Thanks David. It is a big jump so I’m really happy with it. As I said, I always felt the 3:30 was a bit lofty this time. Feel I’ve got it in me, but just have to wait a bit longer.
Thanks Aiden. Really appreciate the comment and good to hear I’ve inspired you to get Runna and train for your first marathon… Maybe I need to get a referral code or something.
Thanks! Yeah it’s insanely long! I never thought I’d be running marathons, never mind 2 in 7 months. Super proud of John too, he overcame some hiccups in his training and smashed it on the day! He’ll be back…. Who knows when, but he’ll be back.
Well done for sticking at it and getting sub 4 hours - I never managed to run a PB in a big city race - back in 2011 I ran Paris & London on consecutive weekends - 3:43:38 in Paris then 3:47:19 in London - 2 years later I managed 3:23:45 in London having run a minute or so faster for my MV60 PB (3:22:18) the previous month on the hilly Duchy of Cornwall course - London should have been faster but I just find it so hard to run my own race when it’s crowded.
Thanks Martin. Interesting about your times. I must admit I did find it challenging at times in Paris to find gaps to pass runners without feeling like I was overly weaving from side to side. I don’t think it cost me a great deal of time, but definitely some. At the moment marathons are a big event for me, so I’m keen to do the BIG ones, Moreso for the personal experience. I think in a few years when I have perhaps normalised the distance a bit more , like I have done with halves, I would probably take on some quieter ones. Running Paris and London back to back sounds like hard work, but I’d love to do London! No success in the ballot as yet.
As I have just started Runna I'm very curious to see if you have seen massive improvement, as was promised 16 week ago. Apparently Runna promised a bit too much.
I saw a massive improvement from marathon 1 (Gothenburg) to marathon 2 (Paris) but my training for Gothenburg was short (7 weeks) and experimental (using Chat GPT). Paris was full 16 weeks (as was Chicago) and I took a massive leap forward in Paris compared to Gothenburg of about 30 mins. However Runna did estimate too much and said I’d knock about an hour off my first marathon time, which I still didn’t get anywhere near in my third marathon in Chicago last week.
Yes absolutely. The app has changed a bit in the last couple of months. I would have said to do the ‘Pre Marathon Baseline’ first, but I think it’s all factored into the standalone marathon plan now. Depending on your current mileage per week if your long runs are up to 14km I’d say 16 weeks should work, if not maybe give yourself an extra week per 2km away from 14 you are.
What a race. Congratulations. I've registered for Paris 2025.
Thank you! A very proud achievement. Good luck with 2025, you'll have a great time, atmosphere is amazing.
Brilliant effort. That's a huge PB!! You should be really proud!
Thanks David. It is a big jump so I’m really happy with it. As I said, I always felt the 3:30 was a bit lofty this time. Feel I’ve got it in me, but just have to wait a bit longer.
Great effort ✊. Thanks for documenting. Look forward to the Chicago journey!
No problem. It’s what I do! 😁 Thanks for watching. I’m excited for Chicago! Hoping for another good training block.
Super effort. Have enjoyed your journey. You inspired me to get the Runna app and train for my first marathon. Look forward to the next from you
Thanks Aiden. Really appreciate the comment and good to hear I’ve inspired you to get Runna and train for your first marathon… Maybe I need to get a referral code or something.
"Not soon" 😂 classic. Superb effort from the pair of you. There's only one certainty when taking on the marathon distance. It's a long old way.
Thanks! Yeah it’s insanely long! I never thought I’d be running marathons, never mind 2 in 7 months. Super proud of John too, he overcame some hiccups in his training and smashed it on the day! He’ll be back…. Who knows when, but he’ll be back.
Amazing. Love this. Congratulations 🎉
Thanks Stu. Appreciate you watching and such a nice comment.
Well done for sticking at it and getting sub 4 hours - I never managed to run a PB in a big city race - back in 2011 I ran Paris & London on consecutive weekends - 3:43:38 in Paris then 3:47:19 in London - 2 years later I managed 3:23:45 in London having run a minute or so faster for my MV60 PB (3:22:18) the previous month on the hilly Duchy of Cornwall course - London should have been faster but I just find it so hard to run my own race when it’s crowded.
Thanks Martin. Interesting about your times. I must admit I did find it challenging at times in Paris to find gaps to pass runners without feeling like I was overly weaving from side to side. I don’t think it cost me a great deal of time, but definitely some. At the moment marathons are a big event for me, so I’m keen to do the BIG ones, Moreso for the personal experience. I think in a few years when I have perhaps normalised the distance a bit more , like I have done with halves, I would probably take on some quieter ones. Running Paris and London back to back sounds like hard work, but I’d love to do London! No success in the ballot as yet.
“Do it again?” Not soon😂😂 WELL DONE STEVE!🎉🎉
Thanks Mahame. Was a good experience. Looking forward to Chicago! 😬
As I have just started Runna I'm very curious to see if you have seen massive improvement, as was promised 16 week ago. Apparently Runna promised a bit too much.
I saw a massive improvement from marathon 1 (Gothenburg) to marathon 2 (Paris) but my training for Gothenburg was short (7 weeks) and experimental (using Chat GPT). Paris was full 16 weeks (as was Chicago) and I took a massive leap forward in Paris compared to Gothenburg of about 30 mins. However Runna did estimate too much and said I’d knock about an hour off my first marathon time, which I still didn’t get anywhere near in my third marathon in Chicago last week.
Congrats on your achievement anyway! Would you suggest Runna for planning the first marathon ever?
Yes absolutely. The app has changed a bit in the last couple of months. I would have said to do the ‘Pre Marathon Baseline’ first, but I think it’s all factored into the standalone marathon plan now. Depending on your current mileage per week if your long runs are up to 14km I’d say 16 weeks should work, if not maybe give yourself an extra week per 2km away from 14 you are.