 miles 2 months ago. I remember training for a half but had to cancel last minute bc my cat passed away. I did not run for two months until 2 weeks ago got back into it. I just ran a 5k and it was 34:33 and my fastest 5k ever is 29:32 a few months ago I ran a 10k in 1:00. do you think I can run a full marathon in 3 months. I know I could run a half if I had 2-3 weeks to prepare. I already signed up and I'm just planning to follow my Garmin plan but I wanna know if this is even possible.
Thank you!!!
I started running last October 2025 and decided that I want to do my first marathon in January 2027! What is a realistic goal time I should train towards and when should I start my training block/start increasing mileage?
For context, I’m 26 y/o female and never ran more than 2-3 miles before October of last year. I never played sports competitively and the only fitness background I have prior to running is going to the gym consistently (been going for over a year now). I signed up for my first 10k in December 2025 and did a 8-week training block through Runna & ran my first 10k in 54 minutes. At the time, I ran only twice per week in October-December but after my first race, I started taking running more seriously. By February 202), I started running 4x per week and structured all of my runs (1 tempo/track, 1 long run, 2 easy). Since then, I’ve ran 20-25+ mpw consistently aside from reload & race weeks. By April 2026, I ran my second 10k and cut my time down to 47 minutes & ran my first half marathon at the end of May 2026 where I ran 1:41! During the half marathon training block, I peaked at 33 miles for 2 weeks in a row, but mostly ran \~25 mpw for the two months prior.
Since my half marathon, I’ve continued to run 20+ mpw to maintain and started biking/swimming as well since I signed up for my first triathlon in August. I’m thinking about starting my marathon transition block after the triathlon and want to build from 20-25 mpw to hopefully 45-50mpw (gradually increasing \~10% per week). Is this a good plan? If I started my marathon block at end of August, I’ll have 18 weeks plus an extra week to deload. Or should I start increasing mileage earlier?
Based on this information, what goal time should I train for as well? My overall first goal is to finish the marathon and I have a second goal of subbing 4 hours, which I feel somewhat confident that I can so as long as I increase my weekly mileage as planned. But I’d like to set a third “timed/competitive” goal. Maybe sub 3:45? 3:35? I further plan to run another half marathon in October with the goal of sub 1:35 as another factor to consider. Is 45-50mpw with a peak of 55-60mpw enough or should I aim for more weekly mileage? I just don’t want to overdo it as I’ve been running for less than a year and go to PT for lower leg strengthening as I previously dealt with mild shin splints when I started running.
Appreciate any suggestions ahead of time, thank you!
I am doing a 23 week training block but I am freaking out about the 6:26 prediction. I don’t have a time goal so that aspect doesn’t bother me but I am worried about being able to be on my feet for that long.
Edit: Damn I am getting roasted in the comments so adding some more context 😅 I have done 3 half marathons. I did 9+1 last year to qualify for the NY marathon so I am not a complete newbie. Max miles I have run continuously are 15. I know I can do this just needed some support. And NY marathon is generous with the cut off times so I know even if I am the last runner to finish the cutoff time will not be the issue. Having said that it’s still daunting to stay on my feet for that long.
Thanks to everyone that posted a supportive comment ❤️ Much love.
Hello group,
new-ish runner here, currently training for a half-marathon later in august. I'd like to run a Marathon in 1,5 or 2 years. It is likely going to be the only one I do ever as I'll be 40M and I am a heavy runner so I don't know about my knees.
What Marathon would you suggest for me?
I am in eastern Canada and don't mind traveling for it, I could coincide it with vacations :) I'd really like to run in a nice place.
Cheers
It was rought took around 5 minutes but I did it. I think I can do the marathon in november
Got into running in the last couple of years having lost a ton of weight. Now running a lot (25-30 miles per week) and done a few half marathons.
Entered a marathon a while ago to give myself a goal, which is now 10 weeks away. At the time I booked it, the distance was incredibly intimidating and served as real motivation to get to grips with long runs.
Now, however I'm used to long runs and fairly comfortable with them. Ran a half in 1:53 at the weekend and aside from some aching quads for 24 hours after no issues.
So in terms of the marathon distance, I'm confident that with the correct training plan I can do it. My problem is now I look at my training plan, and I feel no enthusiasm whatsoever for my long runs. In fact it's making me feel negative about running - I see a Parkrun or 10k I'd like to do and I think "can't do that, supposed to do a 28km training run on Sunday".
I suppose what I'm asking is - has anyone gone through this kind of mental block before a first marathon? And if so, is it telling me what I think it is, that I just don't want to do it badly enough?
I’m running my first marathon at the end of this month, the SF Marathon. I’ve been dealing with on-and-off shin splints and IT band pain during this training block, so I’ve cut out most interval and speed workouts and have mostly been sticking to long runs and slower/easy runs.
My legs have been feeling heavy lately, and I’ve also had some burning sensations, so I’m trying to be careful and not make anything worse. That said, I’m starting to feel like I’m losing my speed and fitness from skipping faster sessions.
If the pain stays manageable and doesn’t worsen, what would be the safest way to add a little speed back in this close to race day?
For context, this is my first marathon, so I’m not trying to do anything reckless. Just trying to figure out how to sharpen up a bit without aggravating the shin/IT band issues.
I am a total new runner but really enjoying it. I have found that it feels great physically, which I was anticipating, but also helps so much mentally. I currently run 5 times a week (three of those are easy runs, 1 is a speed session, and 1 long run). I find that even with running more than I have ever run in my life I have a hard time taking rest days. I conceptually realize the importance of it but still can't help feeling crappy when I skio those days. My question is... if I take REALLY slow "runs" on these days (like zone 1) is that physiologically similar to an actual rest day? Does anybody do this or am I just being stubborn and stupid?
for context i am a 16yr old female, i’ve done cross country for three years, but I didn’t do it last year because my other extracurriculars always fell the same time as practice. i’ve been running nearly every day since my 5K PR is 22 mins but that was over a year ago.
Since I’m not running with my schools team anymore, I’ve been trying to run every day, but it usually ends up being like 4 to 5 times a week instead and I haven’t been doing that many hill, workouts or tempo, I do them sometimes but maybe once a month.
For context, I have ran 10 miles at a time three times before and my average mile pace was between nine and 10 minutes for each of those three runs but again those were all over a year ago and the last time I ran even 5 miles was a few months ago. I still have been trying to run every day and I run a mile to 2 miles but I haven’t been getting my mileage up and I want to run a marathon by may. i’ve obviously never ran a marathon so I also don’t know if this is a completely unrealistic goal to have either??
I’m currently figuring out running in the heat of the summer does not pair well with me. right now where I live it’s around 90° every day and my blood sugar also drops easily. I know a lot of people on the Internet say that you shouldn’t be needing gels unless you’re running over 20 miles, but I wanted to see what the sub Reddit had to say and if people do recommend that I take gels to keep my sugar up what gels taste the best? I know a lot of people also say to use the treadmill, but I feel like my feet drag on the treadmill and I have no motivation or willpower to keep running after like the 1st mile because I feel like I’m not going anywhere and I’ve tried YouTube videos of like videos on trails that progress as you go forward, but those don’t do anything for me.
Also, if anyone could give me like a rough outline to try to run one with a consistent mile pace between eight and nine minutes by the end of may, I would greatly appreciate it? and this might be crazy, but does anyone think that it would be somewhat realistic goal to have an average mile pace, sub eight minutes?? Also, any other running tips or workouts/exercises that help a lot of people?
I ran my first half marathon last weekend and surpassed my expectations pretty significantly (1:45 goal but ended up running 1:39). Im coming to you all for a bit of a reality check.
Some background. Ive been running for roughly 9 months with specific marathon training planning starting about 6 months ago. Outside of missing about 2 weeks in March due to an injury that we dealt with via PT I have been pretty religious about my training plan.
6 foot 2 and 185 lbs. 40 years old.
Weekly runs:
PBs:
I now have roughly 14 weeks until my first marathon and with the progress I've made so far im looking to possibly set a 3:30 goal for the marathon.
My long runs will peak around 22-24 miles in the coming block, and I anticipate running about 55-60 miles in my peak training weeks.
The marathon is a completely different animal than the half, im very much aware of this. With all of this background how feasible do you believe a 3:30 would be for a first time marathoner?
Thanks in advance!
My wife just pulled out of a marathon that is about 5 weeks away. I’ve said that I’ll take her entry and run it. I’ve never ran a marathon before, half’s are more my thing.
I’ve been having a good consistent year of running this year so far, and have PB’d every distance (5km 20:53 | 10KM 43:15 | Half-m 1:37:33). I’ve also been averaging at least 40km per week apart from the odd de-load week for over 2 months now.
My COROS is estimating I can run a 3:25 which I think is very ambitious. I’m keen to see if a sub 3:30 is achievable though. My biggest concern is my lack of mileage. I ran 25km’s this weekend and plan to run a 30km and 35km the next few before a 2 week taper.
What are my chances of going sub 3:30? Is my body going to simply not have the strength to run for that long seeing as I never have? What should I be prioritising both in the next month and on race day to see where I can get to?
Thanks!
Hi first timers!
Hope all is good and training is going well!
One thing I don’t think thats discussed as much as it should when it comes to running first time marathons is nutrition. Not just during it, but as your training and the minutes after you cross that finish line (which you will!)
I’ve put together a quick video on my YouTube channel giving an overview of how, well in my amateur experience, to do it properly. Title of the vid says sub-4 but it pretty much applies to first timers regardless of goal time!
Having done 12 marathons - the ones where I’ve done the best and felt the best are the ones where I’ve sorted my nutrition out.
If you want something to whittle away 7 minutes (😂) of your time here it is: https://youtu.be/jPVgN3KlmQ8?si=OSZYm3g2JJkpNT0d
(And don’t be put off by the thumbnail image - I love a good burger during training..!)
But as always not to be spammy here is the general gist of the video.
In my early marathons I used to guess what to eat and hope for the best, but after finishing - but not enjoying a few, I finally took a look at what I was putting in my body.
And to be honest, nothing ground breaking here, common sense but the key is just being consistent.
1. Daily Training Nutrition
You can't eat “bad stuff” 4 times a week for 16 weeks and expect to feel good on race day.
Focus on getting complex carbs before your runs to fuel up, and 20 to 30 grams of high-quality protein right after to repair your muscles.
Hydration isn't just something you do when you’re thirsty, you need to hit your baseline consistently every single day so your body actually absorbs it.
2. The Carb Load (Starts 3 days out)
I used to have a massive bowl of pasta the night before (aka the pasta party!) but that usually just left me feeling too heavy and super sluggish at the start line in the morning.
For me, the real carb load starts 72 hours before the race and in particular the 3 and 2 days out is the most important. Yes there lots of debate about whether it should be 2 or 3 days. But for me 3 days seems to hit the spot.
Aim for around 7 to 10 grams of carbs per kilo of body weight. Easiest way to do this without feeling incredibly bloated is to drink your carbs. Fruit juice and sports drinks are your goto during those three days - but you’ll be sick of them soon enough!
The usual: bagels, rice, pizza (2 days out) and pasta are your best solid food bets.
3. Race Day Fueling
One thing I learned pretty quickly, and I misunderstood fuelling in race altogether for my first couple of marathons, is simply don’t wait until you feel tired to take a gel.
I aim for about 80 grams of carbs an hour. For me, that means taking a gel every 25 minutes like clockwork from the start. Literally put an alert on your watch to remind you. If you miss one, don’t cram in an extra one.
Don’t forget the salt/sodium. If your fingers are swelling up or your quads start twitching late in the race, your body needs sodium. I try for 500 to 700 milligrams of sodium an hour using salt tabs. Game changer for me, less fatigue and virtually no cramping.
4. The Recovery Window
When you cross the finish line, your immune system is all over the place. Don't go straight to the pub for a burger and a pint just yet! (Although the bars in Paris were great and close to the finish line!).
20 to 30 grams of protein and 60 grams of carbs in within the first hour to get things moving again. (You’ll still walk like a zombie for a bit, but the next day shouldn’t be too bad). Then eat your burger!
Hopefully this helps. Any questions, comments or thoughts happy to answer on here or over on the channel!
Happy running!
Paul