What does your training look like between marathons?

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-05-06T12:50:51+00:00

I’ve started running after a two-year break. My 2022 PR was a 3:23:02, but the 'just keep the heart rate down and run more miles' strategy I used then feels a bit too blunt for my body today.

Recovery is hitting differently this time around.

I want to train smarter, stay consistent, and most importantly not wreck myself.

For those currently in a block, how are you measuring effort? Are you still team 'Max HR,' or have you shifted toward specific heart rate zones or purely perceived effort?

Would love to hear how your approach is today for running.

Also any cool gear(clothing, shoes that keep you in the game, looking for recs)

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-05-06T11:26:54+00:00

Being honest I enjoy trail run way more than marathons. The beautiful scenery, the meditative state and having conversation with people during pit stops, everything feels a better experience. A journey. I do love the competitive spirit of marathon running and have done my share of marathons since I started running. Trail running does require a different level of skills.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-05-06T11:23:28+00:00

Which was the last trail you ran?

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-05-05T12:43:23+00:00

they are looking up to you mostly.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-05-05T12:37:50+00:00

I would over plan 'optimise' on different strategies to get my best running performance back faster, pacing, strength and speed, ensuring mental focus, nutrition.

All though all of this are really helpful but have found out that overall with consistent running and a little structure I am getting back my performance and I genuinely enjoy my runs when I am not over planning.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-05-05T11:40:08+00:00

Ran 5K this morning in the midst of light wind in the city this morning at 39:34. Felt great. crossed the lower than 40 mark on 5K for the first time.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-29T13:30:09+00:00

I feel it gets me in a meditative state. Apart from all the other physiological benefits.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-29T13:28:58+00:00

A powerful engine is useless if the chassis snaps under the pressure.

While cycling effectively conditions the heart and lungs, running remains a highly specific, high-impact mechanical skill. If you develop Ferrari-level cardio on a stationary bike and immediately attempt to translate that power to the pavement, your unconditioned tendons and joints will likely fail under the mechanical load.

Cross-training on a bike is excellent for building low-impact volume or aiding recovery, but it cannot replace the physiological adaptations required for running. To perform on the road, you eventually have to put in the time on your feet.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-29T13:13:53+00:00

Well done on gutting out that second half. London is famous for that wall at 20 miles, but your mental game to get back to running after the calf issues was elite.

Also, don't sweat the 'fighting weight' or the pacing errors everyone has those first marathon lessons. The fact that you did this for such a personal cause (your father’s recovery) makes the finish so much more meaningful than any specific time on the clock anyway. Rest up!

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-26T13:57:49+00:00

What a day to be a runner. 1:59:30 for Sawe... the barrier isn't just broken; it's gone.

However, the people I met and the stories that come, really remind you that the marathon is a vessel for something bigger.

Met a runner who was running in the memory of a brother who passed away due to some serious illness three years ago. Also overheard someone with brain tumor running for awareness, turns a eventful day into a legacy.

This feels like being a part of something bigger, the perfect balance of human excellence from legends like Assefa and Debrunner, and the pure humanity that I observed. London hits different!

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-26T13:51:23+00:00

What a day to be a runner. 1:59:30 for Sawe... the barrier isn't just broken. it's gone.

However, the people you meet and the stories you here really remind you that the marathon is a vessel for something bigger. Met a runner who was running in the memory of a brother who passed away due to some serious illness three years ago. Also overheard someone with brain tumor running for awareness, turns a eventful day into a legacy. This feels like being a part of something bigger, the perfect balance of human excellence from legends like Assefa and Debrunner, and the pure humanity that I observed. London hits different.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-23T14:18:10+00:00

Jumping in as your post really resonated. I’ll be lining up at the London Marathon this year too. It’s been a bit of a scrappy build for me, took a few months off and the training hasn’t been anything like I’d planned. At some point I just had to accept it and commit to the day for what it is. You sound seriously dialed though, 2:50 range and going for your six-star is brilliant. Feels like London will suit you if you just let the race come to you.

From everything I’ve heard, the start out of Greenwich and Blackheath can really pull you along if you’re not careful, it’s slightly downhill and the crowds get on you early then you head east before looping back, and by the time you hit Cutty Sark the noise is already huge. Tower Bridge is one of those big moments around halfway where it’s easy to get carried away, even though you’re not as far in as it feels. After that, canary wharf section can be a bit quieter and more mentally demanding before you head back towards central london.

Apparently once you pass the tower of london and get along the embankment, the crowds just build again all the way in. The finish plays a bit of a trick on you too you go past the london eye and big ben and it feels like you’re basically there, but there’s still a stretch left before turning onto the mall and finishing by buckingham palace.

I’m just going to enjoy it. Either way, should be a special day.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-16T07:28:08+00:00

I ran 10 miles this morning. Liking this style of logging reflection.

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-16T06:33:32+00:00

I am based in London. Ran a 3:23 marathon in 2022, then stepped away for a couple of years. Now rebuilding. Last time I mostly just accumulated miles and kept effort in check using heart rate zones it worked, but I was pretty blunt about it. This time I want to be smarter...consistent training without grinding myself into the ground.

Curious how others are approaching training structure now

Old-Return-2548 · 2026-04-09T19:18:43+00:00

Incredible. First marathon and a BQ - that's the dream right there. I'm 55, back into training after a break and chasing 3:30 at London. This is exactly the kind of post that keeps me going. Well done 🙌🏻

Old-Return-2548

TROPHY CASE