The Running Channel Podcast 159: What’s Harder: Your First Marathon or Your Fastest Marathon?
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Feb 28, 2026 Three runners debate whether a first marathon or chasing your fastest time is tougher. They swap funny race prep stories, parenting mishaps and training load comparisons. The chat covers pacing tech tips, fueling and time-on-feet risks, and how pressure and expectations change the challenge. Listeners’ poll results and shoe care advice round out the lively discussion.
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Avoid A Time Target On Your First Marathon
- Do avoid chasing a time target on your first marathon and prioritise finishing and learning the distance.
- Sarah warns that external expectations and comparing paces can make your first marathon harder, so use the race to learn fueling and pacing.
Van Failure Turned The Living Room Into A Cinema
- Anecdote: Andy planned a family cinema and boardgames day but the van wouldn't start, turning the living room into a cinema instead.
- He describes towing the van and improvising with shutters up to make the home movie experience.
Hilly Half Marathon Felt Like A Hidden PB
- Anecdote: Sarah ran a hilly half after Chamonix and felt it could be a PB for Tom despite hills; she sneaked a 1:42 with excitement.
- She compares it to her trail Thames Meander PB of ~1:45 and wants a flat half to find more speed.