We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
My first Marathon
mikeyrp
Posts: 1,616 Member
Today I completed the Brighton Marathon in 3:42:56. It was my first ever marathon and the first time I have run over 21 miles.
My plan was to run a steady 8:30 and come in at 3:45, but to allow myself some leeway depending on how I was feeling.
It started off really well - at the 13.1 (half way) mark I was at 1:48 minutes and felt as if I could keep going at my current pace of 8:17 minute miles.
Around the 16 mile mark I started to get tired, but knowing that I had less than 10 miles to go I wasn't too worried: the half marathons I had run before always had a tough bit somewhere in the middle but the last 3 or 4 miles I would shake it off and cruise home: I let my speed slow a little to recover and by mile 20 I was down to 8:45's and it was tough - my thighs started to stiffen up and whilst I could keep going it felt as if my joints needed greasing - everything was hard work to move.
With three miles left I tried to pick it back up again but only managed a mile at 8:30 before dropping back to an 8:45 and was working using raw will power keep me moving.
I am very happy with my time - and elated to have made it across the line. A few lessons learnt on the way for next time (whenever that may be) but overall a good day.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/168541903
My plan was to run a steady 8:30 and come in at 3:45, but to allow myself some leeway depending on how I was feeling.
It started off really well - at the 13.1 (half way) mark I was at 1:48 minutes and felt as if I could keep going at my current pace of 8:17 minute miles.
Around the 16 mile mark I started to get tired, but knowing that I had less than 10 miles to go I wasn't too worried: the half marathons I had run before always had a tough bit somewhere in the middle but the last 3 or 4 miles I would shake it off and cruise home: I let my speed slow a little to recover and by mile 20 I was down to 8:45's and it was tough - my thighs started to stiffen up and whilst I could keep going it felt as if my joints needed greasing - everything was hard work to move.
With three miles left I tried to pick it back up again but only managed a mile at 8:30 before dropping back to an 8:45 and was working using raw will power keep me moving.
I am very happy with my time - and elated to have made it across the line. A few lessons learnt on the way for next time (whenever that may be) but overall a good day.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/168541903
0
Replies
-
That is an amazing achievement. Very well done!0
-
Great job!!0
-
That's awesome! Great job!
0 -
awesome job!0
-
Fantastic!0
-
Amazing job! Great pace too! I had my first long run yesterday (15.07 miles) and am signing up for my first Half in May. I think I might attempt a marathon at some point but def not right now.
0 -
Good job. I"m also planning to join a marathon but definitely I would need more practice.0
-
Mike, That is a great result !!!
You may not realize it but if you run more marathons and get to talking with other runners you will see how awesome a 3:42 first marathon is.
Congratulations and if you are thinking of qualifying for Boston it is very doable with your ability and dedication.
Have a good recovery
Saka0 -
Congratulations!!! Way to go with the Marathon!!!!0
-
That's outstanding and an excellant time, nice pace. Are you already thinking of the next one?0
-
Congrats and great time !! I just did my second half marathon and still cannot see doing it all again for another 13 miles.....it is a big deal....congrats to you !!0
-
Congratulations! That is a wonderful accomplishment!0
-
Great story, congrats!0
-
Congrats and great time !! I just did my second half marathon and still cannot see doing it all again for another 13 miles.....it is a big deal....congrats to you !!0
-
nice job, very impressive0
-
Congrats! And i think your time is very good! You rock!0
-
Congratulations. Amazing results within such a. Small a bout of time!0
-
Great time Mike. Well done.0
-
Absolutely amazing! And a fantastic time. Very inspirational, for a noob like me anyway!! Fab!0
-
Congratulations MARATHONER!! You are now 26.2 MILES STRONGER!! Welcome to the club!! 0
-
Congratulations! What a great accomplishment!0
-
awesome! congratulations!0
-
wow that's an amazing time!! hoping to do my first one either this year or next.. congrats!!0
-
Hey, been waiting to see your write up. That's a totally fabulous result, and I bet if you work on a negative split next time you'll just get faster!0
-
Excellent! What an accomplishment!!!0
-
That's a seriously good time for a first marathon. Got any plans for more?0
-
that is one amazing time!!!0
-
Incredible, I can only dream of being able to do such a thing.0
-
Under 4 hours for your very first marathon is fantastic!! Way to go- you should be really proud of yourself!! Very well done!! :happy:0
-
Well done - brilliant time too :drinker:0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.9K Getting Started
- 260.4K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.7K Fitness and Exercise
- 440 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 16 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions
Do you Love MyFitnessPal? Have you crushed a goal or improved your life through better nutrition using MyFitnessPal?
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!
Share your success and inspire others. Leave us a review on Apple Or Google Play stores!