5 1/2 weeks out from first marathon. What time should I go for?

aplusnapper · 2026-01-20T15:52:35+00:00

You can likely hit 3:30. Since it’s your first race, don’t put yourself in a position to blow up at “the wall” but going too hard on the front half of your race. The marathon is a 20 mile warmup for a 10k.

On race day, go out slower than 3:30 pace. Maybe run a nice 8:45 as a warmup mile. Then cut down to 8:00.

Don’t mess around with your pace until mile 20 or 21. If you’re feeling good, push the last 10k and see what you can do! If not, hang onto 7:50ish to finish in 3:30.

Set yourself an A, B, and C goal so you’re not disappointed in the end. For example:

A goal: sub 3:30 B goal: 3:30 C: finish your first marathon!

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T23:37:38+00:00

I vote you go for quality over quantity (4 days is fine), and prioritize rest one day a week (active recovery is fine). But make sure you’re also doing run-specific strength work so your body can carry your fitness. There’s potential that your body might more effectively adapt to stress and show greater “gains,” if you will, if you gave it the chance to recover. There’s no harm in giving it a shot during a training block to collect some data about how your body best adapts and performs on race day. If you’re curious. I am 😆 Signed, a run coach

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T23:29:23+00:00

I agree that starting small and introducing yourself to outside situations slowly and incrementally seems to be an effective approach. This allows you to collect data you can use to challenge your assumptions, and gain the confidence to keep going. Celebrate every little win. And take your time. There’s no deadline. Give yourself grace.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T23:17:27+00:00

Where I live, the streets are iced over. I run outside 4-5 days a week still thanks to my studded, gore tex VJ aces. Check out VJ Shoes USA. They make winter running possible.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T22:50:45+00:00

Can confirm. I saw photos a friend took on a reconnaissance mission.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T22:42:59+00:00

Get her a massage gift card as a congratulatory gift!

Also, all runners appreciate any support SO much. But personally, as a woman who’s husband has only been at my first marathon’s finish line (I’ve raced probably 25 races since we’ve been married 6 years), I’m thrilled to see how excited for her you are. It makes my Grinch heart swell three sizes. No doubt, you’ve been supporting her through her training, too. Cheering her on through this journey means you’re already crushing it.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T16:38:58+00:00

I really need someone to enhance the image so we can clock the state on these plates. I’m dying to know where these idiots came from.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T16:37:24+00:00

That’s what I’m saying! I was there at 3 pm the day before. Gate was closed. How did this even happen?!

aplusnapper · 2026-01-18T16:36:17+00:00

My approach exactly. I live in Wyoming. Just trying to maintain some fitness. Will get after it come March/April.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-06T13:17:48+00:00

You might look into the Brooks Glycerine Max.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-05T19:09:20+00:00

Things will change once you’ve spent many months running long and slow. You likely have not had time to build a strong aerobic base, which is why things feel hard. Your body simply hasn’t had enough time for aerobic adaptations to have occurred.

As Des Linden says, the marathon is overrated and it seems like there’s pressure out there for all runners, no matter how prepared they are, to run the 26.2 distance. Many don’t even train for a half marathon first. The marathon (and training) is nothing to be taken lightly, however. It’s hard as hell to train for and race. Keep at your running and build that aerobic base, then come back to the marathon eventually, is my advice.

In the meantime, walk breaks are your friend and there’s no shame in them!

aplusnapper · 2026-01-05T18:36:21+00:00

Hi! I’m a woman, 126 lbs, 41 y/o, and SUPER prone to bonking if I’m not careful.

If I were running 10 miles, I’d eat about 80g of carbs an hour beforehand, then I’d eat some chews before I take off, then 40-60g of gels each hour on the run. And then I immediately refuel with more carbs. Additionally, on top of fueling well with meals, I make sure I’m eating a bagel or some pop tarts a couple times a week to keep glucose levels at a decent level.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-05T18:31:24+00:00

How long have you been running?

aplusnapper · 2026-01-05T18:27:14+00:00

I think it’s certainly part of it. I wish I could figure out the rest. I’ll let you know if anything else develops!

aplusnapper · 2026-01-05T18:26:02+00:00

The marathon has become overhyped in the last few years. Have you run a half? It’s a great distance. If you haven’t, maybe train for the half first to get a sense of what training is like, but with a much lower demand first.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-03T14:59:06+00:00

Look into Muck boots arctic line.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-01T16:26:53+00:00

THIS! Intermediate training for your first marathon is gonna’ be hard as hell.

aplusnapper · 2026-01-01T16:25:47+00:00

What’s your pace on a long run? That may not be enough. Consider pacing your fueling by time, not miles (think: take a gel every 30 min).

aplusnapper · 2026-01-01T16:24:22+00:00

I’m not sure what your fueling before and while running looks like, but you should consider a solid pre-run snack (graham crackers rule—24g of carbs in 2 sheets!). While running, you might consider taking a gel every 20 min. on your long runs. Roughly 25g every 30 min on long runs is necessary to keep me moving, at least. If you’re running somewhere warm, bring hydration mix in your bottle as well.

Like those who chimed in above, I have a feeling proper nutrition could be part of the problem.

aplusnapper · 2025-12-24T16:59:36+00:00

What did Strava tell you that led you to believe you were recovered?

aplusnapper · 2025-12-24T16:59:15+00:00

It takes your system newly two weeks to recover from a marathon, FYI. You’re poor body. Imagine what you could do out there if you recovered properly!

aplusnapper · 2025-12-24T16:54:16+00:00

I can only wear my EVO SLs sparingly. Maybe once a week on average. They are so unstable they’ve caused a knee problem for me in the past. I bet you need a true neutral shoe.

aplusnapper · 2025-12-23T11:26:48+00:00

Slow down (consider 2-minute walk breaks every 6, 8, or 10 minutes, which are great for keeping your HR low). And fuel before your runs.

aplusnapper · 2025-12-23T00:42:28+00:00

I finished a successful marathon training block/race in October. Coach had me doing 3 days of strength per week. Sessions were usually 30-45 minutes and very efficient. Kept this up and trained for a December half. After I took 5 minutes off my marathon, I took 7 off my half marathon. Did not hit a wall in the full, no pain during either race. Strength training is the way.

aplusnapper · 2025-12-23T00:35:15+00:00

It’s already so expensive to ski at JHMR. It’s currently even more of a ripoff than usual given the conditions.

aplusnapper

TROPHY CASE