SUB-3 FAIL: What went wrong at Boston Marathon UK? (Plus the good stuff)

Taking you through what happened as I attempted to go sub-3 for the first time at Boston Marathon UK. In this full debrief, I talk about how I prepared, the race itself, and then reflect on what went well, what didn't, and what I'll be doing differently for my next marathon. Episode 28... as the journey to my first sub 3-hour marathon continues.
Chapters
Intro: 0:00
Race preparation: 2:17
Race morning: 4:24
Race kit/nutrition: 5:29
The course/weather: 6:32
Miles 1-3: 7:13
Miles 4-13: 7:52
Halfway: 9:19
Miles 14-20: 11:10
Miles 21-23: 13:24
Miles 24-25: 17:05
The finish: 18:14
Heart rate/pacing: 18:39
Thank yous: 20:12
Reflections: 20:33
What's next: 23: 37
Outro: 24:56
Follow my journey
Instagram: / nrg_runs
Strava: / strava
Related links
My Boston Marathon UK sub-3 attempt: • SUB-3 MARATHON ATTEMPT...
Attribution for photos
Thumbnail: Charles Whitton Photography
End screen: Keith Fenwick
Subscribe: png image from pngtree.com
Attribution for videos
Alb Animation
Attribution for music
Campbell - David Cutter Music
www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic

[@raleyadventures]

Quality recap mate, good work and we look forward to your upcoming videos 😊😊

[@nrg_runs]

Cheers, very much appreciated! Keep at it yourself 👊🏼

[@shenko73]

Nice breakdown Nick! Did same course in 2023, but weather was perfect on that day! Good luck at Abington. With marathon specific build up the cramp and any muscular weakness will be taken care of👍🏾

[@nrg_runs]

Cheers! Wasn’t it quite hot last year? I’m not good in hot weather either 😅 How did you get on?
I do have a bit of history with cramping, but I hope so - I think the strength training is going to be crucial!

[@shenko73]

@@nrg_runs yeah last year was warm, and got progressively so as the race went on. Was on pace for sub 3 until 17miles, then left knee pain. Walked and jogged last 9miles - 3.17

[@nrg_runs]

@@shenko73 It’s good that it starts at 8am to avoid the worst of any hot weather, but by 10am I bet it was hot! Ah very similar to me then. Good luck for whatever’s next 😊

[@christopherwestcott2496]

I used to use the SIS gels like you but this time around I moved to their Beta fuel and would highly recommend. Same easy to swallow formula and I used one every 30mins. Haven't ever used electrolytes, just water and gels

[@nrg_runs]

Thanks for the recommendation, Chris. I was looking at those, so it’s good to know that they’re similar in terms of consistency. Think each gel is 40g of carbs if memory serves?

[@barryleslie7727]

Did the Boston marathon with you on that day. Was horrendous. In the following 4 weeks I had a recovery week, peak week and a 2 week taper before taking on my first 50k ultra marathon. At the end of my ultra (4 weeks after Boston) I felt much better despite the longer distance, mud and variable terrain. I’m definitely an ultra runner at heart and can’t wait to do my next race. Good luck with your future marathon adventures

[@nrg_runs]

Well done again Barry on the marathon… and congrats on your first ultra! That’s some going to do that so soon after such a brutal race, and interesting that you found the marathon harder 😮
I haven’t done an ultra yet, closest I’ve got is a hilly trail marathon - but it does appeal and may be something I turn to in the future. Weather aside, do you think it was the different approach (presumably finishing rather than a major goal pace target) that meant you found the ultra easier? And thanks - same to you too!