Marathon what am I doing wrong?
15 watchers
Nov 2021
4:07pm, 7 Nov 2021
First-time poster!!
|
Pascal
Good day, I’m hoping that you may be able to help/advise me what to do? The last 4 marathons I have ran have all resulted in me running out of energy and fatiguing at around the 15/16 mile mark. I was aiming for 4hrs 15mts. Halfway (last 2) 2hrs 1mts / 2hrs 5mts Training went very well. Followed the training plan to the letter: strathearnharriers.org.uk My long runs 20mile plus (longest 23miles) were all at 9:30 miling – and I felt fine. Tapering to 14mile & 12mile I was at 9 minute miling. Yet, I could not keep the 9:30 miling going in the race. During the race I consume 1 SIS isotonic gel every five miles plus water at each water station, and a caffeine gel at 23 miles. I also have a Cliff bar about 20mts before the start. And obviously porridge for breakfast before the race(s). Friday & Saturday meals: breakfast = porridge – lunch = banana – evening meal = pasta. Plus tea and digestive biscuits. I’m doing something wrong – but I can’t identify exactly what it is? Can you help??? Stay safe & take care. |
Nov 2021
4:36pm, 7 Nov 2021
52,603 posts
|
Derby Tup
Welcome to Fetch Pascal. What times have you finished in at the four marathons? I wonder if you’re being slightly ambitious trying to run faster in the race (in effect) that you’ve actually trained for. Your fuelling sounds sensible but maybe you need more calories eg gels, or solid fuel
|
Nov 2021
5:56pm, 7 Nov 2021
23,175 posts
|
Dave A
It sounds like your doing long runs at race pace. Run slower in training and do specific, shorter, sessions when running quicker.
|
Nov 2021
6:38pm, 7 Nov 2021
17,622 posts
|
Ness
Welcome to Fetch, Pascal. I’ve only run one marathon so don’t know if I can offer any advice. I think what Dave A said above makes sense though. |
Nov 2021
6:40pm, 7 Nov 2021
7,259 posts
|
FenlandRunner
Dave A has nailed it, the long slow run should be that. The emphasis on slow.
|
Nov 2021
6:44pm, 7 Nov 2021
32,229 posts
|
Ocelot Spleens
Yes. You're knacked by the time you get to the race, slow down your long runs, aim for more time on feet as much as distance. Don't forget cut back recovery weeks, so that your body knows what a taper is. Minimum 16 week plan.
|
Nov 2021
6:47pm, 7 Nov 2021
7,493 posts
|
Surrey Phil
If it was a warm day, I might suggest that the tea/caffeine may be dehydrating you as I have had that issue. In the days leading up to a marathon, I tend to only have a cup of tea with my breakfast and none on race day morning.
|
|
Nov 2021
7:11pm, 7 Nov 2021
2 posts
|
Pascal
Hi, Many thanks for all your help which is very much appreciated. Previous 4 marathon times: 2019 – 4hrs 23m 2019 – 4hrs 14m 2021 – 4hrs 29m 2021 – 4hrs 44m I thought that running, ‘roughly’ race pace would be OK in training.. Sounds like I need to slow down the long runs. I must admit in the last 2 marathons, I did a fair bit of walking for the last 10 miles… and perhaps I need to take on more fuel prior to the race? Appreciate all your support – thank you! |
Nov 2021
7:11pm, 7 Nov 2021
5,200 posts
|
Little Miss Happy
How many long runs do you do in the build up, what is your weekly mileage and when do you taper? Your long run pace should be 60 - 90 seconds slower than MP so I’d agree that you seem to be running them too fast.
|
Nov 2021
7:17pm, 7 Nov 2021
3,963 posts
|
Goofee
and perhaps I need to take on more fuel prior to the race? Appreciate all your support – thank you! Welcome to Fetch, Pascal. I would say the issue is more down to not being properly marathon fit rather than fuelling. Being fit enough to negatively split the marathon was key for me making improvement and that involved getting a lot of mileage in over several years. What is your best Half Marathon time? |
Related Threads
-
Marathon pacing advice
Mar 2025
-
The dreaded WALL!
Sep 2022
-
Tips for New Marathoners
Feb 2021
-
2 week or 3 week taper?
Feb 2017
-
Could you peek in here and comment on the last few weeks on my mara plan pretty please?
Feb 2014
-
Two days running one day off.
Jan 2014
-
20 mile races - good marathon prep or not?
May 2012
-
Marathon question just a quickie thanks
Jan 2012
-
Can anyone suggest a good way of carrying gels on a marathon?
Aug 2024
-
The psychological side of a marathon.
May 2023
Report This Content
You can report any content you believe to be unsafe. Please let me know why you believe this content is unsafe by choosing a category below.
Thank you for your report. The content will be assessed as soon as possible.