marathon long run - pace?

[Reggit]

OK I’m confused…

I’m training for my first marathon - Manchester in April.

What pace should I aim for in my long runs? The training plan I’m using has them significantly faster than my goal time. Whereas another I looked at advises slower than goal pace.

My goal is to finish, that’s about it - I’ve set the plan at 5.15 which equates to 7.27/km. The plan is suggesting I need to run the long runs between 6.16-7.01/km which I’m starting to struggle with and I’m only at 24km.

cheers

[RunWillie Marathon]

That’s awesome  Reggit 👍🏻 I’m running my first marathon this year too. Exciting! My plan has my long run at easy pace with the instruction that I can pick up the pace for the last few miles only if I feel good & a seperate 6 miler run at marathon pace plus one hard effort 5k. All other runs are super easy. I would slow your long run down. You don’t want to be struggling on your long run especially as the miles increase. Hope that helps.

Edit:Happy to share what my pace ranges are if that’s helpful. I’m probably going to finish around your goal pace time.

[GTFC Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Brilliant RunWillie all the same things I wish for you as I replied to Reggit It is such an incredible achievement and one that is a lifetime achievement. All my marathon runs have their own story and each is unique; just as yours will be. Very best wishes with the training 👏👏👏

[GTFC Marathon]

That's brilliant Reggit what a awesome thing to do!! I'm not sure about pacing for you as it's so individual. I'd go for a rough time (like you have) and see if you can hold the splits. The crucial thing for me is fuelling and hydration when running one. Get that sorted and practised with what you're happy with. Nothing new on race day. Really good luck on the training. People don't always realise what goes in to getting on the start line 👏👏👏

[Reggit Marathon]

Much happier today, just back from 15 miles - dropped the pace a little and made sure the annoying prompts were turned off on my watch. Also took my hydration vest, could have probably carried on to 26k, however didn’t have the time and didn’t want to push the distance up too quickly.

Thanks for the great advice.

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Reggit]

That sounds really positive 🙌

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Well done on taking on the marathon. Never done one, dont intend to either. I have, however, done my fair share of halfs over the years, so I think the principal is the same.The long runs are there to build endurance. Time is not really relevant as much as the 'miles in the bank'.

So, push yourself if you feel up to it, but focus on getting the distance.

[00marks Marathon]

Don’t worry about pace for your long runs if you think you are slow. Just take it easy. It’s more to do with time on your feet for the long runs and building up your aerobic capacity. Keep your shorter runs for practice of marathon pace. Use the long runs to practice hydration and fuelling and to figure out what kit works best for you. Keep us posted on how your Manchester training is going.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Hi Reggit. Well done on getting up to 24k! I plugged your goal into a pace calculator and got 7:28 avg pace.Based on this, I think if you can do a steady 7pace, then you should be in the right zone. To hit 5:15 you want to be a little faster in training just so you have a bit left at the end on race day. Also factor in elevation of your race route and try to train similar elevation on your long runs. Good luck, you have got this!

Pace

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Decker]

Awesome Decker ⭐

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Definitely slower than goal pace! Here's a link to the NRC marathon training plan. Page 8 gives some pace calculations if you're interested nike.com/pdf/Nike-Run-Club-...

Well done on the training so far, great job 😊