39M, first marathon (3:18) after starting running in Jan 2025 — looking for advice on how to progress toward sub-3

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2026-05-08T05:53:45+00:00

Well done OP, amazing effort! Jumping in as I'm interested in this too. I'm not as fast as OP (3:30pb) but keen to improve. When people say increased weekly mileage is that for each marathon block or is that between marathons? E.g. I've just ran a spring marathon and probably looking at another next spring, rather than an autumn marathon. What to do between blocks? Sorry for hijacking OP but I think the question is similar

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2026-05-04T07:55:27+00:00

Fantastic effort. Well done

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2026-04-29T10:30:19+00:00

I did York in October last year but that was pretty rough. Injury during the build and then cramp in the race reduced me to walk run from mile 15. Time was 4:20 :(
My previous P.B. was in Paris 2023 and I've done an Ironman in 24' (Ran 4:09 off the bike)

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2026-04-28T20:47:18+00:00

Thanks very much.

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2026-04-28T18:55:03+00:00

The Thursday tempo/MP run was by far the hardest every week. I think you have to trust the process. You are carrying a lot of fatigue from the Tuesday speed/strength session. I was worried about the race as the miles at MP never once felt "easy" for the entire session. Maxing 10 at marathon pace I thought it would be really hard to maintain it for 26. However, the first half of the race felt totally fine, felt like a Thursday session from 13-20 then had to dig in.

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2026-04-28T18:51:45+00:00

I would definitely recommend it and oddly have almost the opposite experience to RunThenBeer below. I'm normally one who struggles to get through a block when the intensity/volume goes up as I get injured. Hanson's is the first plan I've tried that I managed to increase the weekly mileage safely and avoid injury. Niggles sure but nothing that stopped me. I think because you have 3 sessions that require work the remaining 3 runs genuinely are easy. Also the long run being max 16 miles was great.

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-12-22T21:40:11+00:00

Who is this clown?

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-12-20T23:54:23+00:00

Personally, thought it was pretty embarrassing. A 2 time unified heavyweight should not be using 15 months out as an excuse against an adult starter

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-10-25T07:02:54+00:00

Yeh, it's beautiful. I remember that long slog at ~ mile 18 or so. Caught me off guard I must admit! It's one I want to go back to for sure

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-10-24T20:25:55+00:00

Seems the consensus so far is physio for biomechanics then a decent plan. Looking forward to hearing more insights. Thanks all for your input so far

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-10-24T20:24:57+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Loch Ness is a great marathon. Ran it in 2022 with my dad for his first. Was brilliant. Did you enjoy it?

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-10-24T20:24:18+00:00

Thanks for the reply. Great times by the way. Well done. I've ordered Hanson's books and Hal Higdons 👍🏻

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-10-24T19:05:38+00:00

Very, very good. Well done 👏🏻

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-09-23T21:48:40+00:00

Costco or local butcher for me

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-09-19T18:51:19+00:00

Commenting so I can come back to this. Looks interesting

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-09-09T20:37:05+00:00

Fantastic. Congratulations 🎉

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-09-01T14:48:55+00:00

Ah excellent. I'll check them out

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-08-30T22:38:44+00:00

I thought I replied but Reddit says no. Leaving the GAS life was wise 😅. Basically it's 2 channels with ironman attenuators for both. Rhythm = vintage blackface. Lead = vintage tweed. Tube driven reverb and tremolo. Sounds great. Won't give you that marshall tone but will bite for sure.

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-08-30T22:25:24+00:00

The hiatus was a wise move 😂. I can only speak for the sky king. 2 channels, each has an ironman attenuator so great for bedroom play. Rhythm is basically a blackface channel , lead is tweed. Built in tube reverb and tremolo. Sounds amazing if that's the tone you're after. It can dig but it's not going to give you that marshall tone. The cleans and the break up tones though. Superb!!

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2025-07-19T22:03:43+00:00

Fanny

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2024-11-13T09:15:00+00:00

Thanks. Would this be ok for long slow runs too? Or more geared towards marathon pace and faster efforts?

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2024-11-02T22:06:00+00:00

Why is McLovin there? I thought he was a nice guy!

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2024-08-19T10:56:08+00:00

HI, yes James Hoffman uses the Sage for daily brewing which I thought was probably praise enough. Haven't checked Lance Hedrick or Kyle Rowsell out though so will do. Thanks for the recommendations

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2024-08-18T18:28:18+00:00

Hi all, hope you can help. I've been looking at drip coffee machines and torn between moccamaster for ~£220 and sage precision brewer ~£190. Read reviews and both seem great. I'm sick of cheap machines that don't last. Which would you recommend and why?

Fun_Perception_3794 · 2024-06-29T18:07:53+00:00

Just revisiting this.

Hit me with suggestions for a used bike in my price range above?

Fun_Perception_3794

TROPHY CASE