Let me tell you something Aubrey. Six weeks ago I stood on the start line of the Gold Coast Marathon, aiming to go under 3hrs for the first time in my life. There had not just been months of training to this point, there had been YEARS of an ever-growing commitment to improve myself as a person, and as a runner. As such, despite hitting all my distance and speed targets in training, the pressure I felt was immense. I was emotional saying goodbye to my wife and daughter as I left home, and I could feel the anxiety in the pit of my stomach as the gun went off. The first 2-3kms I thought my race was over: my HR was already in the 170s and I could not settle into any sort of rhythm. I was toast. But, I kept going. You know what helped me, in addition to seeing my family, along the way? I wrote down all the things I had done in the weeks and months leading up to the race - ran a half marathon in such-and-such a time, made commitments to my family, and my work - and then read them quietly to myself before moving into the starting pen. While running, on top of sticking to my race strategy, I kept reminding myself of those 'achievements'. And that I WAS physically capable. Emotions are normal; it's what you do with them that counts. I crossed the line in 2:59:40. It's amazing what you can do in a marathon, it's amazing what can happen on race day. You can do it man. Just keep going.
Thank you for being so kind and sharing this with me. I truly do appreciate it and don’t such kindness lightly. I honestly do hope for a triumphant story similar to yours at the end of all of it and share it here on the channel!
Thank you for being so honest and open! To this day, I still feel doubt before a race, but the bottom line is that you have to trust your training. Your body will know what to do. You’ve got this, friend! 🤓
Just trust the process. I ran my first marathon at the age of 43. Couch to mearathon in a year. I had the same doubts as you. But when the day came, I nailed it.
It’s never easy to trust the training, but Runna know what they are doing and you will get there. I have done 3 marathons now (so still fairly new to it), training for no. 4 and have been scared about finishing every time. You are strong, you WILL do this. Let’s go!
Man, Aubrey! There's so much to unpack on this vid. 1st: love the honesty as usual. 2nd: Totally normal feelings, you just have it doubly-hard because we're all watching. 3rd: NEW BEEMER SMELL makes all the problems fade into the background (lol). But really though, we got this! Our bodies can do what we want, it'll just be painful at times and joyful at times too. Chase the goal, get the goal. The time is gonna pass us all the same, so we might as well join the 1% in the world that finish a marathon while it does. ✌🏾
Let’s go!!! That’s it!!! I just want to be able to say I stick with the training finished a marathon. Have a Berlin medal to show and tell the story. That will be mind blowing
You got this Aubrey.. I started running at local mall open parking lot because I work in retail, I signed up for my first ever half marathon.. with no plans,no friends, do it to challenge myself and I fell in love with it.. I'm a slow average 9min/k.. but I do it for myself, the race is in 2 weeks time.. you truly inspires me when I stumbled on your video and mentioned something about an average runner trying to be less average everyday.. recently I managed to run 21km.. knowing being slow is okay.. you got this in you, dig deep.. LET'S GO!!!!
Let’s go!!! I am grateful! I truly actually am but sometimes these fears take over and start making you doubt yourself. I truly believe though I will get it done. I pray to stay in good health and see the training through and get to the start line in good health.
@@AubreyRunning I'll be praying for u to get thru this like a champ.. healthy with a medal to show.. rocking your choice of shoe.. God wouldn't get you things that you can't handle.. beat of luck Aubrey! LETS GO!!!
Brother , i'm at week 10 of my 16 week training . Doubt is well installed for now 1 week . But now i'm overcoming it . The tought change from all those negative to this only one i'm about to tell you . If you don't doubt , you don't get better . Yes man ! Doubt make you rethink and see you're weakness . But now that i can see them , i can focus on them and get better at it ;) Will run my first marathon october 6 . I'll keep in mind that i'm not the only one doubting and bring with me you're positive vibe ! Big freaking love from Quebec brother ;) achieve and go on more !!
This!!! This is exactly what this community is about. Thank you for this. Thank you for taking time to share this with me. Thank you and I sincerely hope I can eventually embrace these doubt as the fuel I need to get better
I so appreciate your honesty, Aubrey! Going through a training block no matter the distance is a rollercoaster of emotions for sure. So why not tell it as it is. Having said that, I believe in you. You are gonna absolutely smash that marathon! 🙌🏻🔥
Let’s go!!! I’m actually looking forward to it all but o guess we all have moments of doubt and I promised myself to not paint a rosey picture of it for the sake of it. Thanks for this comment and acknowledging me like this!
Hey Aubrey, don't worry, doubting yourself is completely normal, especially as your training is moving into new territory and those long runs are getting longer. You'll definitely be capable come race day. It's your first marathon, the only thing that matters is finishing it and enjoying it. Whatever your watch predicts for time, try not to take any notice of it, finishing is all that matters. And for a first marathon the one run of the week that matters is the long run. You've definitely got this 👍 😊
Garmin is over here saying 4:32 and I’m thinking over 5 hours. Heck I don’t care the time at all. That will be for subsequent races next year or so. Thank you so much Chris for taking time to share this with me. It really is encouraging
Always keep your Heart pure, your mind clear and let the Flow of Life guide you Aubrey... soon wonderful things will come into your Life... Have Faith! ❤
It’s totally natural at this point in your plan to feel like this. That’s why the plan is there to guide you. Just focus on each run. You’ve got 3 to run mate it’s gonna be tough if it was easy everyone one do a marathon! Never underestimate how bloody hard it is but you’ll be ok I’ve run loads and still get the doubts so you’ll be just fine if you are sensible and believe in the plan #cowboyup
Thank you for this sir! I genuinely never thought I would feel this way so it’s really assuring to know it’s a normal thing. It would be a great video topic for you to share with us the “emotional rollercoaster of marathon training”
Be encouraged Bro you got this… I’m training for my 1st marathon as well.. Feb 2025.. 16 miles is my longest run so far.. and I was thinking the same thing.. but in training remember time on feet is what matters do not be ashamed to WALK.. also incorporate cross training.. elliptical.. swimming.. weight training has helped me 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿
Hang in there my friend. Heads down and focus on the training. That is what will get you through the hard mental games in training AND the race. Build the wall, one brick at a time and know come race day it is strong and you are ready. 💪🏻🤙🏻
Thank you sir!!! Thank you very much. I need to let that brick by brick mentality to set in. I am also learning to roll with the emotions and use them as fuel or wake up calls
Aubrey, you've got this, but I can also completely relate to what you're saying! the longest I've ever run is a half marathon and I just couldn't imagine getting there and having to do it all again, but that's where the training comes in. The Berlin Marathon will be your victory lap. The marathon is happening now, in all those hours of training. you've got this mate.
You absolutely will get it done, Aubrey. Maybe just focus on finishing rather than having a time goal for the first one in order to take some pressure off. Most of all, enjoy it!
Ye sir! Thats the plan. I don’t care at all about out time! This is simply about getting it done and celebrating along the way. Just a bump in the road
I had the same self doubt in the build up to my first marathon. I remember the relief of finally getting to the start line so all the speculation could stop. I just made sure I fuelled and paced my run so that I could definitely finish and come away with the confidence I needed, knowing I could handle a marathon. Rest easy my friend, you’ve got this. 👊
Aubrey. I’m going for my 6th marathon and I am still doubting myself 🤷🏻♂️. It’s part of the training, stick to the plan and just remember to do some mobility and stretching to help you recover faster 👍🏼. You got this!! 💪🏼
Honestly, Ive never ever looked at it that way that the emotions are part of the training. I genuinely wish that they said this more. I really do wish new runners were informed of this because if I wasn’t surrounded by this community I would have found a reason to give up. I love what you just said.
I’m going to tell you something a man who’s done more than 20 marathons told me, he said never focus on pace during your first marathon, training or race. He told me to focus on completing all your runs and the race.
Man, what a fun watch. I've never run a marathon, I'm a 5k-10k type so anything further is something I really look up to! Also to answer your question, I'm a metal head so I'm always blasting really really heavy death metal stuff while running and trying my best not to headbang. 😂
I started out just like that! Only wanted to do 5K and 10K then did a few half marathons but felt like challenging myself to the full marathon. Just to say I’ve done one before and celebrate it. What’s 1 full rock album you’d recommend to someone who doesn’t listen to it?
It’s absolutely normal to have doubts at this moment of the training. 16 weeks or more it’s long before race day. You got this and will finish your first marathon
Might you fail to complete a marathon? Absolutely. Marathon are hard. It's not just about how you feel after the first half marathon distance, folk are usually chipper at this point, but it's the 30k point where the race really starts. You can be full of the joys of spring, feel all powerful and on top of the world one minute only to be suddenly seized with the most incredible smack across of the face of fatigue, body cramps, diminishing energy and dissolving will. This is where the hurt locker reveals its full painful depths, it's like treading water above the San Andreas fault. Every step is a battle, every breath is a fight, every inch covered is hard fought. But you recruit every sinew of your dillapidated soul to get there, coaxing, cajouling, bullying your body to respond, parking the brain and it's madenning negativity to one or the other get to the finish before you are finished. Good luck!
Self-doubt, fear... they're all valuable. They keep you focussed and protect from overconfidence. But, don''t doubt too much, every serious runner can run a marathon, only difference is how fast and in how much pain they reach the finish line. Believe the science and trust your gut, take enough rest in the week before the marathon and have a 'death before dishonour' attitude at raceday. You'll be fine.
“They are all valuable” I love that. This sounds like something I would say but for some reason when it comes to myself I overlook such important things. Thank you for reminding me.
The summer heat seriously makes those long runs make us all feel like TRASH. Thanks for sharing how you feel - it's definitely normal and good to see reality. I've felt the same way this past month for sure. You're putting in the work though and it's going to pay off when the temperatures drop. Summer miles bring autumn smiles, as they say.
That’s a completely foreign and new concept. I never thought of that that the conditioning the heat does for you will pay off in the autumn. Thank you for that. Same with these bloody hills when I get to Berlin
Aubrey, you have absolutely got this. Trust the process, the long runs are always hard (some harder than others), stay consistent and be kind to yourself. Cometh the day you will be tapered, fueled and fresh and ready to deliver just.
I normally listen to The Weeknd. His albums the trilogy, BBTM, Kissland, and Starboy reminds me of the best time of my life, so to have runner' s high and a large dose of nostalgia is like the ultimate relaxation for me! It certainly ease my mind when I'm having tough training sessions.
The dogs just wanted your gels Aubrey 😅 Training for and running my first marathon was mentally easy and enjoyable as I did not have a time goal. From the second marathon, aiming to run for goal times, was a whole different ball game 😵 You've got this Aubrey.
don't go into self doubt Aubrey ... try to stay positive ... and don't look at the marathon as 2 halfs. It's different ... the paces are slower, your body reacts different. look at it as 1 distance ... 42,195k not more, not less. but easier said than done. we all have self doubts while training for a marathon. I've been there and I still am there ... but you will get over it.
right there with you mate! at the half-way point of my first marathon training block atm and all the self-doubt and nerves kick in as my body is kind of begging me to give up already😅 we trust the process though. hope you nail it!
I just finished my first Marathon at 51 years old, I've been running for just over 2 years. It wasn't the time that I wanted. However, reflecting back, I managed to complete it and get the anxiety over and done with. Get the experience first, enjoy it, and then next time go for a time. Good luck with Berlin 💪
We all have down weeks, it is part if the journey. You will smash this marathon and come out of the other side better than you went in. I an doing my first ever half marathon for charity this coming Sunday and my training has been far from perfect and i have been doubting myself the whole way but the best thing we can do is show up and do the best we can on that day. All the best 🤙🤙 go smash it
@@AubreyRunning I’m running the Scottish Half Marathon just outside of Edinburgh. Started this to raise money for charity and now ive caught the running bug. Love the videos
Hey Aubrey! I hear you, the process looks good but the feeling is still there. I make this analogy in my head while on a long run: I’m a Boeing 787 crossing the Atlantinc on a LON-NYC flight. It’s just the engine humming, the air resistance flow sound in the cabin, the quietness, and hours to burn while I progress to the next navigational waypoint. Though flying at 800 km/h it doesn’t feel like I’m moving that fast. There it is - - the distances that feel like a slog, are just that 😂 but you are progressing towards the destination. How many times have you mentally felt “that flight felt so long” versus “that flight passed so quickly”, in spite of being the same duration? Same here…it’s a mental scenario of being mentally occupied, meditative, etc. I personally found that podcasts and youtube videos make runs pass quicker than with actual music. Like when you watch movies on the plane and they “make the flight go faster”. If the body’s well tuned for the marathon (which I’m sure it is), then it’s that mental game of “am I actually really able to tolerate this long flight”? Cheers from Colombia.
You got this Aubrey! I'll be starting my first marathon training block in Jan for Manchester and your videos for this series, as always, are inspirational stuff! If you're open to listening to some metal on a run that can get your adrenaline pumping when you need a boost - 'Second Heartbeat' by Avenged Sevenfold was made for runners!
You have my word that I will give that album a go and all the best for your marathon. I’ve watched a few Manchester vlogs and it looks amazing. Thanks for the encouraging
Thank you Aubrey for this video. Marvin here, 44yrs of age. This has helped me boost my confidence to finish my first marathon in October. I do long distance duathlon, but based from what I’ve heard, running a full marathon is another beast level. By the way, how do you hydrate yourself when doing long run sessions? Keep inspiring people mate!💪🏻🏃🏻
I’m a few weeks ahead of you training for my first marathon, just did the 32k long run. Trust the plan, be consistent, and it’ll get you there 💪 PS- Always a podcast or an audiobook on those long runs, anything to keep my head out of the way!
Thank you so much… I genuinely believe that there are so many people behind me on this goal. I honestly feel privileged to be as supported as I am. There is a side of that that adds pressure when self doubt takes over but normally it’s a positive thing and I’m grateful for it
Slow down relax enjoy your training do what is needed you got this Aubrey I feel ya myself I am not a race running runner " I'm just a average runner who just likes running " I train in blocks like yall to get to high mileage just the same just I do it as tool to get fast for me...maybe one day..building insane base I do alot of low heart rate running along with bike riding but not a 10 speed... a pro dirt bike. 26" fixed gear which is so fun just enjoy the process you got this bruvah prayers and love your way ..godnbless onelove
When I ran a marathon, I was chock full of doubt. On the race, perhaps the worst possible thing happened. My ankle only made it 16 miles. Instead of expressing that doubt though I kept saying to myself and anybody who asked me, while I was suffering "it never always gets worse." Ultimately I limped through the last 10 miles. I finished a good hour less than my goal. You can do it, but it will be a process. Unexpected. Hard.
Last year I had problems running 25 km. Then I had problems running 27 km. Then 30 km seemed so far away. But I managed it. But I couldn't imagine 42 km. Then in Berlin I was in a great mood and my body was rested. I managed 42 km. In the moment I struggle with 27 km. But i know next week I struggle with 30 km. I want to run 4 longruns until Berlin. Ant than I think I´m ready. My goal is to run under 5 Hours. If I don't make it, I'm looking forward to currywurst and beer. :)
All the things you've been thinking are natural, but remember they are thoughts and not facts. Your training is going well and on the day you'll be ready to join the less than 1% of the world to have run a Marathon. Break down the distance in chunks on the day and go get what you have earned and deserve.
I honestly hadn’t realised that the doubts and anxieties were part of it. I’m now simply trying to trust the training and process and be assured that it’s going to come together for race day
Dude. The SIS Beta Fuel comes in gel form too. I can’t chew either very well. Also. Don’t underestimate the impact of the heat on heart rate, fatigue and how it then impacts your morale. Been there a number of times. Just keep going….
Did you know you can reverse a lap press in a Garmin. If you make a mistake just press the back button and it reverses it back. I only recently learnt this myself.
Hey Aubrey, thank you for charing you self-doubts. I am also running my first marathon here in Berlin this September. And looking at you Zone 2 data, we are at a similiar level by pace (and even age :D) My plan already had me run 30 km, until then I had the same self-doubt you were experiencing. But now I am confindent that I will at least finish the marathon. I bet you will too!
Love this… are you doing the Berlin Marathon or another one? Also really encouraging to hear you’re getting on for your first marathon. I love that your long run has given the faith and belief you need! Keep going and please let me know owl how you get on.
Trust yourself Aubrey! This is a normal feeling that everyone has 🙂 You can do it! In the end what matters for you is getting to the start line and doing your best, then nothing else is expected of you - which essentially from my point of view is one of the main reasons for your channel (being relatable). However thanks for being honest as I am currently having same kind of issues with my (hopefully) new PB in September for CPH Half, after running 22km long run 😅 ---- By the way I am quite sure you can actually press the lower left button to cancel the accidental lap change 😉 Aaand last comment .. Nice music choice, I veeery rarely listen to music while running since I tend to be pacing myself waay to hard when listening to music 😅
Thank you for this response, it’s exactly what I needed to be honest. I kinda found myself thinking that I may be able to do this despite my efforts. As for the Garmin issue… yes I’ve just seen that there is an undo button but I didn’t spot it at the time.
@@AubreyRunning carbs per size I think the Precision Fuel is very good - also worth looking at the Veloforte ones, tried them the other night, small + taste good too.
Wow Aubrey slow down! You’re making the classic mistake all first time marathon runners make !! The marathon is still way away in the distance and you’re already thinking about the finish line. Trust me my friend I’ve done enough of them to know that you’re not allowed to think about the distance or the finish line until you get to mile 25 on the day and even then cautiously ok!! It’s normal to feel like this and it would be a very bad thing if you didn’t. Over confidence is a killer trust me I found that out the hard way in London 2013. In a few weeks time Aubrey I’ll be ready to launch my own channel and in the first episode I’ll be talking about the radicle steps I took in my running life to remove all the stress from race training and it worked and I can prove it. I’ll let you know when I’m launching in one of your videos soon so please keep an eye out. In the meantime one run a time and don’t look any further ahead than that! Ok Aubrey !!?? lol good work my man. Ian
@@EBoone503 I just looked it up the scenery looks stunning especially in the fall I am envious. I live in the UK. I’ve run 6 marathons including NY and Chicago. Take your time and enjoy your training. I wish to all the very best. If I can help you with anything along the way then feel to reach out. Good luck ! Ian 🇬🇧
I’m not just saying this for the sake of saying it but please continue to advise me and point me in the right way. I’m going to be as transparent as I can be so please continue to provide this counsel and guidance. I do truly appreciate it.
If I can do it so can you. After many half's I always asked the question how the F can anyone do that all again. Well this year aged 51 I ran my first full marathon in Manchester and can't wait to do it again next year. Let's go, come on 🎉😂
Let’s go!!! I’m so happy for you. I feel like it’s something you should be super proud of. Thank you for encouraging me. What races have you got planned until then?
@@AubreyRunning Hi mate, Great north run in a few weeks but nothing else yet, I will start full training after Christmas and about a month before Manchester there is the Milton Keynes running Festival which does a 20 mile event especially for spring marathons, great event and whatever else I can in between. Just to call yourself a marathon Runner is very special. If I can give you any advice don't put any pressure on yourself, your A goal is to finish and just enjoy every second. Best of luck and we will keep watching your special journey 👍👏👏
I get these feelings even with half’s, how can I hold this pace over this period, what if it’s hot what if I miss a gel, honestly, if anyone can do it I believe you can keep it up, I believe and I’m not the only one.
Unburdening yourself was honest….” Self-doubt” is a bit of misnomer imo….doubt is external and migrates internally and only stays as long as you allow.Celebrate ALL progress even if the run feels like a sack of potatoes falling off the back of a truck.
Why hasn’t Garmin still created a function to go back on an accidental lap button press. They should know that it happens to many users. Probably not regularly but still…
Let me tell you something Aubrey. Six weeks ago I stood on the start line of the Gold Coast Marathon, aiming to go under 3hrs for the first time in my life. There had not just been months of training to this point, there had been YEARS of an ever-growing commitment to improve myself as a person, and as a runner. As such, despite hitting all my distance and speed targets in training, the pressure I felt was immense. I was emotional saying goodbye to my wife and daughter as I left home, and I could feel the anxiety in the pit of my stomach as the gun went off. The first 2-3kms I thought my race was over: my HR was already in the 170s and I could not settle into any sort of rhythm. I was toast.
But, I kept going. You know what helped me, in addition to seeing my family, along the way? I wrote down all the things I had done in the weeks and months leading up to the race - ran a half marathon in such-and-such a time, made commitments to my family, and my work - and then read them quietly to myself before moving into the starting pen. While running, on top of sticking to my race strategy, I kept reminding myself of those 'achievements'. And that I WAS physically capable. Emotions are normal; it's what you do with them that counts.
I crossed the line in 2:59:40.
It's amazing what you can do in a marathon, it's amazing what can happen on race day. You can do it man. Just keep going.
Thank you for being so kind and sharing this with me. I truly do appreciate it and don’t such kindness lightly. I honestly do hope for a triumphant story similar to yours at the end of all of it and share it here on the channel!
Thank you for being so honest and open! To this day, I still feel doubt before a race, but the bottom line is that you have to trust your training. Your body will know what to do. You’ve got this, friend! 🤓
I needed this! I truly needed and honestly want to trust that my body will simply know what to do! I need to get out of my head and trust the process.
Just trust the process. I ran my first marathon at the age of 43. Couch to mearathon in a year. I had the same doubts as you. But when the day came, I nailed it.
This is my prayer, that when the day comes… I will be able to get it done. Thank you so much for this encouragement.
It’s never easy to trust the training, but Runna know what they are doing and you will get there. I have done 3 marathons now (so still fairly new to it), training for no. 4 and have been scared about finishing every time. You are strong, you WILL do this. Let’s go!
Yes sir! Thank you so much. And I am sticking to the plan and doing it as they say. I’ve remained faithful to the plan and will continue to do so.
Man, Aubrey! There's so much to unpack on this vid. 1st: love the honesty as usual. 2nd: Totally normal feelings, you just have it doubly-hard because we're all watching. 3rd: NEW BEEMER SMELL makes all the problems fade into the background (lol). But really though, we got this! Our bodies can do what we want, it'll just be painful at times and joyful at times too. Chase the goal, get the goal. The time is gonna pass us all the same, so we might as well join the 1% in the world that finish a marathon while it does. ✌🏾
This made me smile and motivated me to keep at it too. Thank you
@@Hannah-iq6ki There's so much wisdom in all these comments-- I come here for my inspiration too. Nice to meet you!
Let’s go!!! That’s it!!! I just want to be able to say I stick with the training finished a marathon. Have a Berlin medal to show and tell the story. That will be mind blowing
Keep going!
You got this Aubrey.. I started running at local mall open parking lot because I work in retail, I signed up for my first ever half marathon.. with no plans,no friends, do it to challenge myself and I fell in love with it.. I'm a slow average 9min/k.. but I do it for myself, the race is in 2 weeks time.. you truly inspires me when I stumbled on your video and mentioned something about an average runner trying to be less average everyday.. recently I managed to run 21km.. knowing being slow is okay.. you got this in you, dig deep.. LET'S GO!!!!
Let’s go!!! I am grateful! I truly actually am but sometimes these fears take over and start making you doubt yourself. I truly believe though I will get it done. I pray to stay in good health and see the training through and get to the start line in good health.
Let's goo! that is a powerful genesis story of your running!
@@AubreyRunning I'll be praying for u to get thru this like a champ.. healthy with a medal to show.. rocking your choice of shoe.. God wouldn't get you things that you can't handle.. beat of luck Aubrey! LETS GO!!!
@@EBoone503 got to start somewhere haha.. LETS GO!!
You got this. Having doubts is a completely normal emotion just don’t succumb to it.
I hear you and I’m trying not to I promise 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
Brother , i'm at week 10 of my 16 week training . Doubt is well installed for now 1 week . But now i'm overcoming it . The tought change from all those negative to this only one i'm about to tell you . If you don't doubt , you don't get better .
Yes man ! Doubt make you rethink and see you're weakness . But now that i can see them , i can focus on them and get better at it ;)
Will run my first marathon october 6 . I'll keep in mind that i'm not the only one doubting and bring with me you're positive vibe !
Big freaking love from Quebec brother ;) achieve and go on more !!
This!!! This is exactly what this community is about. Thank you for this. Thank you for taking time to share this with me. Thank you and I sincerely hope I can eventually embrace these doubt as the fuel I need to get better
I so appreciate your honesty, Aubrey! Going through a training block no matter the distance is a rollercoaster of emotions for sure. So why not tell it as it is. Having said that, I believe in you. You are gonna absolutely smash that marathon! 🙌🏻🔥
Let’s go!!! I’m actually looking forward to it all but o guess we all have moments of doubt and I promised myself to not paint a rosey picture of it for the sake of it. Thanks for this comment and acknowledging me like this!
Hey Aubrey, don't worry, doubting yourself is completely normal, especially as your training is moving into new territory and those long runs are getting longer. You'll definitely be capable come race day. It's your first marathon, the only thing that matters is finishing it and enjoying it. Whatever your watch predicts for time, try not to take any notice of it, finishing is all that matters. And for a first marathon the one run of the week that matters is the long run. You've definitely got this 👍 😊
Garmin is over here saying 4:32 and I’m thinking over 5 hours. Heck I don’t care the time at all. That will be for subsequent races next year or so. Thank you so much Chris for taking time to share this with me. It really is encouraging
Always keep your Heart pure, your mind clear and let the Flow of Life guide you Aubrey... soon wonderful things will come into your Life... Have Faith! ❤
Love this, I’m founded on gratitude, humility and transparency. Will remain that way for time to come. Thank you
It’s totally natural at this point in your plan to feel like this. That’s why the plan is there to guide you. Just focus on each run. You’ve got 3 to run mate it’s gonna be tough if it was easy everyone one do a marathon! Never underestimate how bloody hard it is but you’ll be ok I’ve run loads and still get the doubts so you’ll be just fine if you are sensible and believe in the plan #cowboyup
Thank you for this sir! I genuinely never thought I would feel this way so it’s really assuring to know it’s a normal thing. It would be a great video topic for you to share with us the “emotional rollercoaster of marathon training”
Be encouraged Bro you got this… I’m training for my 1st marathon as well.. Feb 2025.. 16 miles is my longest run so far.. and I was thinking the same thing.. but in training remember time on feet is what matters do not be ashamed to WALK.. also incorporate cross training.. elliptical.. swimming.. weight training has helped me 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿
Yes sir… good wake up call for me to get back into the gym!!!
Hang in there my friend. Heads down and focus on the training. That is what will get you through the hard mental games in training AND the race. Build the wall, one brick at a time and know come race day it is strong and you are ready. 💪🏻🤙🏻
Thank you sir!!! Thank you very much. I need to let that brick by brick mentality to set in. I am also learning to roll with the emotions and use them as fuel or wake up calls
Aubrey, you've got this, but I can also completely relate to what you're saying! the longest I've ever run is a half marathon and I just couldn't imagine getting there and having to do it all again, but that's where the training comes in. The Berlin Marathon will be your victory lap. The marathon is happening now, in all those hours of training. you've got this mate.
Thank you brother, not just for this but for being here from the early days. I appreciate that
You absolutely will get it done, Aubrey. Maybe just focus on finishing rather than having a time goal for the first one in order to take some pressure off. Most of all, enjoy it!
Ye sir! Thats the plan. I don’t care at all about out time! This is simply about getting it done and celebrating along the way. Just a bump in the road
I had the same self doubt in the build up to my first marathon. I remember the relief of finally getting to the start line so all the speculation could stop. I just made sure I fuelled and paced my run so that I could definitely finish and come away with the confidence I needed, knowing I could handle a marathon. Rest easy my friend, you’ve got this. 👊
Separately, you’re the man brother! Your support is simply second to none. Thank you so much
I use this mantra on long, hard runs: "I'm strong when long"
I feel like that but normally over the 10K distance. Going that distance x4 is a different story. 😂😂😂
Baby steps, my friend. Once you complete that first 22-mile long run, you know you'll complete the full marathon. Trust the training.
Yes sir… I have 24K this week and that will also be telling. I’m actually feeling better after everyone’s comments and encouragement
@@AubreyRunning Great to hear.
Aubrey. I’m going for my 6th marathon and I am still doubting myself 🤷🏻♂️. It’s part of the training, stick to the plan and just remember to do some mobility and stretching to help you recover faster 👍🏼. You got this!! 💪🏼
Honestly, Ive never ever looked at it that way that the emotions are part of the training. I genuinely wish that they said this more. I really do wish new runners were informed of this because if I wasn’t surrounded by this community I would have found a reason to give up. I love what you just said.
the recovery really is the KEY for me too.
@@AubreyRunning me too-- VERY insightful words.
man, your videos are so slick!
Thank you so much, it’s a lot of work so it means a lot to be acknowledged like this. Thank you!
I’m going to tell you something a man who’s done more than 20 marathons told me, he said never focus on pace during your first marathon, training or race. He told me to focus on completing all your runs and the race.
That’s genuinely where I am right now. My last long run was only tracking distance covered. And heart rate at times
Man, what a fun watch. I've never run a marathon, I'm a 5k-10k type so anything further is something I really look up to! Also to answer your question, I'm a metal head so I'm always blasting really really heavy death metal stuff while running and trying my best not to headbang. 😂
same here-- I love metal and classic rock.
I started out just like that! Only wanted to do 5K and 10K then did a few half marathons but felt like challenging myself to the full marathon. Just to say I’ve done one before and celebrate it. What’s 1 full rock album you’d recommend to someone who doesn’t listen to it?
I will give one album a go, what’s your recommendation?
It’s absolutely normal to have doubts at this moment of the training. 16 weeks or more it’s long before race day. You got this and will finish your first marathon
16 is sooooo long! LOL I'm in week 7 and it feels like time is standing still.
Thanks for the encouragement and that’s what everyone is saying. I genuinely feel better about it all
@@AubreyRunning you’re welcome. Yes to have support in such moments is a real benefit
Might you fail to complete a marathon? Absolutely. Marathon are hard. It's not just about how you feel after the first half marathon distance, folk are usually chipper at this point, but it's the 30k point where the race really starts. You can be full of the joys of spring, feel all powerful and on top of the world one minute only to be suddenly seized with the most incredible smack across of the face of fatigue, body cramps, diminishing energy and dissolving will. This is where the hurt locker reveals its full painful depths, it's like treading water above the San Andreas fault. Every step is a battle, every breath is a fight, every inch covered is hard fought. But you recruit every sinew of your dillapidated soul to get there, coaxing, cajouling, bullying your body to respond, parking the brain and it's madenning negativity to one or the other get to the finish before you are finished. Good luck!
With your permission, I will include this comment in the next video. I love this. I do appreciate the realistic nature of this comment.
@@AubreyRunning knock yourself out!
It's a bloody long way, that's why you have to train like you are doing .. you can do it ...I have no doubt 🎉
Thank you, will keep going as I’m already doing. Thank you for the support. Let’s go!
Self-doubt, fear... they're all valuable. They keep you focussed and protect from overconfidence. But, don''t doubt too much, every serious runner can run a marathon, only difference is how fast and in how much pain they reach the finish line. Believe the science and trust your gut, take enough rest in the week before the marathon and have a 'death before dishonour' attitude at raceday. You'll be fine.
“They are all valuable” I love that. This sounds like something I would say but for some reason when it comes to myself I overlook such important things. Thank you for reminding me.
The summer heat seriously makes those long runs make us all feel like TRASH. Thanks for sharing how you feel - it's definitely normal and good to see reality. I've felt the same way this past month for sure. You're putting in the work though and it's going to pay off when the temperatures drop. Summer miles bring autumn smiles, as they say.
That’s a completely foreign and new concept. I never thought of that that the conditioning the heat does for you will pay off in the autumn. Thank you for that. Same with these bloody hills when I get to Berlin
@@AubreyRunning Absolutely! I like to think of hills on long runs as bonus speed work without having to actually run them faster.
Aubrey, you have absolutely got this. Trust the process, the long runs are always hard (some harder than others), stay consistent and be kind to yourself. Cometh the day you will be tapered, fueled and fresh and ready to deliver just.
Let’s go!!! I believe you and think this is the exact mindset I need to have
I normally listen to The Weeknd. His albums the trilogy, BBTM, Kissland, and Starboy reminds me of the best time of my life, so to have runner'
s high and a large dose of nostalgia is like the ultimate relaxation for me! It certainly ease my mind when I'm having tough training sessions.
I’ve never actually listened to the album… let me check it out!
@@AubreyRunningOk! Once you do, you’ll be a lifelong fan! lol
The dogs just wanted your gels Aubrey 😅
Training for and running my first marathon was mentally easy and enjoyable as I did not have a time goal.
From the second marathon, aiming to run for goal times, was a whole different ball game 😵
You've got this Aubrey.
Hahahahah😂😂😂 Kipchoge hounds feeding on gels and electrolytes. Thanks for the encouragement brother
You got this brother!! Love from California!!
Thank you so much, I love the kindness I’m being shown. I genuinely appreciate this.
don't go into self doubt Aubrey ... try to stay positive ... and don't look at the marathon as 2 halfs. It's different ... the paces are slower, your body reacts different. look at it as 1 distance ... 42,195k not more, not less. but easier said than done. we all have self doubts while training for a marathon. I've been there and I still am there ... but you will get over it.
I love the logic in this! It makes a lot of sense and I’ll also try to focus on what we agreed for after the marathon 😜
right there with you mate! at the half-way point of my first marathon training block atm and all the self-doubt and nerves kick in as my body is kind of begging me to give up already😅 we trust the process though. hope you nail it!
You got this! Let’s go!!! It’s normal to feel doubt, don’t let it get you down!
I just finished my first Marathon at 51 years old, I've been running for just over 2 years. It wasn't the time that I wanted. However, reflecting back, I managed to complete it and get the anxiety over and done with. Get the experience first, enjoy it, and then next time go for a time. Good luck with Berlin 💪
It’s people like you that inspire me! Keep going!!
@AubreyRunning many thanks Aubrey. I hope you are enjoying your new Beemer by the way, they are great cars 👍
@@andrewcollier3495 it’s delicious 🤤
@AubreyRunning if you're ever in Malaysia let me know, and I will arrange a tour of BMW Malaysia and our biggest dealer in South East Asia.
We all have down weeks, it is part if the journey. You will smash this marathon and come out of the other side better than you went in. I an doing my first ever half marathon for charity this coming Sunday and my training has been far from perfect and i have been doubting myself the whole way but the best thing we can do is show up and do the best we can on that day.
All the best 🤙🤙 go smash it
What half are you doing? All the best with it! I fully empathise with you and thank you for sending such encouraging vibes
@@AubreyRunning I’m running the Scottish Half Marathon just outside of Edinburgh. Started this to raise money for charity and now ive caught the running bug. Love the videos
You got this dude! Keep enjoining and trust the process 😃
I’ll be back on the podcast to talk about it for sure whichever way to goes
Hey Aubrey! I hear you, the process looks good but the feeling is still there. I make this analogy in my head while on a long run: I’m a Boeing 787 crossing the Atlantinc on a LON-NYC flight. It’s just the engine humming, the air resistance flow sound in the cabin, the quietness, and hours to burn while I progress to the next navigational waypoint. Though flying at 800 km/h it doesn’t feel like I’m moving that fast. There it is - - the distances that feel like a slog, are just that 😂 but you are progressing towards the destination. How many times have you mentally felt “that flight felt so long” versus “that flight passed so quickly”, in spite of being the same duration? Same here…it’s a mental scenario of being mentally occupied, meditative, etc. I personally found that podcasts and youtube videos make runs pass quicker than with actual music. Like when you watch movies on the plane and they “make the flight go faster”. If the body’s well tuned for the marathon (which I’m sure it is), then it’s that mental game of “am I actually really able to tolerate this long flight”?
Cheers from Colombia.
Loved this analogy, it made so much sense. You also have my word that I’ll get 2 podcasts going on the next long run this Sunday (24K)
@@AubreyRunning would love to hear your feedback after Sunday’s long run!
Its normal to have nerves champ, you will be fine champ ,Zone 2 mode when thing get tough
Yes sir! That’s definitely the goal… I am currently aiming to run it at the top of zone 3 and default to zone 2 when the going gets tough
You got this Aubrey! I'll be starting my first marathon training block in Jan for Manchester and your videos for this series, as always, are inspirational stuff! If you're open to listening to some metal on a run that can get your adrenaline pumping when you need a boost - 'Second Heartbeat' by Avenged Sevenfold was made for runners!
You have my word that I will give that album a go and all the best for your marathon. I’ve watched a few Manchester vlogs and it looks amazing. Thanks for the encouraging
Thank you Aubrey for this video. Marvin here, 44yrs of age. This has helped me boost my confidence to finish my first marathon in October. I do long distance duathlon, but based from what I’ve heard, running a full marathon is another beast level. By the way, how do you hydrate yourself when doing long run sessions? Keep inspiring people mate!💪🏻🏃🏻
You’ve got this for your run! Let’s go! I will normally stop at shop and get water but for the next few I’ll carry a hydration vest with me.
Have a safe run always brother!
I’m a few weeks ahead of you training for my first marathon, just did the 32k long run. Trust the plan, be consistent, and it’ll get you there 💪 PS- Always a podcast or an audiobook on those long runs, anything to keep my head out of the way!
Thank you so much for this and I sincerely wish you nothing but the best for your race and hope you get through it all in good health.
You can do this! I’m excited for you Aubrey. Keep training and keep going! You will finish strong. Adrenaline and excitement will certainly help.
Thank you so much… I genuinely believe that there are so many people behind me on this goal. I honestly feel privileged to be as supported as I am. There is a side of that that adds pressure when self doubt takes over but normally it’s a positive thing and I’m grateful for it
Slow down relax enjoy your training do what is needed you got this Aubrey I feel ya myself I am not a race running runner " I'm just a average runner who just likes running " I train in blocks like yall to get to high mileage just the same just I do it as tool to get fast for me...maybe one day..building insane base I do alot of low heart rate running along with bike riding but not a 10 speed... a pro dirt bike. 26" fixed gear which is so fun just enjoy the process you got this bruvah prayers and love your way ..godnbless onelove
Thank you sir… I’ve taken away your words with me “slow down and relax”
When I ran a marathon, I was chock full of doubt. On the race, perhaps the worst possible thing happened. My ankle only made it 16 miles. Instead of expressing that doubt though I kept saying to myself and anybody who asked me, while I was suffering "it never always gets worse." Ultimately I limped through the last 10 miles. I finished a good hour less than my goal. You can do it, but it will be a process. Unexpected. Hard.
Thank you for sharing this! How are you doing now? Have you ran others since?
@AubreyRunning I've run two halfs since. I may run another but for now peaking at 13.1 works better.
Last year I had problems running 25 km. Then I had problems running 27 km. Then 30 km seemed so far away. But I managed it. But I couldn't imagine 42 km.
Then in Berlin I was in a great mood and my body was rested. I managed 42 km.
In the moment I struggle with 27 km. But i know next week I struggle with 30 km. I want to run 4 longruns until Berlin. Ant than I think I´m ready.
My goal is to run under 5 Hours. If I don't make it, I'm looking forward to currywurst and beer. :)
I know that's right! For me it's always a box of my fave donuts. haha
I’m having that whether I finish or not. Heck I’m having that and the doughnuts just for making it to the start line
By a box, how many is that?
@@AubreyRunning reading perfectly between the lines, I see. hahah. Big runners like us have big appetites hahahaha!
@@AubreyRunning 6-13 hahah. I did the same thing on my wedding day. I think I ate more donuts that day than anything else! 🤣🤣🤣
All the things you've been thinking are natural, but remember they are thoughts and not facts. Your training is going well and on the day you'll be ready to join the less than 1% of the world to have run a Marathon. Break down the distance in chunks on the day and go get what you have earned and deserve.
I honestly hadn’t realised that the doubts and anxieties were part of it. I’m now simply trying to trust the training and process and be assured that it’s going to come together for race day
Well done bro, you are inspiring me and I'm on a similar path and age, Lets Go!! also Garmin watch?
I think it’s all about sharing the journey exactly how it unfolds
Like the Nike app and shin splints, fear of the first marathon is just as unavoidable. 😃 😀 smiling helps …a little bit 😂
😂😂😂 check me out on the next vlog, I’ll have all sorts of Colgate smiles on!!! Thank you brother!!!
Dude. The SIS Beta Fuel comes in gel form too. I can’t chew either very well. Also. Don’t underestimate the impact of the heat on heart rate, fatigue and how it then impacts your morale. Been there a number of times. Just keep going….
I called your comment out and gave you a shout out for this, I’ll definitely check this out
AR -
Love The Hell... You'll get there!
🧐😳😘
Did you know you can reverse a lap press in a Garmin. If you make a mistake just press the back button and it reverses it back. I only recently learnt this myself.
I honestly have never seen that option before. I will look this morning and try it out. Thank you for the tip
Hey Aubrey, thank you for charing you self-doubts. I am also running my first marathon here in Berlin this September. And looking at you Zone 2 data, we are at a similiar level by pace (and even age :D) My plan already had me run 30 km, until then I had the same self-doubt you were experiencing. But now I am confindent that I will at least finish the marathon. I bet you will too!
Love this… are you doing the Berlin Marathon or another one? Also really encouraging to hear you’re getting on for your first marathon. I love that your long run has given the faith and belief you need! Keep going and please let me know owl how you get on.
@@AubreyRunning Yes! I will be running the Berlin Marathon. I live in Berlin and the startline is in my district, so its my home ground :D
Trust yourself Aubrey! This is a normal feeling that everyone has 🙂 You can do it! In the end what matters for you is getting to the start line and doing your best, then nothing else is expected of you - which essentially from my point of view is one of the main reasons for your channel (being relatable). However thanks for being honest as I am currently having same kind of issues with my (hopefully) new PB in September for CPH Half, after running 22km long run 😅 ---- By the way I am quite sure you can actually press the lower left button to cancel the accidental lap change 😉 Aaand last comment .. Nice music choice, I veeery rarely listen to music while running since I tend to be pacing myself waay to hard when listening to music 😅
Thank you for this response, it’s exactly what I needed to be honest. I kinda found myself thinking that I may be able to do this despite my efforts. As for the Garmin issue… yes I’ve just seen that there is an undo button but I didn’t spot it at the time.
Those gels are massive - Precision Fuel do good 30g carb ones - smaller and not as much of an effort to chew
Yeah I’m going to look at something smaller because at this rate I might need a backpack 🎒 😂😂😂
@@AubreyRunning carbs per size I think the Precision Fuel is very good - also worth looking at the Veloforte ones, tried them the other night, small + taste good too.
Wow Aubrey slow down! You’re making the classic mistake all first time marathon runners make !! The marathon is still way away in the distance and you’re already thinking about the finish line. Trust me my friend I’ve done enough of them to know that you’re not allowed to think about the distance or the finish line until you get to mile 25 on the day and even then cautiously ok!! It’s normal to feel like this and it would be a very bad thing if you didn’t. Over confidence is a killer trust me I found that out the hard way in London 2013.
In a few weeks time Aubrey I’ll be ready to launch my own channel and in the first episode I’ll be talking about the radicle steps I took in my running life to remove all the stress from race training and it worked and I can prove it. I’ll let you know when I’m launching in one of your videos soon so please keep an eye out. In the meantime one run a time and don’t look any further ahead than that! Ok Aubrey !!?? lol good work my man. Ian
great advice for us 1st-timers out here. thank you!
@@EBoone503 hey no problem when and where is your marathon?
@@ianlowe4126 10/20/24, it's the Columbia Gorge Marathon in Hood River, Oregon, USA
@@EBoone503 I just looked it up the scenery looks stunning especially in the fall I am envious. I live in the UK. I’ve run 6 marathons including NY and Chicago. Take your time and enjoy your training. I wish to all the very best. If I can help you with anything along the way then feel to reach out. Good luck ! Ian 🇬🇧
I’m not just saying this for the sake of saying it but please continue to advise me and point me in the right way. I’m going to be as transparent as I can be so please continue to provide this counsel and guidance. I do truly appreciate it.
Share your running playlist! Curious to what you listen to (I also need new songs)
Oh man… I don’t even know what I’d say is my running playlist, catch me Instagram and I will share a few links
If I can do it so can you. After many half's I always asked the question how the F can anyone do that all again. Well this year aged 51 I ran my first full marathon in Manchester and can't wait to do it again next year. Let's go, come on 🎉😂
Let’s go!!! I’m so happy for you. I feel like it’s something you should be super proud of. Thank you for encouraging me. What races have you got planned until then?
@@AubreyRunning Hi mate, Great north run in a few weeks but nothing else yet, I will start full training after Christmas and about a month before Manchester there is the Milton Keynes running Festival which does a 20 mile event especially for spring marathons, great event and whatever else I can in between. Just to call yourself a marathon Runner is very special. If I can give you any advice don't put any pressure on yourself, your A goal is to finish and just enjoy every second. Best of luck and we will keep watching your special journey 👍👏👏
I get these feelings even with half’s, how can I hold this pace over this period, what if it’s hot what if I miss a gel, honestly, if anyone can do it I believe you can keep it up, I believe and I’m not the only one.
Hehehehe I am so like this right now. But as everyone is saying, let’s see the training through and let race day take care of itself
@@AubreyRunning “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”
Unburdening yourself was honest….” Self-doubt” is a bit of misnomer imo….doubt is external and migrates internally and only stays as long as you allow.Celebrate ALL progress even if the run feels like a sack of potatoes falling off the back of a truck.
“Stays as long as you allow” love that! You have no clue what these comments did for me. Truly appreciative
AR -
BTW why you running in my manor without permission!
🙈✊🏾
Forgive me sire! 😂
Why hasn’t Garmin still created a function to go back on an accidental lap button press. They should know that it happens to many users. Probably not regularly but still…
Ive just discovered that they have this feature
For the music . My go to song is
Let's go by trick daddy
When this song goe's off i run 1 min/ k faster lolll !!
Trick Daddy has that ENERGY doesn''t he? he's on my treadmill mix a lot for this reason!
I thought you meant you run 1min/k
I’m just about 2000s r&b and hip hop
@@AubreyRunning The club bangers haha
@@AubreyRunning it's cause you're like me and getting experienced (old) i'm 39 . So must be our teenage recall ;)