The Sub 3:15 Marathon Thread
340 watchers
8 Feb
2:41pm, 8 Feb 2026
1,881 posts
|
Shortcut Cam
For me, P&D called for 13 mile at MP as part of a long run this week
|
8 Feb
2:50pm, 8 Feb 2026
28,379 posts
|
larkim
My upbringing with P&D would mean I wouldn't flat out race more than a 10 mile race during the plan period, but agree in general that a flat out HM with a tiny mini taper and a couple of following lighter days should do nothing but good for a marathon plan.
|
8 Feb
2:59pm, 8 Feb 2026
19,813 posts
|
jda
I was switching a raced half in for a workout that asked for a long MP run, the JD book endorsed that approach.
|
8 Feb
3:13pm, 8 Feb 2026
6,981 posts
|
Windsor Wool
jda wrote: I always raced hard in the training block (albeit not a full taper etc, maybe a couple of lighter days). Reckoned this was the best way to gauge fitness. It’s not like a raced half is going to harm your training. This. Do a couple of miles warm-up and a couple down around an all-in effort. Having the HM done allows you to set the mara target. That’s contingent on having the miles in training to back up the conversion of course. After all, there’s no way I could run a sub 3:30 right now!! |
|
8 Feb
3:14pm, 8 Feb 2026
6,982 posts
|
Windsor Wool
Shortcut Cam wrote: That’s a fantastic time @Windsor Wool I ran a 1:41 at Farnborough. Could have been sub-1:40 but lacking confidence as not raced a Half since 2020. I took it steady first 12k then opened the throttle and finished strongly. I see that fast finish Cam. Bet that felt good. |
8 Feb
4:19pm, 8 Feb 2026
3,648 posts
|
STOOSH
Well done on the half's today - ww - good solid time working back towards sub85. Shortcut cam - nice confidence booster to finish strong, should help you to run a little more aggressive next time out. I need to find a race to see where my current fitness is. I've not run a half in 3years so would ideally target one rather than a shorter race. |
|
8 Feb
6:57pm, 8 Feb 2026
1,882 posts
|
Shortcut Cam
Definitely feels better marathon prep to finish strong on a 1:41 than pushing the pace and hanging on for a 1:39. Today has been good for confidence going forward.
|
10 Feb
9:59pm, 10 Feb 2026
780 posts
|
Charlesvdw
@Sale Runner I would run the HM either at MP or all-out, with a small preference for the first option. @Windsor Wool great half. I see we have a common goal of a 1:25:xx half marathon ( my current PB is 1:26:30). |
11 Feb
7:22pm, 11 Feb 2026
1,358 posts
|
TR
Good work WW, another step on the road back.
|
|
12 Feb
8:00pm, 12 Feb 2026
6,984 posts
|
Windsor Wool
Thanks both. I don’t think I can do a lot more so it’s about consistency and optimization. I suppose that’s similar for many of us as we try and defy old age. Paddock Wood is up next for me. Not done this one before but looking at previous results I shouldn’t be standing too near the front of the grid! |
About This Thread
Maintained by Windsor Wool
For those who want to go sub 3.15 in a marathon and/or those that have already done it and want to give advice. Share your journey or help someone else's here.
2025 achievers:
Charles 3:07 @ Ghent
Mark 3:07 @ Christchurch
Clare 3:15 @ Abingdon
PJH92 3:11 @ York
2026 declarations:
Apr 12 Christchurch NZ: Mark
Apr 12 Boston UK: SJA
Apr 19 Manchester: Clare, Sale Runner
Apr 26 London:
May 24 Edinburgh: Stoo
Sep 27 Berlin: Charles
2025 achievers:
Charles 3:07 @ Ghent
Mark 3:07 @ Christchurch
Clare 3:15 @ Abingdon
PJH92 3:11 @ York
2026 declarations:
Apr 12 Christchurch NZ: Mark
Apr 12 Boston UK: SJA
Apr 19 Manchester: Clare, Sale Runner
Apr 26 London:
May 24 Edinburgh: Stoo
Sep 27 Berlin: Charles
Related Threads
| RW sub3/3.15 Feb 2026 |
| The sub 3.30 marathon thread Feb 2026 |
| Sub-4hr marathon support and celebration thread Feb 2026 |
| Sub 3Hr Marathon Jan 2026 |
| The sub 3.45 Marathon Thread Jan 2026 |
| Sub 2:30 Marathon Oct 2024 |
| The sub 2.45 marathon thread May 2024 |
| The sub-5 hour marathon thread Apr 2022 |
| 5:43 Marathon to Sub 5hrs Dec 2018 |
| Sub 3.05 Marathon Plan / Advise - Help please Aug 2016 |
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.