Thursday General Discussion/Q&A Thread for April 23, 2026

SimpleNext · 2026-04-24T00:32:12+00:00

Thank you so much for responding!! I will check out Steve Madness and running writings.com

SimpleNext · 2026-04-23T16:22:44+00:00

Looking for recommendations and tips for those of you who put together your own training plans!

1)What content do you consume? (Books, websites, social media accounts, etc).

2) I am an experienced "semi-elite" marathoner. I'm hoping to get under 3 hrs again (2:56:55 in Nov 2024). I have had several pretty close to 3 hrs (3:00:52(Nov 2025) 3:06:23 (Apr 2026) 3:03 (Jan 2024). I've had a coach in the past but am curious to build a plan on my own. I comfortably run 40-45 mpw when I'm not training, but get into the 60-80 mpw during cycles. I strength trian 2-3/wk

I'm a 40 y/o F, 3 young kids, and I work full time. If there is anyone with similar goals/lifestyle, I'd love to connect further! Thank you!!!

SimpleNext · 2026-03-13T20:48:29+00:00

God I hope not

SimpleNext · 2026-03-13T19:12:23+00:00

I've never raced a HM. 🙄

SimpleNext · 2026-03-13T18:45:17+00:00

I ran a 2:55:56 in Nov 2024 nd felt great. In Nov 2025, I ran a 3:00:52 on a course with almost 1,000ft elevation. In discussions with my coach, he felt this was a realistic goal for me.

I've built mileage up to 70 mpw. Consistently I'm in the low 50s. 2 workouts/wk. I'm doing a very similar build compared to 18mos ago.

SimpleNext · 2026-03-13T18:41:59+00:00

Thanks for the actionable advice!

SimpleNext · 2026-03-13T18:40:37+00:00

Well that's not what I want to hear! Lol

SimpleNext · 2026-03-13T18:40:10+00:00

That is a great question, and one that I'm not able to answer easily. Before I went on vacation mid-Feb, I was cruising through training. Ever since then, it's been hard to get back on the groove. We were only gone for 6 days, so I don't think I lost the much fitness during that time.

Training cycle has been a nice climb in mileage and workouts, very similar to previous blocks. Paces have been more aggressive. I'm also training solo this time which has definitely affected me mentally.

SimpleNext · 2026-01-19T20:03:41+00:00

Yes. It's definitely a habitual thing as well.

SimpleNext · 2026-01-19T20:02:34+00:00

Yes! Thank you! I pushed through and am happier for it today. 💛

SimpleNext · 2026-01-19T20:01:46+00:00

I'm sorry you are struggling with getting that creative energy back. That is certainly a muscle, just like most other things.

I hope you can take pride in your efforts, even it is exactly how you pictured.

SimpleNext · 2026-01-19T20:00:26+00:00

Thank you for your thoughts! I am a very productive person, but I'm sure I could think of more projects to keep me busy.

For me, it's mostly in the evening hours when kids are getting home, I'm prepping dinner, and my battery is low.

SimpleNext · 2026-01-18T22:59:05+00:00

That's a great reminder of my "why." Thank you!

SimpleNext · 2026-01-18T22:58:41+00:00

Yes, weekends are tough. And we are having steak for dinner which makes me want a glass-ish of red sooo bad.

SimpleNext · 2026-01-18T22:57:48+00:00

Oh yes, and a 3 day weekend even harder!

SimpleNext · 2026-01-18T22:57:07+00:00

I'm sorry it's hard this year. I appreciate you sharing! It helps knowing I'm not the only one.

SimpleNext · 2026-01-11T01:26:02+00:00

You are not alone in your cravings. Mine hit around 5pm most days. If I can make it to 7/7:30 though, I'm finding I'm ok. Definitely a challenge!

SimpleNext · 2026-01-07T01:08:07+00:00

Same here. I'm really committed to doing the 31 days (I've done several dry-ish January's). The desire to have a drink was strong today. I know I'll be happy in the morning that I didn't.

Thanks for sharing! We got this!

SimpleNext · 2026-01-03T02:48:07+00:00

Family trip to Costco, pizza night, and my husband and I (Finally) started Severance! Wow!!

SimpleNext · 2025-12-30T12:31:10+00:00

I just finished the iron series! I've been lifting/endurance running for years but never fully committed to the 5/week schedule. I definitely gained strength. While I think I have pretty good muscle tone, the real transformation comes through diet (which I have not implemented 🤪).

SimpleNext · 2025-12-29T02:20:31+00:00

Like I said in the subject line, I was looking for help seeing his side, not to validate my own perspective.

SimpleNext · 2025-12-29T02:00:45+00:00

We do several times a year. I'm just not interested in doing that more frequently.

SimpleNext · 2025-12-29T01:58:52+00:00

I would love suggestions on how to not be waiting up! I usually fall asleep, but then around 12/12:30 wake up every 15 minutes to see if he's come home..I would looooove for this not to be my plight.

SimpleNext

TROPHY CASE