I am on the other side of the career. I will only do two more marathons in my life (Valencia 2024, Jönköping 2025). The reason is that there are risks to train and run long and hard when older. It is a little sad, but I will just run them and enjoy. I guess it is fortunate to have been running for many years.
Do you have a heart condition or is this something you have spoken with some doctors as a precautionary measure? I mean if you can train hard, go ahead and train hard.
Ben I have been following your journey and this Sunday it’s my turn to run my first ever Marathon (Amsterdam). Thanks for the tips, would love to have seen some tips on how to warm-up for the race!
GREAT tip to focus on getting the time on feet rather than an arbitrary number of miles (**cough 20 mile LR**). Running 20 miles in training at easy pace makes no sense if it will take you 4 hours, huge risk of diminishing returns.
Top tip: Join a running club! It might feel a bit scary at first, but most runners are really nice people and it does wonders to do your long conversational runs with other runners.
Hi Ben from New Zealand!! I have my first marathon in 15 days!!! Sadly I picked up a little injury but honestly reading your posts on instagram and watching your videos has been so amazing for me. I was really down for a while but you have really helped me work through it!! I am so inspired by your mindset and seeing how you not only got through your injury but still managed to get such an amazing time in Berlin!!! I just wanted to ask with the marathon, it's my first one and I have bought a COROS (again because of you and Philly hahah) What would you recommend I have on my watch display while I run? I tend to get caught up in my pace a lot and didn't like seeing my current pace displayed when I was running. Also if it's not too much to ask what metrics do you have displayed when biking or on eliptical too? I'm deep into my cross training now hahaha. Sorry for such a long comment but just really wanted to thank you so much you've genuinely helped me feel okay through these last few weeks. Hopefully I can reach out again and let you know how my race goes!!! Thank so much, all the best of luck for Valencia - you got this!!! :)
@@BenIsRunning Thanks! My watch tell me 3h22 should be possible, so my goal is 3h40. Seems realistic and if I do have extra energy after 30k, I might be able to pick up the pace a bit.
@@cdh79haha I see you again. I’m exactly on the same situation as you. My garmin is telling me the same thing (VO2max of 54), I will try to push for 3h30 but depends how that last part of the race will go down. Are you planning to follow a pacer?
I am no fast runner but for my first half marathon I could not resist and bought the Vaporfly next% 2... Despite me being a rather slow runner I ended up running much faster than expected. Carbon shoes really make you 5-6% faster. It doesn't matter which level you are because the carbon plate will spring you forward. They are more expensive than non-carbon shoes but totally worth it if you plan to run serious and do 5k, 10k, half-marathons and marathons races in the future. 😊😊
I'm also not very fast (3:44 marathon) and I agree with you, I use the Saucony Pro 3 for races, with a carbon plate, they make me faster than a daily trainer.
Im gonna run my 3rd marathon this Sunday and have learned a bit to finally get my sub 4 goal! Also didn’t want to get full carbon shoes but got a plastic plate in the saucony endorphin speed 4! Thanks for the tips!
Best of luck! Saucony speeds are such a great shoe and are what I often recommend to people looking for a trainer they can also race in so I’m sure they’ll see you well 👍
Thanks for this Ben. I've signed up for my first marathon this April (Rotterdam), and I'm in two minds about my goals for the race. On the one hand, I anticipate it to be tough, and should just run it sensibly. On the other hand, I'll be 45 next spring, so I'm not getting any younger. Currently, I have good speed (my Coros even predicts a sub 3-hour race, although that is highly optimistic since it is based on 5K speed, and I haven't done anything longer than 20K), and I kind of want to make the most of it.
If I were you I’d maybe look at doing some half marathons and even a local 20 miler as you’ve got plenty of time to prepare. That’ll help tell you a little more about where your speed endurance is at. 5k pace is great but without the specific training it’s not that useful if you can’t get to theough the race without hitting the wall at half way :)
Amazing video!!! I know you are now focusing on marathons but i would like to know some of your favourites half marathon long runs. Concentrating on this distance for now. Maybe you could do 4 different videos that explain the different training sessions and milage to hit best also the other distances (5k, 10k, 21k). Thanks
Hi Ben good video! My marathon is in March 2025 and I’m going for my 6th marathon my best is 4 hours haven’t got that since. I’ve noticed I’m not speedy but I’m very good at holding a moderate pace 920-940 pace for 19-20 miles. I was gonna ask you do u think I should try get up 23-25 miles in training 4-5 weeks out? As long as it’s aerobic? I’ve never went over 20-21 miles training and I’m wondering if I do 24-25 miler if that help for race day. I’m an endurance monster when it comes moderate paces. But when it comes 8-830 paces for long time my body goes into shock.
Sounds like you’d benefit more from some progressive long runs. Starting at bellow marathon pb pace and then the last day 3/4 miles trying to run a little faster than race pace. Work on that speed endurance rather than time on feet long runs I’d expect would be most beneficial for you :)
Oh ok thanks Ben.....and i ALWAYS seem hit wall mile 17-18.......if im shooting for 850-9 min pace marathon should i start out 950-945 first few miles and work down to low 9s second half? i feel like im better progressive getting faster but i gotta train to negative split better. Last year i started marathon at 9 13 pace and hit wall hard mile 18 and ended up with 950 average pace end
Running my 3rd one this Sunday. Best training block I have ever done. HOWEVER the taper is by far the worst. Feeling out of shape, heart rate is elevated and especially this last week I have all kinds of pains and niggles in past injuries that have not bothered me at all for months. I read this all might be normal so for now I'm trying not to lose faith for race day 🤔🤔
Yeah that’s completely normal! I’ve felt all those feelings but come race day you’re completely fine! Nerves can play on your mind and you often feel like a little niggle is your leg falling off 🤪
@@BenIsRunning I have been at it since beginning of this year, just finally retired my shoes and bought the 1080v13 and sc trainer v3 but I think I want to go with a 1 do it all shoe and I’m trying to decide, rebel v4 or Mach 6, endorphin speed 4 or whatever!
@@Ennis09 my pick would be an endorphin speed but note the 4 is a little narrow so if bare that in mind. The rebel and mach are also great options so might be worth heading to a running specialist to see which works best for you
My boyfriend bought me lingerie that was so complicated, I needed a UA-cam tutorial to figure out how to put it on. It's supposed to be easy access, not a puzzle😘
Last night, I tried to impress my husband with a sexy dance. Let's just say I'm sticking to my day job. Who knew I had the rhythm of a malfunctioning washing machine🌺
I am on the other side of the career. I will only do two more marathons in my life (Valencia 2024, Jönköping 2025). The reason is that there are risks to train and run long and hard when older. It is a little sad, but I will just run them and enjoy. I guess it is fortunate to have been running for many years.
Do you have a heart condition or is this something you have spoken with some doctors as a precautionary measure?
I mean if you can train hard, go ahead and train hard.
Ben I have been following your journey and this Sunday it’s my turn to run my first ever Marathon (Amsterdam). Thanks for the tips, would love to have seen some tips on how to warm-up for the race!
Great video as always Ben, thanks for the great advice! I am running my first marathon in 8 weeks at the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville Alabama
GREAT tip to focus on getting the time on feet rather than an arbitrary number of miles (**cough 20 mile LR**). Running 20 miles in training at easy pace makes no sense if it will take you 4 hours, huge risk of diminishing returns.
Top tip: Join a running club! It might feel a bit scary at first, but most runners are really nice people and it does wonders to do your long conversational runs with other runners.
Yes totally agree! When I first joined an athletics club my times across all distance came down pretty fast. Love the community side too
Hi Ben from New Zealand!! I have my first marathon in 15 days!!! Sadly I picked up a little injury but honestly reading your posts on instagram and watching your videos has been so amazing for me. I was really down for a while but you have really helped me work through it!! I am so inspired by your mindset and seeing how you not only got through your injury but still managed to get such an amazing time in Berlin!!! I just wanted to ask with the marathon, it's my first one and I have bought a COROS (again because of you and Philly hahah) What would you recommend I have on my watch display while I run? I tend to get caught up in my pace a lot and didn't like seeing my current pace displayed when I was running. Also if it's not too much to ask what metrics do you have displayed when biking or on eliptical too? I'm deep into my cross training now hahaha. Sorry for such a long comment but just really wanted to thank you so much you've genuinely helped me feel okay through these last few weeks. Hopefully I can reach out again and let you know how my race goes!!! Thank so much, all the best of luck for Valencia - you got this!!! :)
Lets go let's keep running mate ur subscriber here from Philippines
Great video Ben, very helpful advice which I will take into London Mara 2025 which will be my first marathon
I hope to be there too! My first London 🤫
It's in 2 days.. I'm still soaking up everything that I can! Thanks Ben!
You got this!
Amsterdam?
@@adriaantermors8122 yes, Amsterdam
@@BenIsRunning Thanks! My watch tell me 3h22 should be possible, so my goal is 3h40. Seems realistic and if I do have extra energy after 30k, I might be able to pick up the pace a bit.
@@cdh79haha I see you again. I’m exactly on the same situation as you. My garmin is telling me the same thing (VO2max of 54), I will try to push for 3h30 but depends how that last part of the race will go down. Are you planning to follow a pacer?
Thanks, Ben. I like the tips about time on feet for long runs. I do tend to sip my gels. Got my first marathon at Oulton Park next month 😁👍
Great job! Hope it goes well!!
I am no fast runner but for my first half marathon I could not resist and bought the Vaporfly next% 2... Despite me being a rather slow runner I ended up running much faster than expected. Carbon shoes really make you 5-6% faster. It doesn't matter which level you are because the carbon plate will spring you forward. They are more expensive than non-carbon shoes but totally worth it if you plan to run serious and do 5k, 10k, half-marathons and marathons races in the future. 😊😊
I'm also not very fast (3:44 marathon) and I agree with you, I use the Saucony Pro 3 for races, with a carbon plate, they make me faster than a daily trainer.
@@AlbertWeijers carbon plate is a classic placebo effect... race spirit always push you run faster than on daily trainings
Im gonna run my 3rd marathon this Sunday and have learned a bit to finally get my sub 4 goal! Also didn’t want to get full carbon shoes but got a plastic plate in the saucony endorphin speed 4! Thanks for the tips!
Best of luck! Saucony speeds are such a great shoe and are what I often recommend to people looking for a trainer they can also race in so I’m sure they’ll see you well 👍
Thanks for this Ben. I've signed up for my first marathon this April (Rotterdam), and I'm in two minds about my goals for the race. On the one hand, I anticipate it to be tough, and should just run it sensibly. On the other hand, I'll be 45 next spring, so I'm not getting any younger. Currently, I have good speed (my Coros even predicts a sub 3-hour race, although that is highly optimistic since it is based on 5K speed, and I haven't done anything longer than 20K), and I kind of want to make the most of it.
If I were you I’d maybe look at doing some half marathons and even a local 20 miler as you’ve got plenty of time to prepare. That’ll help tell you a little more about where your speed endurance is at. 5k pace is great but without the specific training it’s not that useful if you can’t get to theough the race without hitting the wall at half way :)
When do you review the Adidas pro 4 that you have there behind you? :)
0:23 just so legendary haha
The man in the playground at 0:03
Amazing video!!! I know you are now focusing on marathons but i would like to know some of your favourites half marathon long runs. Concentrating on this distance for now. Maybe you could do 4 different videos that explain the different training sessions and milage to hit best also the other distances (5k, 10k, 21k). Thanks
Noted! I think the key for me is long runs have to specific for your trace distance if you want to get the best out of them :)
Your stride is something else. You literally kick yourself in the butt while running
At high speeds but still plenty to work on :)
Hi Ben good video! My marathon is in March 2025 and I’m going for my 6th marathon my best is 4 hours haven’t got that since. I’ve noticed I’m not speedy but I’m very good at holding a moderate pace 920-940 pace for 19-20 miles. I was gonna ask you do u think I should try get up 23-25 miles in training 4-5 weeks out? As long as it’s aerobic? I’ve never went over 20-21 miles training and I’m wondering if I do 24-25 miler if that help for race day. I’m an endurance monster when it comes moderate paces. But when it comes 8-830 paces for long time my body goes into shock.
Sounds like you’d benefit more from some progressive long runs. Starting at bellow marathon pb pace and then the last day 3/4 miles trying to run a little faster than race pace. Work on that speed endurance rather than time on feet long runs I’d expect would be most beneficial for you :)
Oh ok thanks Ben.....and i ALWAYS seem hit wall mile 17-18.......if im shooting for 850-9 min pace marathon should i start out 950-945 first few miles and work down to low 9s second half? i feel like im better progressive getting faster but i gotta train to negative split better. Last year i started marathon at 9 13 pace and hit wall hard mile 18 and ended up with 950 average pace end
Running my 3rd one this Sunday. Best training block I have ever done.
HOWEVER the taper is by far the worst. Feeling out of shape, heart rate is elevated and especially this last week I have all kinds of pains and niggles in past injuries that have not bothered me at all for months. I read this all might be normal so for now I'm trying not to lose faith for race day 🤔🤔
Yeah that’s completely normal! I’ve felt all those feelings but come race day you’re completely fine! Nerves can play on your mind and you often feel like a little niggle is your leg falling off 🤪
@@BenIsRunning Great to hear this from you Ben! Thanks!
I wish one day my form is as good as yours lol
You should see my form when I started. It’s naturally improved as I’ve training more I guess :)
@@BenIsRunning I have been at it since beginning of this year, just finally retired my shoes and bought the 1080v13 and sc trainer v3 but I think I want to go with a 1 do it all shoe and I’m trying to decide, rebel v4 or Mach 6, endorphin speed 4 or whatever!
@@Ennis09 my pick would be an endorphin speed but note the 4 is a little narrow so if bare that in mind. The rebel and mach are also great options so might be worth heading to a running specialist to see which works best for you
@@BenIsRunning I went to fleetfeet and they have like no stock and not much help!!! lol
❤
4 comment
Giving advice you didn't do yourself in Berlin.
My boyfriend bought me lingerie that was so complicated, I needed a UA-cam tutorial to figure out how to put it on. It's supposed to be easy access, not a puzzle😘
Last night, I tried to impress my husband with a sexy dance. Let's just say I'm sticking to my day job. Who knew I had the rhythm of a malfunctioning washing machine🌺