The sub 3.30 marathon thread

1 lurker | 188 watchers
Oct 2021
8:00am, 25 Oct 2021
2,113 posts
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SailorSteve


My last little contribution re Newport.

I’ve found that annotating a plan of a course with the expected wind direction, and then predicting the upwind/headwind and downwind/tailwind sections, really helps me with my attempts to create the slightest illusion of “control” over one of the key raceday variables. For me, running purely on “feel” rather than pacing to a watch, it helps me enormously to know in advance where the particularly tough stretches will be. Just like I don’t “attack” hills/inclines, I also aim to maintain my effort levels regardless of wind direction, rather than worry about pace.

So, yesterday I knew that the first 4 miles or so would be relatively “upwind” and consequently wasn’t concerned that the 3:30 pacer was on a different strategy(?) to me, maybe running to a pace that would be too hot for me. I also expected a tricky windward section at about 22 miles that just might break my spirit if I wasn’t ready, followed by a welcome tailwind to the finish, after the last little “out and back” section. Anyhoo, many of you may already do this, but it works for me.

Or I “think” it does, which is pretty much just as good!
Oct 2021
8:13am, 25 Oct 2021
3,705 posts
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Oscar the Grouch
Awesome. That would never have occurred to me to do.
Oct 2021
8:22am, 25 Oct 2021
3,614 posts
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Fenland Flier
Great running and effort Steve and Oscar.
Oct 2021
2:01pm, 25 Oct 2021
36,028 posts
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Hills of Death (HOD)
I beat a girl yesterday in Frostbite XC league that did a sub 3.30 @ London yesterday does that count ;-)
Oct 2021
3:55pm, 25 Oct 2021
12,853 posts
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chunkywizard
I think she was probably still recovering HOD ;-)
Oct 2021
5:39pm, 25 Oct 2021
36,029 posts
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Hills of Death (HOD)
Little gains 😉 and she had hangover
Oct 2021
4:52pm, 26 Oct 2021
1,283 posts
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Ally-C
Lol HOD.
May 2022
6:28pm, 20 May 2022
1,394 posts
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Bowman 🇸🇪
Not that much happening here as in sub 4 celebration thread.
Since I managed 3:29 in my first official marathon tryout, ill see what I can learn here as well! :)
I have not yet set an other target, or entered a new race, but I will probably keep doing marathons.. :)

Hello everyone!
May 2022
6:41pm, 20 May 2022
4,816 posts
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Oscar the Grouch
Hi Bowman. I've got Newport in October as my next attempt.
May 2022
6:58pm, 20 May 2022
1,395 posts
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Bowman 🇸🇪
Hi Oscar the Grouch, cool, I’ll see what race I’ll join, I have a smaller one in November or October close to home, maybe will try that!

About This Thread

Pop a message in the thread with an upcoming attempt and I'll add you to the side bar :)

2025 Sub 3:30 Attempts:

April 13th - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Hills of Death (HOD)
April 13th - Christchurch, New Zealand - Mark J
April 27th - London - Aurburnette
April 27th - London - SailorSteve
April 27th - London - Solo
Oct 12th - Chicago, USA - Mark J
Oct 19th - York - Riggys99

-----------------------
2024 Hall of Fame:

SailorSteve - London - 3:17:08 & Edinburgh - 03:24:09
auburnette - London - 3:28:47 & Valencia - 3:20:50
Tipsku - Leipzig, Germany - 3:27:26
Mark J - Christchurch, NZ - 3:12:24
MissingPhoenix - Chester - 03:28:40

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