Avoid These Common Marathon Pacing Mistakes and Finish Strong

⏱️Pacing for an unrealistic finish time can backfire later on in the marathon. Padding your time by 10 minutes is a more realistic approach.

📝Having a race plan that includes adjusting for terrain and weather is crucial to success.

🏃‍♀️Going out too fast in the beginning can lead to a grueling finish. Start conservatively to have a stronger finish.

🌄Adjusting your pace for hills and weather conditions can help conserve energy and maintain a steady pace.

💪Listening to your body and making adjustments when necessary is important to avoid hitting the wall and finish strong.

Should I pace myself for my goal finish time?

—While setting a goal finish time is important, pacing yourself realistically based on your training and experience is crucial. Padding your time by 10 minutes can help ensure a stronger finish.

Should I follow a race plan?

—Having a race plan that includes pacing strategies, adjusting for terrain and weather, and listening to your body is essential for a successful marathon.

How do I avoid going out too fast?

—Start the marathon conservatively, about 10-15 seconds slower than your projected marathon pace. This allows you to conserve energy and have a stronger finish.

Should I adjust my pace for hills?

—Yes, adjusting your pace for hills based on effort rather than maintaining a rigid pace can help conserve energy and maintain overall better pacing.

Is it important to listen to my body during the marathon?

—Listening to your body and making adjustments when necessary, such as slowing down or taking walk breaks, can help you avoid hitting the wall and finish strong.

00:00Introduction to the importance of pacing in a marathon.

02:32Pacing mistake 1: Pacing for an unrealistic finish time and the solution of padding your time.

06:40Pacing mistake 2: Ignoring your race plan and the solution of running your own race.

09:42Pacing mistake 3: Going out too fast and the solution of starting conservatively.

12:45Pacing mistake 4: Not adjusting for terrain and weather and the solution of adjusting your effort.

15:20Pacing mistake 5: Blindly trusting a pacer and the solution of understanding the pacer's strategy or running your own race.