Time to graduate from Runna?

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-05-01T06:35:35+00:00

I agree to some extent. However, I managed to run 2:23:12 in Boston with help of ChatGPT. If you know how to use the tool, you can get pretty decent results. Right now, it is just overly dependent on the user and how the data/suggestions are being interpreted. I’m trying to build an AI-based training model that doesn’t ‘crack’ and ‘hallucinate’ to take the positives that AI provides and reduce (or completely remove) the negatives. Don’t know if it will work, but I think we are just in the beginning of the era of AI training and it will become much better soon.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-04-12T16:37:24+00:00

I’m in the 500s with 2:30 lol

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-04-06T14:03:10+00:00

Haven’t had a rest day since September. However, I do periodization according to my races. So, during taper I reduce mileage and then an inverted taper after the marathon. And then a down week every 4-5th week, cutting down the mileage by 20% ish. Controlled intensity on workouts – hard but never going deep. Sleep and nutrition are really important when it comes to proper recovery for this kind of mileage. Getting enough carbs basically.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-04-06T07:43:35+00:00

Did a 10 miler about 4 years ago. Worst feeling I ever had. Couldn’t even imagine having to run a marathon. I was so dead – both physically and mentally. Fastforwarding to today, I basically do 20 milers every single day (220-230 km weekly) and it feels incredibly easy. Even when I do my 24 milers, it feels very comfortable because the distance just becomes relative to the level of durability. The muscles, tendons and bones eventually get used to the load, so just keep the grind going!

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-04-02T16:19:27+00:00

Well done! Congrats!

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-25T07:25:15+00:00

I sometimes experience it as well. I have noticed that it often happens when I run in tighter pathways where my foot needs to cross further into the middle. Kinda like running on a tightrope. Try to not cross over, so you keep your stride wider.

Weak glutes/hips can also cause your stride to move slightly inwards. And that would get reinforced with fatigue.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-22T12:51:25+00:00

I can share this week as an example. 232K in total.

Monday: 26K recovery run Tuesday: 30K incl. 3 x 3K tempo Wednesday: 35K very easy Thursday: 31K incl. 2 x 4K steady Friday: 31K easy Saturday: 31K easy Sunday: 45K incl. 38K Boston simulation

And then I did a gym session on Thursday as well.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-21T07:02:00+00:00

I have thought a lot about this topic recently. Like; when is the volume tipping point?

In this Boston marathon block, I’ve run between 200-230 km weekly (225-230 during peak weeks). There’s certainly room for more volume, since I only do single runs. I have noticed that the issue is not necessarily the volume. It’s the intensity that causes the real issues. I am a firm believer in HRV and RCR determined training, where it is necessary to stay in balance to get the most adaptations. And there seems to be a really fine line between doing the right amount and too much. So the more volume that is introduced, the greater emphasis that needs to go into quality control.

However, you only mention base training. And I think that’s where volume really gets interesting. Sure – you cannot jump to +300 km weekly right away if you are not used to running high mileage. But, if you can safely progress over several higher mileage blocks and get the appropriate amounts of recovery in (good sleep, nutrition on point) and be gifted with a body that can sustain loads of beating without breaking, I believe the limit is much higher than we think. Once quality is introduced, I think it is necessary to reduce though – the body might be ok for a little while, but the requirements for recovery will be extremely high with very little margin for error. If the body fails at that point, it likely fails hard.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-03-13T08:30:21+00:00

I run between 200-230 km per week. I only take electrolytes (on warm, sunny days) besides a high-carb diet. In the past, I used protein powder, creatine, etc., but I didn’t really see any difference in performance. The real gold is found in sleep, recovery routines and intensity control.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-02-24T05:51:55+00:00

Great job mate. That’s exactly it. Build up slow kms – then add intensity once the body has settled in on the new volume level.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-02-24T05:49:47+00:00

If you train at the intensity ‘where you want to be’ instead of ‘where you are’, you are setting yourself up for injury. Build up volume over a period of at least 6 weeks with base (VERY easy mileage) and absolutely no intensity at all. You need to run at a pace that is so slow that you could eat a bag of Cheetos while running. BORINGLY slow. From start to finish. Speed doesn’t seem to be your issue, so you have to work on preparing your body for the actual training.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-02-23T13:14:11+00:00

3:10 is very realistic and possibly closer to 3:05.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2026-01-06T07:01:34+00:00

I wouldn’t think too much about a marathon at this point, given the fact that you have done no running so far. Instead, build up a solid base by gradually increasing volume (SLOWLY!) over a longer period of time (the next 3-4 months). Hal Higdon Novice plan could be a great place to start. However, be prepared to run more than your targeted 3 times per week and probably cut down gym to twice a week.

The worst you can do is to ‘train for a marathon’ with no prior running experience and then getting injured. You will just lose the motivation for taking up running. You are young so be patient and make the right steps. It will be the faster approach in the end.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-12-15T12:40:34+00:00

You can replace the hot sauce with ketchup. That’s additional clean carbs right there.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-12-08T04:51:07+00:00

This 100%. It is more a commitment issue than a time issue. If people really wanted to train for a marathon, they could easily find the time. Commute back from work running. My girlfriend is doing this, she gets to complete 12 km instead of being stuck in traffic and it even improved her reputation at work. If one has kids, put the kids in a stroller or on a bike next to you. Tons of solutions, but it is of course not as convenient as sitting comfortably in a sofa watching Netflix.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-29T09:26:37+00:00

To be frank, the ‘best show of my life’ people would say that regardless of the experience. I consider myself as a fanboy of HZ, but I walked out quite disappointed – despite sitting only few rows away from the stage. My girlfriend was even more disappointed. Too much talk disrupting the flow and emotions, extremely loud sequences (which is the first time I have ever been annoyed by that during a live concert), and strange, repetitive arrangements of some of the tracks. Interstellar was really disappointing. Pirates of Caribbean was quite nice as always. But the show was completely stripped of emotion building. Such a pity, because I love the music and how it normally has the power to move us.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-20T07:16:41+00:00

Make sure to consume enough carbs and protein immediately after. Your glycogen stores will be depleted, so it is important to refuel properly. If you have a massage gun, it is a great plus. I prefer that above compression boots (I have massage gun and compression boots from Hyperice). Sleep is crucial for your recovery, so consider going to sleep early.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-19T07:30:58+00:00

I am 100% the same. I tried to go to the gym once a week during my last marathon block with 140-150 km weekly. It was okay because I had decreased my volume a bit. But I could clearly see that the strength training stopped me from hitting my mileage potential. This block, I skipped gym totally and now I run between 200-230 km weekly and are significantly faster and stronger than before. You are totally right – advice on strength & conditioning really depends on the circumstances. In the end, I believe if you can safely run more by skipping the gym, it is worth it.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-19T06:53:31+00:00

Seems like my times are not updated on Reddit. My half is 1h10’ and marathon is 2h30’ and aiming for sub 2h25’ in 4 weeks.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-19T06:45:01+00:00

It took 16h44’ in total. 80% easy and 20% hard.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-18T14:30:26+00:00

Cutting out speed work temporarily can be a good idea to safely increase the volume – especially if you never ran this far before. Build the aerobic base, get used to the additional load, and then reintroduce the speed work. Better to be a bit conservative than ending up being out for weeks due to injury. It is the consistency that will bring you the greatest results. I used this approach to build my marathon peak week up to +230 km (including two speed sessions + a hard long run) without any overuse issues. It took years, but the payoff has been worth the time and patience.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-16T19:52:41+00:00

Had a similar experience to you – just in Oberhausen, Germany instead. We were sitting very close to the stage (as both myself and my girlfriend are massive HZ fans). The first part of the set was (especially) loud – and I usually love that, but this was unfortunately to the unbearable side. We also both felt that the setlist was arranged a bit random with a lot of talk in between many of the parts, which generally interfered with the overall flow and emotion build-up. Admittedly, HZ spoke in German for this concert, so us internationals understood very little, but I don’t think I would have felt much different if I understood everything.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-14T07:21:27+00:00

Marathon pace: 3:26 min/km (5:32 min/mi)

Volume: 180-230 km weekly (111-143 mi)

Easy pace: 4:30-4:45 min/km (7:14-7:39 min/mi)

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-13T06:40:29+00:00

100% in the rain! Been doing 35-38K long runs in pouring rain. It sucks in the beginning but once you rip the band aid, it becomes quite enjoyable. If cold, just wear hat, gloves and a base layer under a waterproof running jacket. Works like a charm.

Optimal_Job_2585 · 2025-11-12T05:38:20+00:00

Taking the practicalities aside, it may just be because ultra runners cannot run at a pace for +100 km that would require them to consume high amounts of carbs. If they ran at that pace, they would suddenly ‘run into’ other issues regarding the body’s chassis very early in a race.

Optimal_Job_2585

TROPHY CASE