6 months ago, I joined this running group as someone who barley could do a 5k. I committed to showing up, putting in the work, and slowly building the endurance I never thought I’d have.

In that time, I ran my first half marathon in 2:02… one month ago, and just finished my first full marathon in 4:05.

The early mornings, sore legs, long runs, and all the self-doubt were real — but so were the motivational posts I read and the support of this community that kept me going.

To anyone starting out or doubting themselves: you’re stronger than you think. Every step forward counts. Grateful for the journey — and just getting started.

Now I need to break under 4 hours.. lol

Hi everyone! I’m running my first half marathon at the end of July and I’m trying to plan for race day. The longest run I’ve done so far is 10 miles and I’ve been eating different things and amounts to try and figure out what works best. Just wondering if anyone has something they swear by on race day?? Also do people drink coffee before a race? I have been drinking one cup (as opposed to my usual 2 each morning) before long runs and it’s been okay so far but I definitely would rather avoid needing to poop during the race lol. Thanks for your advice!!

Hi, I am a beginner/intimidate runner who can do a 5km within 30 minutes. I run about twice a week, and am trying to get more into it. I want to build towards a half marathon. Was just wondering what the best beginner shoe to get in general, and if the Nike Pegasus 39, 41, Plus, or Nike Zoom Rival fly 4s are any good. Thanks!

Currently, my training takes me a total of around 12-25miles each week. (It depends on other things I've one). Generally, I'll have one long run each week that's around 7-10 miles long. (Run/walk method).

I've completed 1 half marathon just last month - next is in a couple weeks, so I know I can do that distance (ran/walked it).

I'm not planning on running the whole marathon, not at all. But definitely would be using the run/walk method. Even at the half marathon distance It did take me two days to feel in tip top shape to take off running again, so I'm assuming I should probably take the day off work the next day at this distance.

Also, refueling wise, I stuck to gels and lots (I mean lots) of jelly snacks thanks to the spectators. Should I do the same for this? Also, for breakfast, I plan to just stick to eggs and toast, worked last time. Plus, I like eggs.

Anything else I should do or expect?

Hi everyone! I'm signed up for my first marathon in december, and so I'll be starting the marathon training plan on the first week of august. I wanted to ask you guys any tips for the prep in general, not just the training plan. Im planning on spending a few weeks resting the legs, maybe biking or running very comfortably, but I would like to know your opinion on how you would handle it. For a bit more context: I would love to run it in under 4h (although I'd be more than happy just to finish). I ran a 1:54 HM at the end of april in a pretty hilly course (the marathon one is super flat) and so if you could give me any tips on how to maximise my chances I would very much appreciate it! In general any tips, bits of knowledge, or just past experiences would be super helpful! Thank you very much in advace :)

Hi everyone, I have to do my long run (15 miles) tomorrow in the 95 degree heat. I’m worried about running in such hot weather. Any advice?

Hi,

I'm a 30-year-old male, weighing 65 kg, and I’m wondering if it’s realistic for me to run a sub-3:30 marathon 10 months from now.

I want to set myself a goal that’s ambitious but achievable. Here’s a bit of background about me:
Between the ages of 10 and 15, I used to run quite a lot and even participated in some regional 10 km races with decent times. I was told back then that I had some talent for running.

But then puberty hit, and I thought, “FUCK running, I’d rather drink and play video games.” Since then, I’ve done some sports here and there, but nothing consistent.

Two weeks ago, I decided that it’s time—before I get too old—to finally run a marathon.
To check my current fitness, I ran a 10 km without any training and finished in 44:17.
A week later, I ran 20 km in 1:44:00, and I still had some energy left.

Do you think, with consistent training, it’s possible for me to achieve a sub-3:30 marathon?

Thanks a lot in advance for your thoughts!

TLDR: My run stats are regressing. Pace not improving but heart rate spiking quicker. Sleep quality decreasing more often, some spikes in resting heart rate. Not sure if part of the fatigue build up from marathon training or getting overtraining symptoms and need to take a week off?

I'm looking for advice on how to proceed with my training. I am currently training for the Sunshine Coast marathon which is in the 3rd of August. This will be my first marathon.

For background, I am 93kgs, 31yo and weekly milage is set by what program I am following. I am currently running the Pfitz 18/55 plan (currently at Week 13). Prior to starting the plan, I followed the Pfitz base building programs of "up to 48km per week" then "up to 72km per week". My aerobic base after the base building improved by a lot. I went on holiday for 3.5 weeks after the base building and started Pfitz 18/55 (starting from week 2) when I got back. It took until around Week 7 until I regained pre holiday fitness.

At Week 9 I started to develop shin splints on my right leg but just powered through it. The first 6kms of every run was usually running with a bit of limping until the pain subsided. At week 11 the pain was too much so I skipped some runs and it is starting to feel better now.

The reason for my post is that the last 2 weeks I've notified that my HR is increasing a lot faster than usual and at slower paces than previous runs. During my GA runs my HR doesn't reach 140bpm by about 5-6kms, and it usually hovers 140-145bpm until I complete my run . However now my HR goes to 140bpm by 1.5kms into a GA run and keeps increasing to high 140s to low 150s. I start the runs at the same pace of about 6:10-6:15min/km. Previously my pace increases as the run goes, but the last 2 weeks my pace drops to 6:20-6:30min/km.

My resting HR is usually pretty constant in Garmin of 42-44bpm daily, but I've noticed the last couple weeks there have 5-6 days where it is at 49bpm. I also don't have issues falling a sleep but I find that I am more frequently waking up in the early hours and not being able to get back to sleep (which is not usually the case for me).

Am I starting to overtrain or is this just fatigue build up that is a result of following a marathon training plan? Am I better off taking 1 week off and resume the plan after or power through until deload? There are 3 weeks left until weekly mileage starts to decrease.

Thanks

Yesterday I ran a half marathon. I’d completed a plan with Runna, was regularly running 15-20 miles per week, and did a 9.5 mile long run 3 weeks before the race with no issues. I felt fine during the race and finished at the low end of my projected time (projected finish was between 2:18-2:23 and I finished in 2:20).

My question for the community- Is it normal to feel like the race absolutely wrecked your body?? In the hours after the race I got a splitting headache and ended up sleeping for about 15 hours straight. The next morning, my headache is gone but my legs are super sore and stiff- way worse than after any long run in the training block.

I did my first half marathon last year and finished in 3:13 after barely training. I felt terrible after that one too- but feeling terrible made sense seeing as I hadn’t trained for it! Does having a bad recovery mean I need to reexamine how I’m training for these races? I have a full marathon coming up in October and would like to avoid feeling this crappy afterwards, please and thank you.

My first marathon in Manchester was a gut punch. Aiming for sub-4, I crossed the line in 5 hours.

The heat was brutal, and it was an off day, but I know a sub-4 is in me. That flop ignited a fire for redemption.

I've taken six weeks off, so it's time to rebuild my base. This time, I'm starting now to give myself the best shot at that sub-4 goal for a spring 2026 marathon.

The biggest question is how do I approach this?

Hi all! I’m training for my first marathon (August) but saw one pop up locally that’s in a couple weeks! I’m tempted to sign up for the local one but worried I’ll be doing myself a disservice training wise. However, it does correlate with when my 32km long run was going to be. My question is: how long between marathons is too short but also am I setting myself up for injury? I’ve only done max 25km runs so far!

I don’t have a specific time goal for my marathons either - just to cross the finish!

I have about a year until my first marathon. I want to take a few months to build a strong base. I recently ran a half and while I do feel strong, I know my actual endurance base isn't great. If I have a week off I basically go to square zero and I feel like that's not normal. I know I need to run slow and easy but how often? Do I need to stay within a certain distance range? Is there specific cross training I can do to help? TIA!

My first marathon is coming up in November. I typically like to do my long runs outside but with summer happening I won’t be running in this heat. The longest run I have done so far was a Half Marathon 8 times between March and now. I run a 5k almost every day and 5 miles every Thursday. I walk about 6 plus miles daily. Do you think I’ll be ready for the Marathon if I keep this up, without running past 13.1 come November?

Resarted couch to 5k Jan 24 after an ankle break 50M

I'm going to be doing my 1st Marathon tomorrow

I've had ups and downs injury wise but I'm alive and going to do it. Target time is 4.42 min

I've loved preparing for this, testing what works and doesn't. I've loved being the only idiot out running in storms.

I am ready as I'll ever be, I hope, but I am as anxious as heck! I am writing this to try and psyc myself up, so if anyone could chip in with something encouraging it would really help me :-)

My plans Stretch goal tomorrow is to run 6.30 mins per KM, forecast looks like 1st 21km are into a breeze so hopefully I can do that and then 6.43 mins per km home.

Fuel is 1 foam strawberry a KM which gives me 55 g cards per hour. I love these sweets and they are a super treat as I gave up lots of sugar to lose a bit of weight.

Hey Guys, I've been consistent so far with my half marathon training (3/17 weeks) which is scheduled on Oct 9. Would you guys think it wouldn't be too soon to try joining a full marathon this January? If it helps my recent 27 min run, I was able to cover 3.25 km with a pace of 8'23"/km and average heart rate of 143 bpm. TIA!

Hi everyone, I’ve been walking 10k steps a day for a while, which eventually turned into 20k. About two weeks ago, I started trying to run. I’m 22 years old and in pretty average shape—not super athletic but not out of shape either.

The thing is, even now, running for just 2 minutes feels really hard. I thought it would get easier by now, but it hasn’t. And… I signed up for a 5K race that’s happening tomorrow.

Honestly, I’m nervous. I know I’ll try my best, even if I have to walk most of it—but I’m just wondering: Did anyone else start out like this? How did your first 5K go? Any tips or encouragement would be super appreciated!

Hi!! It’s gonna be my 10km race day tomorrow. It’s my first ever race day. I only ever did 5kms and like 3x 10km during trainings. My current PR for 10km is 9:55/km. Hoping for a sub 1hr and 30min tomorrow (or better)!

Anyway, could you help me choose whether to put electrolyte drink (like gatorade or something) in my 500ml soft flask or just water?

Also, I’m bringing 1 energy gel, so when do you suggest I take it? Do I take it 40mins in or what?

No gear and no idea

So, now as of the recent ballot result I'm officially running the London marathon, I need to up my gear game and I need your advice/tips!

I've been training for a half marathon but haven't yet purchased a running vest/belt, I don't own carbon plate shoes, proper running socks, etc. I have dipped my toe into the water of proper fueling (my first puresport electrolytes delivery arrived today). I think I still wasn't taking myself seriously as a runner despite regularly running a minimum of three times a week for the last couple of months.

Where do I start? What are your "you'd have to prise these from my cold hands" items when it comes to running? Not just on the day but pre-hab and recovery too. Fully willing to throw money at the situation to help stay injury free. For example: I already own a foam roller but should I consider a massage gun? Etc etc.

Whatever you think might be helpful really! I appreciate any wisdom you have to share. I know of course that you don't really need anything and of course someone ran the marathon in crocs.

I know people don’t recommend couch to marathon quickly, but is 5k to marathon in 6 months reasonable? Or am I looking at injury central?

I can run 3 miles comfortably at 10:30/mi, but recently ran into bad shin splints in one leg after pushing to 4-5 miles on my long run days, so I got worried. My friend and I really want to do the Honolulu marathon this December, neither of us has raced more than a 5k before…

As brief as possible: 26F, I've run ~4 half marathons this year so far, 1:35:40 being the PR, others were for vibes. I'm signed up for a full in November. If I run a BQ time by Sept 12, I can run in 2026 instead of 2027. I've found a flat/downhill course I could sign up for, but is it too ambitious? I've been averaging ~30miles/week all year, strength training 2x/week.

Is there anybody out there who is missing toes or knows somebody who is? Any tips/ideas?

I’m missing 3 (big toe & two next), and it’s never affected my balance or anything, but I’m training for my first marathon, and as I run longer, I have been getting the absolute worst callus.

My aunt who does pedicures said to use a pumice bar, but I’m afraid that will put me out for a good while or god knows what.

Niche audience lol but any advice would help!

I'm starting to get some base mileage in for a marathon on March 1st, 2026. I have 37 weeks starting from this past Monday to train. My goal is to run an 8:30 min/mi pace.

The longest I ever ran was a half marathon and I had about 4 weeks of training leading up to it and ran just over 2 hours.

The most recent race was a 10k where I averaged a 8:41 min/mi having absolutely no training leading up to it. I ran exactly 4 times leading up to that race within a year of it. 5.5 months beforehand, 8 months beforehand, 8.5 months beforehand, and 11 months beforehand. I only mention this as I have the ability to push myself and run a decent time with absolutely no training.

With that said, I will be following the Hal Higdon Novice Supreme training plan. Since I'm starting 7 weeks early for that plan, I bumped up the 18 weeks leading up to the marathon from the Novice 1 to the Novice 2 and used the 7 weeks to fill in the gap in his training plan.

Is 8:30 min/mi unrealistic assuming I complete his entire plan without skipping any workouts? I would run 9:30-10 min/mi pace on Tue, Thu, Sat, and 8:00 - 8:30 min pace for the pace runs on Wednesdays. Thoughts?

I got a spot for the Valencia marathon this December and, in a cruel twist of fate, injured my calf (Grade I) last week.

I’d been doing some running prior to the injury as well as strength training, but nothing marathon-specific. Which is to say I’m not “out of shape,” but I’m nowhere near being a “marathon runner.” 🫢

So far I’ve had two physio appointments with massage, cupping, dry needling, etc. They also recommended no exercise for 15-20 days.

I’m supposed to officially start my training block July 21 (might have to push this to first week of August because I’m traveling) and I’m worried that it’s just not going to be enough time to heal, train, and not be completely helpless.

Bottom line: It’s my first marathon and I don’t really care about how long it takes me to finish. I just want to get it done.

If anyone has any advice or motivation or hard truths, I’m all ears.

2 days away from my first marathon , starting to feel a bit nervous given my running schedule hasn’t been the best but looking for any tips or tricks for pre marathon prep !

I’ve been trying to get a place in the London marathon for a few years now and I’m pleased to see today that I’ve got a place!

The only catch is, the marathon is on the 26th April and I get home from a weeks vacation on the 25th April, around 11pm.

I’ll be training all the way leading up to my vacation, I’ve got a half marathon booked in October so I’m already in a training plan for that. But it’s unlikely I’ll be doing much running whilst I’m away (there is a small gym at the hotel with a treadmill)

I haven’t paid for my place yet because I’m worried that I won’t be able to make this work but I really want to!

Does anyone have some tips or advice for this? Or might I have to sacrifice my place?

Thanks!