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The sub 3.30 marathon thread

5 lurkers | 193 watchers
Apr 2012
10:34pm, 25 Apr 2012
17,422 posts
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HappyG(rrr)
I think for most people being slowed down at the start is an advantage. I don't have the stats but I would say it's 80 / 20 of those who struggle in their marathon or are disappointed with their time went off too fast vs. went off too slow and feel they could have gone quicker. So, anyting that holds you back at the start is your friend. A congest VLM start might, in the long run (sorrry ! :-P ) help you to a better overall race performance. Good luck slowfish (think I said that over ---> there arlready somewhere!) :-)G
Apr 2012
8:46am, 26 Apr 2012
13,787 posts
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flanker
well done to all those who broke the 3:30, esp to Clare for a fantastic run!

It didn't happen for me (although after the bank holiday triple I didn't really expect it to!). Tried 8mm for the first few miles but didn't manage to hit the pace in the crowds from blue pen 3. By 4 miles I was having to work at it and should have eased back, but persevered to 8 miles. I managed to get the overall pace down to 8:03 but by then I'd knew I was working far too hard for so early in the race and would pay later, so started to ease it back. Calf went at 16 miles and I then had 10 demoralising miles of walking/hoblling/shuffling while everyone streamed past me. Stopped for G&T at fetchpoint, and eventually finished in 4:08 - a course PW.

Maybe next year...

(and maybe i should copy & paste this into a race blog!)
Apr 2012
9:28am, 26 Apr 2012
1,298 posts
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slowfish
Thanks :-)G - I'm definitely with you on the going off slow approach. In most of my races (10 miles and over) I run negative splits, set off slow and then slowly increase the pace. I guess it's just a confidence thing. I hate the thought of blowing up.

I know that means I'll never reach my potential as I dont run right on the edge the whole way but I think I can handle that, especially in my first few marathons. Maybe once I have a few more under my belt and have more confidence I'll change my approach.

Being lurking here and on the sub-3.15 thread as my half time says I can go sub-3.15. Training has gone well but to be honest I will be over the moon with sub-3.30 as it will be a 30 min PB!!

I quite like this race-day plan, it really suits me! feelrace.com
Thanks to another Fetchie for this, I *think* it was Paul the Builder.
Apr 2012
11:01am, 26 Apr 2012
4,233 posts
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Smout
I like tLanier of the plan but the HR is a bit low for me! When I put in 3:09 an max of 202 it's no as high as mine was :-o.
Apr 2012
11:31am, 26 Apr 2012
1,957 posts
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clare1976
and my favourite VLM race report so far "Stopped for a GnT at Fetchpoint..."

so that's where I went wrong ;-) love it x
Apr 2012
12:37pm, 28 Apr 2012
396 posts
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Nelly
Good luck slowfish & puffinnuffin at Manchester tomorrow. I may or may not join you for the first few miles at 8mm to see how I feel after VLM.
Apr 2012
1:51pm, 28 Apr 2012
35 posts
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puffinnuffin
Last run this morning felt comfortable. One more sleep to go. Unfortunately I won't be arriving in Manchester until late (I can't leave London until after 7.00 tonight. My plan is to set of at 7.40s aiming for 3.20, and I will reassess at ten miles to see if I think 3.20 or 3.30 is more likely and take it from there. My biggest concern is the wind but not worthing about things we can't control. Good Luck All.
Apr 2012
1:53pm, 28 Apr 2012
36 posts
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puffinnuffin
Hi Slowfish,

I have seen elsewhere you are thinking about sub 3.15 or sub 3.30. I think there is a big gap between these times and aiming for 3.20 or 3.25 might be worth thinking about?
Apr 2012
2:23pm, 28 Apr 2012
4,244 posts
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Smout
Hope you can all have fun out there folks. Enjoy an dig in..... You get to 23 an it's 'only' a Parkrun to go :-)
Apr 2012
2:27pm, 28 Apr 2012
13,020 posts
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Fenland Runner
Weather will be a big factor tomorrow. Seriously not expecting many quick times as the combination of heavy rain and gale force wind will be significant barriers to overcome.

About This Thread

Pop a message in the thread with an upcoming attempt and I'll add you to the side bar :)

2025 Sub 3:30 Attempts:

Oct 12th - Chicago, USA - Mark J
Oct 19th - Goodwood - ptr_runner
Nov 23rd - Maravan - Riggys99

-----------------------

2025 Sub 3:30 Achievers:

Christchurch, NZ - Mark J - 3:07:55 PB
Leipzig, Germany - Tipsku - 3:28:47 SB
London - Auburnette - 3:20:43 PB

2025 Very Honourable Mentions:
London - SailorSteve's run/walk sub 4 - 3:53:40

-----------------------
2024 Hall of Fame:

SailorSteve - London - 3:17:08 & Edinburgh - 03:24:09
auburnette - London - 3:28:47 & Valencia - 3:20:50
Tipsku - Leipzig, Germany - 3:27:26
Mark J - Christchurch, NZ - 3:12:24
MissingPhoenix - Chester - 03:28:40
  • Show full description...

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