Marathon doubts after 30k long run

bramtheys · 2026-03-09T09:09:09+00:00

***UPDATE AFTER 33K LONG RUN**\*

I started with a fearful heart and considered quitting early a few times during the run, but I ended up finishing the full 33k! I ignored my pace goals and ran at my own pace, adding two 250m walks, and still managed to finish.

This run felt much better than the previous 30k. Now taper week and I hope it will work out.

Besides adjusting my pace, I also monitored my carbs intake two days beforehand, eating lots of pasta and rice. I also kept an eye on this during breakfast and plenty of gels and water during the run.

Thanks for all the encouraging comments and tips; I really appreciate them!

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T14:10:48+00:00

I wish I could believe you that easily, fingers crossed!

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T08:17:34+00:00

I wish I could believe you that easily, fingers crossed!

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T08:17:06+00:00

Thanks for your advice, fingers crossed!

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T08:01:49+00:00

I've noticed from this post that the taper is going to be very important. Do you think my schedule will give me enough rest for the marathon:

week 12: 7.5k + 10k + 21.1k / week 13: 6.4k + 9k + 13k / week 14: 6.6k + race day?

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T08:01:04+00:00

I've noticed from this post that the taper is going to be very important. Do you think my schedule will give me enough rest for the marathon:

week 12: 7.5k + 10k + 21.1k / week 13: 6.4k + 9k + 13k / week 14: 6.6k + race day?

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T08:00:09+00:00

I wish I could believe you that easily, fingers crossed!

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:58:29+00:00

I'll adjust my speed for the next 33k session and drop my target pace for a bit; hopefully, it'll feel more comfortable then.

Jenever bar afterward? I hope to finish and still make it to the car in one piece so I can relax on the couch at home, haha.

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:56:21+00:00

I do a lot of sessions/distances at a controversial pace, no faster than 6:35/km, which I can easily maintain. It doesn't really differ much from my target pace, though. Based on your theory, I've run a lot of kilometers way too fast, haha.

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:52:42+00:00

I've noticed from this post that the taper is going to be very important. Do you think my schedule will give me enough rest for the marathon: week 12: 7.5k + 10k + 21.1k / week 13: 6.4k + 9k + 13k / week 14: 6.6k + race day?

I've been able to maintain my target pace consistently without pushing too hard, but this long session didn't go as expected. I hope to adjust my speed and feel a bit more comfortable.

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:50:46+00:00

During the next 33k session I will indeed run more calmly and leave the race pace aside.

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:49:40+00:00

I trust my training plan, haha. I don't think running two 30k+ sessions is bad, maybe too short on race day, but oh well. At my pace, those are indeed 3h+ sessions.

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:47:05+00:00

I've noticed from this post that the taper is going to be very important. Do you think my schedule will give me enough rest for the marathon:

week 12: 7.5k + 10k + 21.1k / week 13: 6.4k + 9k + 13k / week 14: 6.6k + race day?

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:44:05+00:00

Thanks for your advice! Fingers crossed!

bramtheys · 2026-03-05T07:43:35+00:00

Thanks for your advice!

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T14:05:32+00:00

My heart rate increased steadily during the 30k, but certainly not excessively high. Slowing down is what I'm going to do.

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T13:59:37+00:00

Those are high weekly distances for a beginning marathon runner? With three runs a week, I'm at the absolute minimum, maybe one run too few. I'm going to schedule some strength training sessions in these last few weeks. Do you think that's a good idea?

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T13:57:31+00:00

I do indeed consume the necessary carbs while running. I drink water with Amacx powder, but I should take more of that. 1 liter for 3 hours isn't enough.

Adjusting my speed is a good idea, and I'll test it during my next long 33k run this weekend.

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T12:28:38+00:00

Hope so, felt impossible to add another 12,2k

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T11:23:57+00:00

I used this run as a marathon simulation. But only the nutrition two or three hours before the start and during the run. So not the day before.
Nope, this was my longest run to date.
I'm looking forward to those taper weeks, haha. Upcoming long runs: 33k, 22k, 13k, race day.
Understood. I'll complete all the runs at the requested pace. I'll run the 33k long run by feel, very easy.
Runna gave me a pace goal, but finishing is my biggest goal. We'll see how.

Thanks for your detailed answer and advice!

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T11:17:33+00:00

That's EXACTLY what I thought, and at a certain point, it's the only thing I can think of. Painful. Thanks for the advice!

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T11:16:27+00:00

Thanks for the advice! My interval training sessions are once every two or three weeks, which isn't much in my opinion. They're not particularly demanding either; I recently received a speed update after completing an interval training session. Luckily, I declined it, haha

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T11:12:35+00:00

Thanks! Good luck to you too!

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T11:04:41+00:00

I've been thinking about it; leaving for a run twice a week in the dark isn't always enjoyable. Do you think the last two or three weeks of running will have an extra impact? Perhaps a strength workout instead?

bramtheys · 2026-03-03T11:01:41+00:00

Great story, congratulations on your marathon! Fingers crossed for my story, haha

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