First Marathon Pace Advice

Training Advice/Discussion Marathon

6 years ago 05/22/2017 7:50pm EDT

First marathon coming up this weekend and looking for some pace advice.

This year:

5K: 19:20

10K: 39:55

Half: 1:29:56

Training for the last 18 weeks on a pfitz 18/55.

A month ago had a 17 miler at 7:03 pace with some aggressive early miles.

One day I would like to run a 3:07.

The course is super flat so a big part of me wants to shoot for 3:07 but the conservative part of me says to shoot for 3:12 to 3:15.

Does a 3:07 seem realistic or do I stick conservative since it's my first go at this distance?

Thanks!

6 years ago 05/23/2017 10:39am EDT

re: D geddy

You and I are about the same speed. You're slightly faster than me right now, though I'm closing in.

3:10 is 7:14, right? I would start off shooting for that, and see how you feel at 22 or 23. First marathon, I could see you hitting the wall trying to match your 17-miler, although I don't know how many other race pace runs you've done.

6 years ago 05/23/2017 12:27pm EDT

re: D geddy

My times when I ran 3:07 were 19:20ish (dated pr), 40:40ish (hilly course), 1:28 and change (tune up race for the marathon on a flat course, so this was probably the most reflective of my fitness level). So you're within the realm of possibility.

First marathon is always a gamble though. Might be better to start slower and try to pick it up at the end, rather than go for a reach target on the first try. If you blow up, the last few miles will not be fun.

6 years ago 05/23/2017 12:32pm EDT

re: D geddy

D geddy wrote:
First marathon coming up this weekend and looking for some pace advice.
This year:
5K: 19:20
10K: 39:55
Half: 1:29:56
Training for the last 18 weeks on a pfitz 18/55.
A month ago had a 17 miler at 7:03 pace with some aggressive early miles.
One day I would like to run a 3:07.
The course is super flat so a big part of me wants to shoot for 3:07 but the conservative part of me says to shoot for 3:12 to 3:15.
Does a 3:07 seem realistic or do I stick conservative since it's my first go at this distance?
Thanks!

If its your first, i would follow these tips....

Start out way slower than you think. Once race day comes your going to want to go fast. don't. if you don't feel like your going too slow, than your going too fast.

Hold down that speed until 20/21. thats when the real race starts.

pfitz 18/55 is a great plan. i have used it many times. trust your plan.

test your nutrition and hydration long before the race.

know its going to work for you.

make peace with the pain. a marathon always hurts. embrace it.

good luck!

6 years ago 05/23/2017 1:00pm EDT

re: D geddy

D geddy wrote:
First marathon coming up this weekend and looking for some pace advice.
This year:
5K: 19:20
10K: 39:55
Half: 1:29:56
Training for the last 18 weeks on a pfitz 18/55.
A month ago had a 17 miler at 7:03 pace with some aggressive early miles.
One day I would like to run a 3:07.
The course is super flat so a big part of me wants to shoot for 3:07 but the conservative part of me says to shoot for 3:12 to 3:15.
Does a 3:07 seem realistic or do I stick conservative since it's my first go at this distance?
Thanks!

Based on your training and times I would say you were more likely to hit 3:15 if the conditions are right. I would not go for 3:07.

6 years ago 05/23/2017 4:40pm EDT

re: Anne Hedonia

Thanks! Great advice everybody. Can't wait to tackle the distance.

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