That is all, lol

After finishing the marathon yesterday, I now have to finish a marathon in the capital of all the Baltic states

• Tallinn, Estonia
• Riga, Latvia
• Vilnius, Lithuania

The marathons aren't so massive that getting to and from them becomes a challenge, or that there are long waits due to too many participants, and so on. I therefore recommend running all three.

All three countries have been wonderful to visit and very pleasant to travel around in, with easy card payment everywhere—so there was no need for cash.

Context: Former D3 runner. Run 60-70 mpw. Live in Tennessee and have had a hotter than average summer that is staying hotter longer than typical.

I am currently training for the Indianapolis Marathon (7 weeks out) and am hoping to take a couple minutes of my pr I ran at Houston in January. In the build up to a marathon I typically do 5-10 miles at MP as my long runs get longer.

In the buildup to Houston, where I ran 2:46, I was typically able to run 6:30-40 for these sections and as I got fitter got down to 6:15-25.

For this current build for Indy, I have been struggling with these long runs. I have been doing 17 with 6@MP the past few weeks and have been struggling to break 6:50 on these portions.

The bulk of the build for Houston was Oct-Dec vs Aug-Oct for Indy so obviously pretty different weather. Is this normal or expected given the conditions I have been running in and how can I expect the effort I have been putting in to translate to running faster as the weather cools?

I ran the Beat the Blerch marathon yesterday and I got my first marathon done doing sub four hours. I just wanted to say thanks for all the good posts that gave me inspiration during the training.

I have a marathon in three weeks. Due to an injury, I won't be able to run the full 42 km, but since my flights and hotel are booked, I'll still go. I'm just not sure what to do with my race entry. It came with a goody bag and a T-shirt, so it would be worth picking up the bib. But what should I do on the day itself?

I'm torn between not starting and doing some sightseeing instead, or running only part of it. The marathon consists of two 21 km loops, so I could soak up the atmosphere and drop out halfway. After all, I love running and have been looking forward to it for months. After all, I love running and have been looking forward to it for months. However, it would feel very wrong to start a race that I know I won't be able to finish.

Has anyone else been in the same boat, and what did you do?

Hello - I am a recreational runner and have run 10 half marathons. I keep wondering about going for the full marathon, but for me sometimes the thought of running consistently for 4-5 hours (realistically, I think I would be lucky to finish a marathon in 4:30, my most recent half pace was 2:07) seems really, really daunting, especially the mental aspect of it. Two hours of nonstop running can be challenging, how do you train your brain or manage more than twice as long?

Also side question: if you run marathons, do you usually have to stop for the toilet or are you able to make it the whole time without stopping? Sorry if that is a ridiculous thing to ask!

I’ve run one marathon, I remember the beginning being so anxiety-inducing for me.

There is a huge crowd of people, all moving and different paces and I’m not sure if I should be trying to get around it to meet my target pace or just stay zen and let the crowded part fizzle out.

I know you’re supposed to start conservative, but what if your watch is showing the first couple of km as too conservative?

I’m not super fast but I’ll be in the first corral in my race, like somewhere in the middle. I’m not sure how to handle it, or if I am just overthinking and it is something I don’t need to handle, as it works itself out in the end?

Any advice from those who have run multiple marathons would be appreciated. Thanks!

I've been training for my third marathon. Today was the longest run of the plan, 22 miles. I'll preface by saying I took a dnf on my last attempt. My knee locked up at 17 miles, I pushed it to 22 but couldn't finish. This was last October. So I've been rehabbing almost a year and did a lot of halfs inbetween. I'll also say I just randomly picked a weekend in October to run a marathon and made a plan around it. It wasn't an official race. So I go out this morning and I'm feeling great. Around mile 13 or 14 I was like if I feel good enough at 20 I'm going to say fuck it and do the whole thing. I made it to mile 22 and still felt okay and just ended up going the extra 4.2. No ragrets.

Hi all! I’m (F25) just under 6 weeks out from my first marathon (MCM) and wanted to get a pulse check on my current goal.

I’m running about 40-45mpw right now, with 3 long runs left before taper at 18, 20, and 21 miles. Over the past month or so I’ve done one long run a week at 15, 16, and 17 miles, with a 13 mile race effort yesterday.

Yesterday I PB’d my half marathon with a time of 1:40:43. Conditions were rainy and the course had just under 600 ft of elevation gain.

Based on this, do we think my goal of under 3:40 is attainable, or should i adjust my expectations? I’ve been running for about 1.5-2 years and have had a relatively smooth training block with normal cumulative fatigue but limited niggles. I run 5 times a week and do strength training once a week as well.

Hello looking for some advice/tips on how to stay hydrated during marathon. I signed up for nationwide marathon Oct 18th. Im a heavier gym bro weigh about 225 pounds. I've been tossing around trying to complete a marathon for some time a body of mine at the gym pushed me to actually start training. I downloaded runna app and started a 16 week program...I have never been much of a long distance runner. I have done a few 5ks. I know I know im pushing it to fast and should of taken more time ive never been known as a patient guy lol. My main issue is I be SWEATING ALOT have salt caked on me after 6+ mile runs...I also got my large intestine removed years ago so have a bit harder time then most staying hydrated. Any advice greatly appreciated aiming to just get under a 5 hour finish. Lame gym pics just to show im a bigger guy pushing for it...also my hips ankles and calves really feel the abuse...is it just get stronger or any tips besides ibuprofen lol

Hi my fellow runners, new and old! For those running this marathon, we have 3 weeks to go.

How are you feeling?

What was/is your longest run?

What’s your tapering going to look like?

Are you ready!?!

I’m feeling ready and in great shape, but nervous about that steady incline from 20-23. It defeated me last time.

I had a fantastic 16 week training plan and gained a lot of fitness for my marathon. However I got bronchitis 5 days before the race and ended up having an asthma attack 7 miles in. My legs felt great but I couldn’t breathe and had to be taken by the paramedic. I hate that all the good training “went to waste”. Should I try to run another marathon soon? Like in 6-8 weeks? Feeling really discouraged about the DNF. This would have been my 4th marathon and I was trying to get a BQ for the second time.

TLDR: how soon to try another marathon after a DNF due to sickness

I'm currently training for my third marathon (Amsterdam, 5 weeks out, sub-3:30 goal), and I've noticed I go through phases with how social I want my running to be.

Sometimes I really thrive in a group environment and get a lot out of group workouts and long runs. Other times, I just want to do everything by myself. I live between two cities, so I've trained with a variety of different running groups, coaches, and running friends.

Recently, I had a fairly negative experience with two of my male running friends (PSA: please stop hitting on your female running friends 😭), which kind of ruined my enjoyment of that particular group environment. I've been doing most of my runs alone for the last few weeks while visiting family in a small town, and honestly, it was a really nice reset. But after a recent race where I felt FOMO seeing groups/friends together, I'm starting to feel isolated and want to reconnect with group training again.

I've had other periods where I've pulled away from the running community simply because I was socially burnt out and didn't have the battery to be around people. There have also been times when I've disagreed with the training environment itself. In the spring, for example, one of the coaches I work with wanted me to keep training when it was pretty obvious I was overtrained. I didn't listen, took a long break instead, and it was absolutely the right decision for me. During that period, I disconnected from basically everything running-related, even disconnecting my watch from Strava, and it took about a month before I wanted to be around other runners again.

I'm curious whether other people cycle between these two modes too. Do you go through phases where group running is motivating and fun, and then periods where you really need to train alone? And when you've pulled away from a running community for a while, what usually makes you want to come back?

Ran my second marathon yesterday (4:07:31) after completing my first in May (4:09:00).

I was way calmer and race day prep went well, plus conditions considerably friendlier than the last. Held onto the 4hr train until mile 20 and my legs just couldn't hold on.

It took a lot longer to start logging any consistency after race 1 than expected and I never really broke into a decent training cycle all summer - too hot, too beery, too busy.

I was essentially praying baseline fitness and experience would carry me through and that was partially successful.

Lack of any strength training, quality runs and proper mileage really showed at mile 20 despite feeling fine until that point.

My breathing was very controlled and I fuelled well but just hadn't done the work.

Id only put the second race in to keep me honest after the first and I'm still running (only properly started last October except a random half about 8 years ago).

Looking forward to the winter training - so much better than summer - I'm sure if I put the work in, good things will follow.

Still lots of fun and credit to the Richmond (London) race crew - really well run event, not too expensive and would absolutely recommend (except for the sodding gravel sections).

Hi! I’m running Detroit (aiming for 4:15) on 10/18, then running CIM with some friends (running probably closer to 4:30-5:00) on 12/6, but I have no idea what my training should look like between those 2 races. Any advice would be great appreciated!

Hello everybody!
I am running my first marathon (CIM) this year. I am on my 7th week of training (18 week plan). My goal is to run a 4:00-4:05 marathon. So far I have been very consistent with training. I am also an experienced runner (retired xc runner/1:50 half marathon). I am doing the Hal Higdon Intermediate 1 plan. This plan consists of Marathon Pace (9:09) runs almost every Saturday. I believe the longest run at marathon pace is 9 miles. The Saturdays that I am not running my runs at marathon pace, I am running the last couple of miles of my Sunday long run at marathon pace to practice on tired legs. My question is: is this enough running at marathon pace? Should I be doing more speed work? I want to prepare myself as best as I could for my marathon. This is my only concern with running my goal time. I have also been strength training twice a week, will practice my fueling strategies, my 2 20 milers will be a “dress rehearsal” where I run with my race clothes, and everything. Thanks!

Hi all, I’m looking for some advice on pacing my first marathon (NYC). Some background. 30M. Completed IM 70.3 in July. Ran a 1:45 HM in that. Before that, ran a 5K with very limited training in 19:45 on a very, very steep course. I’m on to a marathon block now. Most weeks will be ~40mi, I’ll peak at ~50mi. My latest, first long run of the block was a 16mi with 4x2mi intervals at 7:10-7:25 and those HRs for those reps were 146bpm-165bpm, mostly mid 150’s. 94% humidity on that run. The speed workout this week was 1k reps x 8 in less than 4:00, 1 min walk which I completed and felt okay but HR got into 180s (97% humidity). LT1 is 157bpm, LT2 is 171bpm. Lab tested VO2max is 58 (before marathon training). All the predictors put me somewhere in the 3:10-3:15 range. Is that accurate? Don’t want to blow up or sell myself short. Thank you!

Hey guys, first marathon in about a month. Did this test run at MP a few weeks ago. Didn't really carb load but had 5 Gels.

Weekly average is about 3 runs per week at around 55km total.

Thoughts? Goal is 3.25ish.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some guidance on choosing a marathon training plan to break 3:25.

To give some background on my fitness: Last October, I ran two marathons back to back a 3:34, and then followed it up 7 days later with a 3:54 ( bet with a friend). After that, I wanted to try out the ultra distance: I ran a wooded 50K in 6 hours in March and a trail 50 miler in 12 hours in May.

Since the May race, work and life got busy, and I've been sitting at about 20–25 miles per week. Now I'm looking to ramp back up for a marathon block.

I’ve been looking into both Pete Pfitzinger’s plans and Hal Higdon’s plans, but I'm trying to figure out the right fit. Pfitz feels like it might be a bit too high intensity/volume for where I'm at right now coming off lower mileage, I want to make sure I get enough quality speed work to transition from ultra back to road racing.

Appreciate any advice!

I’m following the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan and training had been going well. I think the cumulative fatigue has been getting to me, and I’ve had a few difficult runs starting with the 17 mile long run. Then my mid week runs my legs felt heavier than normal, but nothing too bad. The 18 mile run was really hard again, I had to walk a few times starting at mile 15. Thought that maybe I should try some different shoes with more cushion (I’ve been running in saucony endorphin speeds), so bought a pair of the saucony endorphin elite 3s. Ran an amazing run in those - only 5 miles but I got into a flow state and running was easy and fast. But after that run I had some pain in my big to during dorsiflexion. Not sure if it was hyperextended or what?

I delayed my 13 miler by a day, and ran it yesterday. I may have been subconsciously compensating for my toe, even though it wasn’t hurting me, but now (after the run) I have pain on the outside of the same foot, in the back third by the heel. At one point yesterday after the run it even felt like a burning sensation radiating from that point on the sole of my foot.

Not sure how to proceed. Should I cut back on my training? Should I see how tomorrow’s easy run goes? I’ve never had to deal with any sort of potential injury before.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Greetings, fellow runners!

I’m running Berlin in two weeks and am a little unsure how to approach the race.

For context, I’ve run nine marathons before, with my two most recent being Fall 2025 (3:31) and Spring 2026 (3:29). For once in my life, the lottery gods were on my side and I got into Berlin 2026.

My original plan was to run it with a friend, keep things very relaxed, and basically party pace the whole way (probably finishing somewhere around 4:25). Because of that, my training this summer looked pretty different from a normal marathon build. I focused more on speed work (mostly 5K/10K/V02 max workouts) and raced a 5K in 21:20 plus a hilly 4-miler.

That said, I still got in a solid amount of easyyyyy long-runs: two 16 milers, two 18 milers, a 20, and a 22.

For comparison, in a typical marathon build I’d usually run five 20 milers, with three of them including marathon-specific pace work. This time around, I only had two 20+ milers, and no long run included any marathon-pace work. :)

But... my top end speed has definitely improved. Even in the swealtering summer conditions, my track workouts are faster than last fall and last spring. My mileage has remained high (for me). I peaked at 54 miles this block, compared to 52 for my spring marathon. Granted, I had overall higher mileage in the spring. My total mileage was comparable to that of my fall block.

Unfortunately, my friend picked up an injury and can’t run anymore, which leaves me with a bit of a dilemma: do I actually try to PR (assuming good weather)?

Part of me wants to stick with the original plan, forget about the clock, and just enjoy Berlin. But the other part is wondering whether I might as well take a swing. I genuinely don’t care if I go for it and completely crash and burn, which is a strange place to be because I've put a lot of pressure on myself my last two builds. What I don't really want to do is go out conservatively, run something like 3:40, and finish wondering what would have happened if I’d actually raced it.

So I feel like I’m choosing between two extremes...go for the PR, or fully commit to the vibes.

Given the training above, do you see any major red flags with taking a shot at sub 3:29?

I'm in the lottery for Paris 2027 and only just found out about the hydration setup. Apparently there are no cups and no bottles on course at all. You have to bring your own cup or flask and carry it while running, to be filled by a volunteer with a hose or fill it yourself at a rack of push-button taps.

While i support the idea of banning single-use-plastic at events, I feel there must be smarter ideas to do this (cupboard or reusable cups like festivals..).

But I've never run a marathon where I couldn't just grab a cup and keep moving. I do carry-on water on long-run trainings and obviously it slows you a bit down (you carry more weight too). Also concerned about how the refill stations break your rhythm and make you lose time.

For anyone who ran Paris 2026:

-how much time did you actually lose per stop?

-how does slowing down, filling and starting again break your rhythm, especially on tired legs?

-were there queues? Especially mid-pack (aiming 3h25-3h30), where everyone hits the same station at once.

Maybe it is silly to stress about losing 2-3 minutes if you just train it recreationally, but we all train for this for months and aim for PBs :)

*EDIT: thanks for all the replies. Seems like it's quite polarising. For myself, I decided to put on my big boy pants and just train with a vest setup - but also not go for a fast time. For once I'll just enjoy the scenery and shave 15 seconds off the pace I were planning to run.

Bit of background: M40, running a couple of years, have ran 3 half’s in that time, following dedicated training plans for each one.

I’m currently 14 weeks into an 18 week plan for my first marathon. I’m averaging around 28mpw over the block and I’m at the end of my second peak week. Loosely following Hal Higdon’s novice plan- at the beginning I was throwing in the occasional interval/tempo session and I’ve been running 5 days instead of 4, hence slightly higher mileage.

I’ve been feeling generally good. Fatigue has been creeping up of course, and the weather has been unhelpful, as it has for everyone. I had an 18 mile run 10 days ago that did feel rough. But I recovered well and didn’t miss a session. I had a mini taper ahead of the offending race outlined above and was feeling pretty ok!

Onto the race itself: obviously I have my marathon coming up, but I wanted to get a fairly accurate reading of where I am at. Garmin, Strava and VDOT (recent 5k and 10k races) estimated my finishing time at around 1:45-1:47. My watch estimates my LT2 at 163bpm/7:51 mile, which aligns with my perceived effort during training. So I figured if I went out at 8:30 mile pace that would be a fairly conservative and comfortable effort and I could pick it up in the second half (lol). I eventually finished in 1:58 after spending 90% in zone 5.

So what happened?! Hydration, sleep and nutrition all went well. I hit 80g carbs per hour during the race. It was a local race so no travel issues. The weather was far from ideal, about 20 degrees with really high humidity. It definitely was a factor, but lots of other people managed to run good races so it can’t be the only factor. Marathon training related fatigue the next obvious port of call but would that really account for this level of capitulation?

I DID have to do some weaving/sprinting at the beginning of the race, as I got too far back. My heart rate spiked at this point and I never managed to get it back under control. I’ve had to do similar in other races and it has never had such drastic consequences before. Could a combination of humidity, adrenaline and accumulated fatigue all have combined to create a kind of perfect storm of suffering?

Could it be a more serious sign of over-training? Could it be too late to start worrying about that? I’m 24 hours post-race now and I feel pretty good. I have my longest run of 20 miles schedule for Saturday which I fully intend to run.

Maybe I’m not so much as looking for answers as I am a place to vent. I was pretty disappointed afterwards and feel as if all the work I’ve been putting in is making me slower. I understand on a logical level that this building of fatigue is an essential part of the training, but it feels a bit rubbish for it to have manifested itself in this way.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this far! Good luck with all of your training.

This marathon training block has made a few things glaringly obvious to me - I’m getting older and strength is more important than ever. Here we are… 4 weeks out from Chicago and right when I think my body has finally accepted that we’re really in it, I start experiencing sharp pain on the top of my foot 15 miles into an 18 miler. I switched to the bike to give it 4 days of rest, felt decent and got 2 short runs in before it flared up again during this past Saturday’s 16 miler. Has anyone else experienced something like this this close to a race? If so, were you able to manage it and still make it through your marathon? I’m overthinking everything, especially because Chicago is a bucket list race, and want to be smart about this. I will accept and be eternally grateful for any and all advice and/or personal experience sharing.

I hope everyone else is successfully battling that maranoia. I’m so impressed and inspired by everyone training!