In Episode 72 we focus on two races from the Berlin Marathon: Eliud Kipchoge’s astonishing 2:01:39 world record, and Gregg’s determined effort to crack three. We offer shout-outs for some excellent listener performances, and Gregg outlines where he goes from here.
Categories: Berlin Marathon, Kipchoge, Podcast
Hello Gregg & Brenn. I just finished listening to the show. Thank you for the shout out.
My time was not close to Gregg’s but it was still a PR (by 12+ mins) and I did have a huge negative split (approx. 5 mins). Like Gregg, I too am proud of the outcome but am also slightly disappointed as I fell short of my goal of 3:10 which would have secured a BQ for me. For me, the biggest setback was the crowd. I started in Group E and thought I would fall into a rhythm that would allow me to make up the slow start, but it never happened. After 8 miles, I found myself having to run on the sidewalk behind the spectators to be able to speed up. There was a lot of starting and stopping especially at the aid stations throughout most of the race.
Having said this, I loved the race and the experience, but I did learn to secure proper wave placement for future races if I really want to hit the time I trained for. My next attempt will be at California International this December. Hopefully, I can get my BQ there so I can rest and then start working towards my own 2:59.
Thank you all for the show and the community that you are building. Good luck in BYC to both of you.
Best wishes,
Luis Hernandez
Hi – I’ve really enjoyed following Gregg’s training to hit Cloud259 at Berlin (keep going with the great podcasts) . A few questions on Gregg’s Berlin Marathon if you get a chance to respond…
* What shoes did you wear? You’ve previously discussed if the Vaportfly can really give you a 4% improvement (about 7 mins on a 3hr marathon!). Is it wise to swap shoes on or near to marathon day anyway?
* What energy did you consume immediately before and on the course?
* Did you carb load prior to the race?
Great try, look forward to hearing how your plans develop for the next one
All the best John Harding
Hi John thanks for the kind words.
1) I wore the Adidas Adizero Boost 3 at Berlin. The Vaporflys are calling out to me but I’ve never been a Nike fan – it’s not that I’m against the shoe in principle.
2) I had a light breakfast just toast and coffee. A pack of shot blocks before the start and 3 gels our on the course (was planning for 4 gels but the tummy went south late in the race). I need to improve the midrace nutrition I think.
3) I did eat a lot of carbs in the last 3 or 4 days during the race but Coach Nate advised moderate portions (<700 cals) just more often and that felt right somehow. He says it tricks the body to store more glycogen.
Hope that helps John when’s your next one?
Thanks Gregg – My next marathon is Brighton in April 2019, hoping to beat my existing PB, so anything under 3h10m (3h5m would do just fine!).
Thank you Luis! 12 minute PR and a big negative split. That’s got to feel great. Good luck at CIM – there are a few others from our Strava group running there.