Stevo - Well done. You are being very hard on yourself. Take a few days to reflect and then make an assessment. I think maybe too fast at the start was a possible contributor but, you will know for next time. You will do this again and I genuinely wish you well. Again, do not be so hard on yourself. You just ran your first marathon. Celebrate.
Thank you very much Richard. Maybe I am being hard on myself but I feel encouraged by everyone’s comments on here and I am determined to learn from this and take it to the next one! Thanks again 👍🏼
Congratulations Stevo!! WOW!! Sub 4 hr is awesome!!! Everyone says you learn from your first marathon….and I’m certainly learning from you as I ramp up for my first this fall. You are incredible and pushed through to the end….so humbled by your effort. Rest up and enjoy your success!!! :)
Thank you so much Fran, that’s very kind. You will absolutely love your first marathon! I’m excited for you! Beware of the days after though… my legs are a mess 😂. Thanks again
Congrats mate! Sub 4 regardless is a massive achievement for a first marathon. It's always a tricky balance getting your pace right. First marathon I was too cautious and ran a negative split, second time I died at mile 20 and had to plod in! All the best with the calf and hope you're back into training soon.
Cheers! Yes the first is definitely one to learn from and I feel I know what I need to do now for future marathons. It definitely hasn’t put me off! Thanks
Congratulations mate! Yesterday was my first ever marathon also. I agree it definitely wasn’t flat!! I twinged my knee at mile 21 at a sharp left turn and I had to grind out the last 5 miles! Body is in bits but wouldn’t change it for the world! 👍
Thanks Jamie and congratulations to you too! There were some deadly sharp turns yesterday! I had to go well wide on them to not cause any more pain 😂. Well done bud
Congratulations Stevo on completing your first Marathon in a super time of 3.48 💪 Your grit & determination got you there in the end despite suffering bad cramp & tight calf's. My HR is also high when I race a Marathon usually high Z3/lowZ4 and I've done 10. Well done buddy 👏👏👏👏
I did this event and mentally hit the wall around mile 20 and my legs were cement. All the underpasses didn’t help my legs or mood, so you did very well and I can relate to some of your calf issues. You did really well to power through. Very fast and better than my effort on the day 👍👍
Hey, good for you for getting round it too! I agree with on the underpasses they wasn’t helpful at all or the sharp bends and hill. Good day out though! Well done 👏🏻 👏🏻
Well done on your first Marathon. I done my first one the weekend also. The struggle was almost identical to yours. I had sub 3.30 in mind which I was sure I could do after some race pace 20 mile runs in training which I felt comfortable with, but on the day cramps in my legs got the better of me and the last 7 miles where a struggle so I feel your pain. I finished in 3.39. Hope the body recovers quickly.
Thanks Gary and well done to you too on your first marathon. Out training sounds the same as I’ve managed 20 miles at 7.45 pace but yes that last 6 is a killer and we can learn much from it. Great time for you though mate, well done!
Great job! I have loved watching your build up to this day and I have to say that I laughed a little (and cried with you) at your painful play by play in the race. Most of us who run marathons have experienced something very similar. You are a marathoner now!! A few suggestions on the calf issues that may help. Like you said, calf strengthening, but also foam rolling those babies, and the rest of your body, especially after long runs. Also, consider compression socks. They have been a game changer for me for my long runs, half marathons and marathons. KT tape can me your friend too if you are going into a race with a muscle niggle. I look forward to seeing what you do next. Again, well done from California!
Thanks Marsha! I’m glad you felt all the emotions with me haha. I laugh watching it back now too but on the day the struggle was real! Thanks for the tips for the calf, I do own a foam roller but don’t use it enough. I will add that to my routine from now. On to the next one now…. London! Thanks for writing all the way from California 😀
Congratulations again pal. Determination and grit got you through with what is an amazing time. Been a pleasure following your journey and seeing you get the marathon in is just great. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!
Congrats on the finish, you should be proud of that. Started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago as I'm part-way through my MAF journey. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Glad to hear you’re on the MAF journey. I’m back base building now this marathon is done, strictly MAF runs and I’m looking forward to getting going. Good luck with yours 👍🏼
congratulations steve. i also did mk marathon. i was hoping for a sub 4 but ended up 5 mins over. still a pb but just didnt have strength in legs to achieve it. i know i have to prob work on core & leg strengthening. did all my training runs at low heart rate but hard to keep hr down race day with nerves, adrenaline & it was also quite warm. you never know how your body is going to react doing a marathon until youve done one. good luck on your next one
Thanks Dean and well done to you too! It was hard to keep the HR down from the very first minute. At least it sounds like we both know what we need to do to get improvements next time we do it. Good luck to you too 👍🏼
Man this is great result for first marathon. I ran under 4:00 on my fourth marathon. Seriously this is great achievement. Keep following your dreams and train, the results will come.
Thanks Kire! I was hard on myself for some reason but I’m very happy with it now after speaking with people. Onwards and upwards! I hope yours is going well.
@@StevoRuns I'm back on training schedule for Skopje marathon in October. I want to create a solid base and to truly enjoy the race without any expectations. After my running burnout I needed some time to start running again . At this moment I'm enjoying every second of the process and once again I'm very motivated towards my goal and that is 100 marathons. 🙂
100 marathons!! You go man, that would be awesome! Glad to hear you’re enjoying your training now and all the best with your marathon in October, let us know how you’re getting on 👍🏼
Great achievement Well done mate that was painful to watch in places but you dug deep, suffered and got it done... awesome.... just went out a bit fast, 3:40s for a first mara is great gives you something to build on, based on your mileage 3:20s was out of reach but you will get there with a solid consistent base of 40 plus miles, you only got 2 weeks of that in but then injury... rest up and just slowly build that base in zone 2, all the best!
Thanks Ric! What you said is exactly right and maybe i should have adjusted my goal for this one but i can take lots from it. I’m doing exactly what you’ve said now, pure zone 2 running and slow build up with strength training thrown in too. Cheers
Congrats!! A fantastic effort. You can tell by the footage that you struggled for quite some time, but still you managed to pull through. Thanks for sharing👏👍
Great video, Stevo. Well done on the finish. I know that crampy feeling and legs can't cope only too well. The marathon is such a difficult event to get right let alone perform well in. Good man, you should be super proud of that achievement. 💪 Interesting to hear what you said about MAF heart rate and data after you got home.
Thanks Neil! I’m happy with it overall. I can’t wait for another one at some point where I can now plan it better with the takings from this one. Cheers
Congrats man. I just ran my first marathon on the 1st and bonked at 20. I can relate to that struggle of the last 10k but way to push through and finish.
Hi Stevo, I've just come across your channel and subscribed. Huge congratulations on completing your first marathon under 4 hours! Very well deserved medal. I hope your legs are starting to recover now!
Hey Chloe, thanks very much for that. I’ve just subbed you too and will have a good look when I get home later. The legs are a bit of a mess still to be honest but it was well worth it and I’m looking for to the next one! Thanks
Great advice and tips. Thanks for sharing I am starting a video series about training for a 50 km race in September. Seeing your video is really good motivation to keep me going. I'm looking forward to the next video
Hi Stevo, great job congrats! I noticed the same recently that stress can elevate my heart rate significantly. I had this during the lab test and during my first half marathon recently. Actually, during the half I needed something to lower the tension/stress so I started talking to a guy nearby. Then we somehow bundled in a group of 5 talking about running etc., and my heart rate returned to normal values w.r.t pace, after a couple of km. Then after 9 km I decided to slowly speed up and I was on my own, very focused. So definitely, some of us need to find a way to deal with the tension during the race day. In my case it was a nice coincidence that I found a bunch of nice and talkative people early on.
Thanks Rafal! I never thought of that! My heart was high for the last 2 races and for my lab test. I’ll keep that in mind to have a chat to people around me next time 👍🏼
Congratulations on your 1st marathon 🎉🎉 - Welcome to the club. 🙌🏼 Loved watching this. What a brilliant account of a truly epic performance. First time I’ve seen this channel so don’t know you but I think you simply set off too quick, maybe set your target too high and focussed too much on your watch. You said yourself on a couple of occasions how this pace ‘wasn’t sustainable’. That is the time to ease off. Any plan should be adjustable, depending on how the race pans out. The cramp issues will possibly be down to nutrition so there is another area to look at. Every marathon is a learning curve and I’ve sure the experiences of MK will put you in good stead for future challenges. In the meantime, celebrate what is an incredible achievement. Finally I have to mention your watch. It was a schoolboy error to not start your watch but I’m absolutely delighted to see you carried on after the finish line to complete 26.2 miles. Seen a few people who complete their 1st marathon & the watch shows a fraction short. Having your watch show you’ve completed marathon distance is very important. Ps. Milton Keynes isn’t pancake flat but overall it is a fast course. People focus on any slight hills but there are plenty of downhill bits to enjoy. 🙂
Thank you very much, Colin. You’re definitely right on the pacing. I can sometimes sustain that pace over a fair distance but with my heart going so high so quick because of the occasion I should have steadied up and found the pace I could cope with. I will learn loads from this one and now my legs are easing up I can’t wait to plan for the next one. And yes, we do seem to forget about the downhills and focus on the uphills haha but my legs were so tired that upwards or downwards was painful. Thanks for writing and giving some advice, much appreciated.
Congrats on the finish . My first one did not go as expected either but I’m excited for the next one in October with a lot of MAF training . Gotta respect the completion
Absolutely! I feel crap today but I’ve got the bug. I’m pure maffing it now for a while to get the miles in. Hopefully we can both go to plan on the next one 🤞🏼good luck mate.
Well done Stevo!!!!..Hold on!???..Did those cows finish ahead of you!?? 😁 Once rested its easier to get hr up,thats a good sign..Although I dont think Id ever do cycling a couple of weeks before a marathon.
Well done on finishing despite the issues with your calf! Regarding your heart rate, I started running with MAF a few years ago, but I've learnt not to put much stock in it anymore as it's so variable depending on heat and fatigue from recent training. If I've had a few days off and go into a big week of consistent training, my heart rate will be more than 10bpm lower at the end of the week at an easy pace, so I believe your high heart rate on the day was just due to your taper and low training volume leading up to the marathon. I ran my first marathon too a few weeks ago, solo, as a pacing test thing, and managed to hold the same pace throughout while pretty much emptying the tank. I started probably at a 4-5RPE, like steady sweet spot pace, calm breathing, and felt totally comfortable and steady up til about 30-32k, then it started getting exponentially harder, breathing got heavier at about 5k to go, and the last k was probably a 9RPE, mostly mentally. Would probably have benefitted a lot from a caffeine boost on the last 10k, but I'm trying to stay away from it too. Did some light carb loading the days prior and drank a total of 10 scoops of tailwind (1000cals with 300g carbs and electrolytes included) in a total of 2L of water - 0.5L every 10k. Legs were actually fine afterwards, just stiff and sore. Also regarding heart rate and managing intensity, I just got a Stryd pod, and looking at the data after the marathon, inputting the suggested 88-89% of my auto calculated critical power for a marathon effort, the power number was dead on with what I actually averaged for the run. Now a days I try to use every metric available, RPE, power, pace and HR together with noting the weather and my current level of fatigue, going into a session to manage my intensity and volume. I believe that helps me pace myself more intelligently and in line with my bodys ability and limits on the day. Also regarding niggles, I've pretty much become completely niggle free since I started combining cycling with running. Highly recommend it if you can afford it. I got an indoor spin bike with power pedals hooked up to Zwift. Really good for rainy days and actually quite fun and motivating with the social aspect to it. I've made a point of only running every other day and cycling in between instead. My peak week was 24h - 16h bike and 8h run - with no structural issues at all. Massive aerobic improvement. Really enjoy doing brick sessions with like a 2h+ bike followed directly by a longish run to simulate running on tired legs without imposing the structural strain of a 3h+ long run. Best wishes for London - I think you easily have the talent and speed for a sub3:30 in you if you can just sort out the niggles!
Hey thanks for the great comment! It sounds like you’ve got it all worked out with your running it sounds awesome. I have looked into stryd and I really like the idea of it. Like you, I’m a stats nut and like to use many metrics to help me train well. I’ll have another look into that and could use it as a video subject in the future. That’s great to hear you’re injury free and that cycling helped. I’ve been doing a bit, especially when trying to rest my calf before the marathon. I’ll get it out again and split the days here and there to give my bones and joints a rest. Well done for getting your first marathon distance in! It looks like you planned well and it paid off. I definitely overestimated myself and that last 10k was harder than I ever imagined but I think coming at it with a different approach it should be easier to manage. I’m planning to do London with a goal of not walking at all but not going fast as I’m doing for charity with my mate. That will be a big hurdle jumped for me to know I can do it without stopping and then I will plan properly for a sub 3.30 at Brighton in April next year. Can’t wait! Cheers
Cheers Liam! The shoes felt sweet until the the last 4 miles where it felt like I was barefoot 😂 it didn’t matter what I had on, my toes were cramped up and in pain. Great shoes though, I could have been in worse condition from earlier on with my standard shoes on…. who knows. Cheers
@@StevoRuns funny you say that cos I kinda had the same experience towards the end of my half the other week. Maybe just the feet getting used to the carbon plate?!! 🤷🏼♂️ they do make you feel awesome mind 😂
I've never done a full marathon, but my first half marathon was like you, heart rate was up straight away, I think it's just the excitement/adrenaline of the day. I also forgot to start my watch! 200m late
Stevo I have been following u from I started my marathon training in around xmas time. I done everything like u with the maf etc. I'm the same age and done Belfast on Sunday as u know from strava . So I just want to say a big thank u, cos I've really have enjoyed your videos. Belfast was really different from your marathon. People line the streets, lots of water stations, bananas, sweets powreade etc. U would love it
Hey Kyle, thanks for that I’m glad you enjoy the vids! Mate, I can’t believe how well you did on Sunday, unbelievable time I was well impressed! Was that your first? It gave me hope but man I struggled in the later miles. I may have made it look worse on video as there was people everywhere cheering along and the whole atmosphere was awesome, nice finishing medal and food etc but I would love to travel about to Belfast etc and do marathons there. Maybe in the future 🤞🏼. Well done again
@@StevoRuns I've done one other marathon before but that's was over the mourne mountains. It was totally different. How's the legs today? I'm sure u r having fun with the stairs. I know I am 🤣
Cheers Bobby! We will have to see, we was going to just enjoy the occasion and the crowd is impossible to get through apparently but let’s see what happens!
Fantastic - first marathon 3.48, calf problems, cramp... + giving yourself too much to do *time wise*. A marathon RACE is more than 2 x a half marathon! You will do 3.25 +/- very soon. Last week I had the Exeter Marathon, I hoped for 3.20ish. First half, no problem. Second half? My legs were screaming! The first time for years I had to take an increasing number of 5 second walking breaks! Finished reasonably 3.37. Why? I think it was dehydration - schoolboy error! I could barely drive home... cramp in the car, not during the run: fortunately that has never been a problem! I have no useful advice for you - you seem pretty up-together with what you need to do. However 1 or 2 things I have found in my 100 marathons... and now in the V65-69 category (Kerrhist!) 😒 I don't use gels - (IMHO) nasty, sticky, expensive GUNK. If I want something for calories on the day I will have something I want to eat! Not Choc (melty)... Jordans bars of various kinds. Those little salt sachets you get in Costa, whatever, handy. KT tape!!! Don't start me off on that... clever *different colours* that'll do it! I have an off road half next weekend - I'm treating it as my *long run* not a race The week after is *The Dartmoor Discovery Ultra* quote The UKs longest single loop road ultra. 32miles. I'm camping the night before - seemed a great idea when I booked 18months ago! Ho hum! Happy running.
Thanks! Yes there is so much to learn from these runs. I agree with you on the gels! I’ll have to play around and see what works away from the usual gels maybe. Good luck on your long run race next week! After 100 marathons I’m sure it’s a stroll in the park. Thanks
Stevo - Well done. You are being very hard on yourself. Take a few days to reflect and then make an assessment. I think maybe too fast at the start was a possible contributor but, you will know for next time. You will do this again and I genuinely wish you well. Again, do not be so hard on yourself. You just ran your first marathon. Celebrate.
Thank you very much Richard. Maybe I am being hard on myself but I feel encouraged by everyone’s comments on here and I am determined to learn from this and take it to the next one! Thanks again 👍🏼
Stevo - I know you will take forward what you have learned. Recover properly and keep your passion for your running high. It is contagious.
Stevo! I suffered with you those last miles. Ugh! But you did it and under 4 hrs is nothing to fuss about. Well done you.
Thanks David. That last bit is as hard as everyone says it is…. brutal! Happy to get it done and with something to build on. Cheers
Congratulations Stevo!! WOW!! Sub 4 hr is awesome!!! Everyone says you learn from your first marathon….and I’m certainly learning from you as I ramp up for my first this fall. You are incredible and pushed through to the end….so humbled by your effort. Rest up and enjoy your success!!! :)
Thank you so much Fran, that’s very kind. You will absolutely love your first marathon! I’m excited for you! Beware of the days after though… my legs are a mess 😂. Thanks again
Congrats mate! Sub 4 regardless is a massive achievement for a first marathon. It's always a tricky balance getting your pace right. First marathon I was too cautious and ran a negative split, second time I died at mile 20 and had to plod in! All the best with the calf and hope you're back into training soon.
Cheers! Yes the first is definitely one to learn from and I feel I know what I need to do now for future marathons. It definitely hasn’t put me off! Thanks
Congratulations 👍💪 you battled it out!
Cheers Gabe! Yes just about made it bud.
Congratulations mate! Yesterday was my first ever marathon also. I agree it definitely wasn’t flat!! I twinged my knee at mile 21 at a sharp left turn and I had to grind out the last 5 miles! Body is in bits but wouldn’t change it for the world! 👍
Thanks Jamie and congratulations to you too! There were some deadly sharp turns yesterday! I had to go well wide on them to not cause any more pain 😂. Well done bud
Congratulations Stevo on completing your first Marathon in a super time of 3.48 💪 Your grit & determination got you there in the end despite suffering bad cramp & tight calf's. My HR is also high when I race a Marathon usually high Z3/lowZ4 and I've done 10. Well done buddy 👏👏👏👏
Cheers Kev. Really happy with the outcome and with what I can learn from this first one. Hopefully I can knock out 10 like yourself 🤞🏼. Cheers mate
3.48 for a first marathon is bloody good mate. Well done. Enjoyed following your training.
Thanks a lot Richard and thanks for following along 😀
You looked like you were proper enjoying that mate 😂 Well done for pushing through and finishing your first marathon 👍🏻🏃♂️
😂 I had a great time could you tell? Cheers Mark 👍🏼
I did this event and mentally hit the wall around mile 20 and my legs were cement. All the underpasses didn’t help my legs or mood, so you did very well and I can relate to some of your calf issues. You did really well to power through. Very fast and better than my effort on the day 👍👍
Hey, good for you for getting round it too! I agree with on the underpasses they wasn’t helpful at all or the sharp bends and hill. Good day out though! Well done 👏🏻 👏🏻
Well done on your first Marathon. I done my first one the weekend also. The struggle was almost identical to yours. I had sub 3.30 in mind which I was sure I could do after some race pace 20 mile runs in training which I felt comfortable with, but on the day cramps in my legs got the better of me and the last 7 miles where a struggle so I feel your pain. I finished in 3.39. Hope the body recovers quickly.
Thanks Gary and well done to you too on your first marathon. Out training sounds the same as I’ve managed 20 miles at 7.45 pace but yes that last 6 is a killer and we can learn much from it. Great time for you though mate, well done!
I know I’m a year late, but massive congratulations
Cheers Billy. Was a tough old run that one
Great job! I have loved watching your build up to this day and I have to say that I laughed a little (and cried with you) at your painful play by play in the race. Most of us who run marathons have experienced something very similar. You are a marathoner now!! A few suggestions on the calf issues that may help. Like you said, calf strengthening, but also foam rolling those babies, and the rest of your body, especially after long runs. Also, consider compression socks. They have been a game changer for me for my long runs, half marathons and marathons. KT tape can me your friend too if you are going into a race with a muscle niggle. I look forward to seeing what you do next. Again, well done from California!
Thanks Marsha! I’m glad you felt all the emotions with me haha. I laugh watching it back now too but on the day the struggle was real! Thanks for the tips for the calf, I do own a foam roller but don’t use it enough. I will add that to my routine from now. On to the next one now…. London! Thanks for writing all the way from California 😀
Congratulations again pal. Determination and grit got you through with what is an amazing time. Been a pleasure following your journey and seeing you get the marathon in is just great. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!
Thank you very much mate, glad to have made it round. On to the next ones now my legs have woken back up!
Congrats on the finish, you should be proud of that. Started watching your videos a couple of weeks ago as I'm part-way through my MAF journey. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Glad to hear you’re on the MAF journey. I’m back base building now this marathon is done, strictly MAF runs and I’m looking forward to getting going. Good luck with yours 👍🏼
Great Job mate 👏👏
Cheers Dalton! Feeling it today still
Well done 👍👍
Thank you 🤜🏼
congratulations steve. i also did mk marathon. i was hoping for a sub 4 but ended up 5 mins over. still a pb but just didnt have strength in legs to achieve it. i know i have to prob work on core & leg strengthening. did all my training runs at low heart rate but hard to keep hr down race day with nerves, adrenaline & it was also quite warm. you never know how your body is going to react doing a marathon until youve done one. good luck on your next one
Thanks Dean and well done to you too! It was hard to keep the HR down from the very first minute. At least it sounds like we both know what we need to do to get improvements next time we do it. Good luck to you too 👍🏼
Man this is great result for first marathon. I ran under 4:00 on my fourth marathon. Seriously this is great achievement. Keep following your dreams and train, the results will come.
Thanks Kire! I was hard on myself for some reason but I’m very happy with it now after speaking with people. Onwards and upwards! I hope yours is going well.
@@StevoRuns I'm back on training schedule for Skopje marathon in October. I want to create a solid base and to truly enjoy the race without any expectations. After my running burnout I needed some time to start running again . At this moment I'm enjoying every second of the process and once again I'm very motivated towards my goal and that is 100 marathons. 🙂
100 marathons!! You go man, that would be awesome! Glad to hear you’re enjoying your training now and all the best with your marathon in October, let us know how you’re getting on 👍🏼
Great achievement Well done mate that was painful to watch in places but you dug deep, suffered and got it done... awesome.... just went out a bit fast, 3:40s for a first mara is great gives you something to build on, based on your mileage 3:20s was out of reach but you will get there with a solid consistent base of 40 plus miles, you only got 2 weeks of that in but then injury... rest up and just slowly build that base in zone 2, all the best!
Thanks Ric! What you said is exactly right and maybe i should have adjusted my goal for this one but i can take lots from it. I’m doing exactly what you’ve said now, pure zone 2 running and slow build up with strength training thrown in too. Cheers
Congrats!! A fantastic effort. You can tell by the footage that you struggled for quite some time, but still you managed to pull through. Thanks for sharing👏👍
Thanks Yono. It was harder than I ever imagined but I’ve learned so much from it. Can’t wait for next one!
Great video, Stevo. Well done on the finish. I know that crampy feeling and legs can't cope only too well. The marathon is such a difficult event to get right let alone perform well in. Good man, you should be super proud of that achievement. 💪
Interesting to hear what you said about MAF heart rate and data after you got home.
Thanks Neil! I’m happy with it overall. I can’t wait for another one at some point where I can now plan it better with the takings from this one. Cheers
Congrats man. I just ran my first marathon on the 1st and bonked at 20. I can relate to that struggle of the last 10k but way to push through and finish.
Hey good for you for getting it done too. That last 10k was brutal but worth it in the end. Well done mate
Hi Stevo, I've just come across your channel and subscribed. Huge congratulations on completing your first marathon under 4 hours! Very well deserved medal. I hope your legs are starting to recover now!
Hey Chloe, thanks very much for that. I’ve just subbed you too and will have a good look when I get home later. The legs are a bit of a mess still to be honest but it was well worth it and I’m looking for to the next one! Thanks
Great advice and tips. Thanks for sharing
I am starting a video series about training for a 50 km race in September. Seeing your video is really good motivation to keep me going.
I'm looking forward to the next video
That’s awesome! I’ll keep a look out for when your vids start for the 50km! Good luck buddy
Hi Stevo, great job congrats! I noticed the same recently that stress can elevate my heart rate significantly. I had this during the lab test and during my first half marathon recently. Actually, during the half I needed something to lower the tension/stress so I started talking to a guy nearby. Then we somehow bundled in a group of 5 talking about running etc., and my heart rate returned to normal values w.r.t pace, after a couple of km. Then after 9 km I decided to slowly speed up and I was on my own, very focused. So definitely, some of us need to find a way to deal with the tension during the race day. In my case it was a nice coincidence that I found a bunch of nice and talkative people early on.
Thanks Rafal! I never thought of that! My heart was high for the last 2 races and for my lab test. I’ll keep that in mind to have a chat to people around me next time 👍🏼
Congratulations on your 1st marathon 🎉🎉 - Welcome to the club. 🙌🏼
Loved watching this. What a brilliant account of a truly epic performance.
First time I’ve seen this channel so don’t know you but I think you simply set off too quick, maybe set your target too high and focussed too much on your watch. You said yourself on a couple of occasions how this pace ‘wasn’t sustainable’. That is the time to ease off. Any plan should be adjustable, depending on how the race pans out.
The cramp issues will possibly be down to nutrition so there is another area to look at.
Every marathon is a learning curve and I’ve sure the experiences of MK will put you in good stead for future challenges. In the meantime, celebrate what is an incredible achievement.
Finally I have to mention your watch. It was a schoolboy error to not start your watch but I’m absolutely delighted to see you carried on after the finish line to complete 26.2 miles.
Seen a few people who complete their 1st marathon & the watch shows a fraction short. Having your watch show you’ve completed marathon distance is very important.
Ps. Milton Keynes isn’t pancake flat but overall it is a fast course. People focus on any slight hills but there are plenty of downhill bits to enjoy. 🙂
Thank you very much, Colin. You’re definitely right on the pacing. I can sometimes sustain that pace over a fair distance but with my heart going so high so quick because of the occasion I should have steadied up and found the pace I could cope with. I will learn loads from this one and now my legs are easing up I can’t wait to plan for the next one. And yes, we do seem to forget about the downhills and focus on the uphills haha but my legs were so tired that upwards or downwards was painful. Thanks for writing and giving some advice, much appreciated.
Congrats on the finish . My first one did not go as expected either but I’m excited for the next one in October with a lot of MAF training . Gotta respect the completion
Absolutely! I feel crap today but I’ve got the bug. I’m pure maffing it now for a while to get the miles in. Hopefully we can both go to plan on the next one 🤞🏼good luck mate.
Well done Stevo!!!!..Hold on!???..Did those cows finish ahead of you!?? 😁 Once rested its easier to get hr up,thats a good sign..Although I dont think Id ever do cycling a couple of weeks before a marathon.
😂 yeah those cows were fast you know!
@@StevoRuns I suppose ,at the least it wasn't the rhinos
Congratulations Stevo! Really great achievement for your first marathon. You will have learnt loads 🤩
Thanks very much Julie! I’ve certainly taken a lot from it 🙂
Well done on finishing despite the issues with your calf! Regarding your heart rate, I started running with MAF a few years ago, but I've learnt not to put much stock in it anymore as it's so variable depending on heat and fatigue from recent training. If I've had a few days off and go into a big week of consistent training, my heart rate will be more than 10bpm lower at the end of the week at an easy pace, so I believe your high heart rate on the day was just due to your taper and low training volume leading up to the marathon. I ran my first marathon too a few weeks ago, solo, as a pacing test thing, and managed to hold the same pace throughout while pretty much emptying the tank. I started probably at a 4-5RPE, like steady sweet spot pace, calm breathing, and felt totally comfortable and steady up til about 30-32k, then it started getting exponentially harder, breathing got heavier at about 5k to go, and the last k was probably a 9RPE, mostly mentally. Would probably have benefitted a lot from a caffeine boost on the last 10k, but I'm trying to stay away from it too. Did some light carb loading the days prior and drank a total of 10 scoops of tailwind (1000cals with 300g carbs and electrolytes included) in a total of 2L of water - 0.5L every 10k. Legs were actually fine afterwards, just stiff and sore. Also regarding heart rate and managing intensity, I just got a Stryd pod, and looking at the data after the marathon, inputting the suggested 88-89% of my auto calculated critical power for a marathon effort, the power number was dead on with what I actually averaged for the run. Now a days I try to use every metric available, RPE, power, pace and HR together with noting the weather and my current level of fatigue, going into a session to manage my intensity and volume. I believe that helps me pace myself more intelligently and in line with my bodys ability and limits on the day. Also regarding niggles, I've pretty much become completely niggle free since I started combining cycling with running. Highly recommend it if you can afford it. I got an indoor spin bike with power pedals hooked up to Zwift. Really good for rainy days and actually quite fun and motivating with the social aspect to it. I've made a point of only running every other day and cycling in between instead. My peak week was 24h - 16h bike and 8h run - with no structural issues at all. Massive aerobic improvement. Really enjoy doing brick sessions with like a 2h+ bike followed directly by a longish run to simulate running on tired legs without imposing the structural strain of a 3h+ long run. Best wishes for London - I think you easily have the talent and speed for a sub3:30 in you if you can just sort out the niggles!
Hey thanks for the great comment! It sounds like you’ve got it all worked out with your running it sounds awesome. I have looked into stryd and I really like the idea of it. Like you, I’m a stats nut and like to use many metrics to help me train well. I’ll have another look into that and could use it as a video subject in the future. That’s great to hear you’re injury free and that cycling helped. I’ve been doing a bit, especially when trying to rest my calf before the marathon. I’ll get it out again and split the days here and there to give my bones and joints a rest. Well done for getting your first marathon distance in! It looks like you planned well and it paid off. I definitely overestimated myself and that last 10k was harder than I ever imagined but I think coming at it with a different approach it should be easier to manage. I’m planning to do London with a goal of not walking at all but not going fast as I’m doing for charity with my mate. That will be a big hurdle jumped for me to know I can do it without stopping and then I will plan properly for a sub 3.30 at Brighton in April next year. Can’t wait! Cheers
Well done! Excellent video too, hope you are resting those legs. Take care
Thanks Colleen, plenty of rest today, back to work tomorrow 😫
Congratulations! Awesome result, you should be super proud of yourself.
Thanks a lot Josh. I’m feeling good about it now 👍🏼
Congrats mate, really pleased for you. Cracking time as well. How did the Vapourflys feel over the course of the run ?
Cheers Liam! The shoes felt sweet until the the last 4 miles where it felt like I was barefoot 😂 it didn’t matter what I had on, my toes were cramped up and in pain. Great shoes though, I could have been in worse condition from earlier on with my standard shoes on…. who knows. Cheers
@@StevoRuns funny you say that cos I kinda had the same experience towards the end of my half the other week. Maybe just the feet getting used to the carbon plate?!! 🤷🏼♂️ they do make you feel awesome mind 😂
Superb mate, well done great achievement
Cheers Craig 👍🏼 f**k knows how you’ve been running way further than that man, fair play to you.
@@StevoRuns it’s much slower, I done my first marathon last year and it was way harder than the ultra
I've never done a full marathon, but my first half marathon was like you, heart rate was up straight away, I think it's just the excitement/adrenaline of the day.
I also forgot to start my watch! 200m late
😂 yep we both did the same. Race day adrenaline is definitely a thing!
That was awesome. Good job 👏
Cheers Craig, nice one 👍🏼
Stevo I have been following u from I started my marathon training in around xmas time. I done everything like u with the maf etc. I'm the same age and done Belfast on Sunday as u know from strava . So I just want to say a big thank u, cos I've really have enjoyed your videos. Belfast was really different from your marathon. People line the streets, lots of water stations, bananas, sweets powreade etc. U would love it
Hey Kyle, thanks for that I’m glad you enjoy the vids! Mate, I can’t believe how well you did on Sunday, unbelievable time I was well impressed! Was that your first? It gave me hope but man I struggled in the later miles. I may have made it look worse on video as there was people everywhere cheering along and the whole atmosphere was awesome, nice finishing medal and food etc but I would love to travel about to Belfast etc and do marathons there. Maybe in the future 🤞🏼. Well done again
@@StevoRuns I've done one other marathon before but that's was over the mourne mountains. It was totally different. How's the legs today? I'm sure u r having fun with the stairs. I know I am 🤣
The stairs have been a nightmare, even the flat ground hasn’t been easy 😂.
Well done Stevo, roll on sub 3.30 at London!
Cheers Bobby! We will have to see, we was going to just enjoy the occasion and the crowd is impossible to get through apparently but let’s see what happens!
Fantastic - first marathon 3.48, calf problems, cramp... + giving yourself too much to do *time wise*. A marathon RACE is more than 2 x a half marathon!
You will do 3.25 +/- very soon.
Last week I had the Exeter Marathon, I hoped for 3.20ish. First half, no problem. Second half? My legs were screaming! The first time for years I had to take an increasing number of 5 second walking breaks! Finished reasonably 3.37. Why? I think it was dehydration - schoolboy error! I could barely drive home... cramp in the car, not during the run: fortunately that has never been a problem!
I have no useful advice for you - you seem pretty up-together with what you need to do.
However
1 or 2 things I have found in my 100 marathons... and now in the V65-69 category (Kerrhist!) 😒
I don't use gels - (IMHO) nasty, sticky, expensive GUNK. If I want something for calories on the day I will have something I want to eat! Not Choc (melty)... Jordans bars of various kinds.
Those little salt sachets you get in Costa, whatever, handy.
KT tape!!! Don't start me off on that... clever *different colours* that'll do it!
I have an off road half next weekend - I'm treating it as my *long run* not a race
The week after is *The Dartmoor Discovery Ultra* quote The UKs longest single loop road ultra. 32miles. I'm camping the night before - seemed a great idea when I booked 18months ago! Ho hum!
Happy running.
Thanks! Yes there is so much to learn from these runs. I agree with you on the gels! I’ll have to play around and see what works away from the usual gels maybe. Good luck on your long run race next week! After 100 marathons I’m sure it’s a stroll in the park. Thanks
@@StevoRuns
Never a *stroll in the park*... particularly as a middle aged (old) bloke 🏃♂️
😂 no they are never easy. Good luck