Is it worth doing a Major Marathon?

I recently ran an ok time in a local to me marathon that will give me access to several major marathons via good for age criteria (I'm at least 10 minutes under the cut off time so should be accepted). I have never entered a ballot for any of the majors as I have only been running a couple of years and I have enjoyed the process of training and running without really being focused on racing or what races to do. The races I have done so far (x2 marathons and x2 half marathons) have all just been local to me, sleep in my own bed and drive over the morning of the race not destination events.

For people that have run in Majors are they worth it? It seems a bit of a faff having to attend an expo to pick up a bib, takes up a full weekend and maybe a day off work with all the associated extra costs. What, if anything, makes the Majors "better" than other races?

How’s your week of running going? Got any Complaints? Anything to add as a Confession? How about any Uncomplaints?

Hey runners, it's another day and it is time to post your accomplishments you'd like to share - big or small.

Note: No need to preface YOUR accomplishments with something like, "this may not be an accomplishment to most of you...". Be proud of your achievement.

I feel like races prices haven’t skyrocketed in recent years, but it seems to me in terms of swag, nutrition, and post race goodies have gotten much worse recently. I run mostly marathons in Utah and Idaho. And they range from 90-150 and I just feel like they don’t always provide much other than the shirt. Not to say that isn’t enough, but I ran a half marathon around 15 years ago and the end of the race was like a buffet of goodies to eat. Anyone else think races are cutting the goodies you get too? Any thoughts on why? I know like shrinkflation is a thing but are there other things I might not be thinking of?

I’ve been training pretty consistently and part of me always wants the next race to be faster, but lately I’ve been wondering if that mindset takes some of the fun out of it. Between work, kids, and everything else, some weeks I’m proud just to get my miles in at all haha.

For those of you who’ve been running for years, do you always have a time goal, or do you go through seasons where you just run because you enjoy it?

Hey runners, it's another day and it is time to post your accomplishments you'd like to share - big or small.

Note: No need to preface YOUR accomplishments with something like, "this may not be an accomplishment to most of you...". Be proud of your achievement.

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I started running two months ago with a Runna plan called something like "Return to Running." Now I'm about to reach my goal of running 5K without stopping, and I want to change my gym workouts to focus more on running.
Over the past few months, I've heard that, for muscle growth, you don't need to train a muscle until it's completely exhausted. Instead, you can spread your training volume across several days of the week and still get similar results.
I just want to know if the same principle applies to strength training for running.

Lower-Body Strength Training

Workout A
Leg Press
Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift
Standing Calf Raises
Hip Abduction Machine

Workout B
Leg Extension Machine
Seated Leg Curl
Seated Calf Raises
Hip Adduction Machine

this is the base of the training that im thinking about spread

Race Information
Name: Chicago Marathon
Date: October 11, 2026
Distance: 26.2 miles
Location: Chicago IL
Time: 3:55:03

Goals / completed?

A goal: Sub 4-hour / YES
B goal: PR (Sub 4:14) / YES
C goal: finish the race / YES

My marathon journey/background

27F, I grew up playing tennis, but always hated running - it was frequently used as punishment so I just really had a bad association with running. My sister got into running during college, and then during COVID she forced me to go out on runs with her and that’s really where it all began! For my first marathon, I had no time goal in mind, considering I’d never run this distance before as long as I finished I was going to be happy with the outcome! It was the San Diego Rock n Roll, and I finished with a 4:18 time. I’m not sure why exactly but that was when I decided I want to run a sub-4 hour marathon some day. It felt like a realistic goal and sounded nice to me, sub-4 hours. Though I was still really new to running and didn’t realize the difference in training that this would require of me. My second marathon was a PR but nowhere near sub-4 hours (4:14:35). After that one I felt like I had a better understanding of the distance and could definitely hit this goal during my next marathon. Very naive of me. By an insane stroke of luck, I got selected to run the Tokyo marathon the following year via a lottery entry. I signed up on a whim not actually thinking I’d get selected but when I did I told myself - this will be it, this will be your sub-4 hour marathon! I started strength training and doing some more speed work, and did feel like I could do it when I was at the start. But around mile 17, I developed the weirdest stomach pain and was basically hunched over and speed walking to the finish line. I felt so defeated. I wanted it in Tokyo so bad - it was extra upsetting because I was in so much pain it was hard to enjoy the last 9 miles of the race. It’s such an iconic city, it hurts that the experience got tainted by this. I was SO close and I wasn’t super sore the next day so I just knew my legs had more to give if it weren’t for these gut issues. Later that year I got into Chicago (again via lottery on my second year of signing up, no clue how I am so lucky) and was so pumped to have another shot at my sub-4 hour goal. 

A few things that were different in this training block:

Strength training - consistently going 1x per week with progressive overload, focusing on single leg exercises and some upper body. I will increase to 2x per week for overall health purposes.

Core training - 1x per week core circuit focused on stabilization.

More speed training - I run 5x per week, with 2 speed sessions thrown in. I reserved at least 1 for long runs, usually tempo, (with some rest weeks where I just had a complete easy long run) and 1 VO2 max session, typically intervals/fartleks. 

Nutrition - I took a lot more gels than I had in previous training blocks, particularly during my long runs. I used to only take gels for 12 miles+ and would take gels every 6 miles, but I now take gels on 10+ mile runs every 4 miles.

Weather - not really intentional, but this summer was unusually hot where I live so I did a lot of miles in 75-85 degrees F weather.

Carb loading - in previous races, I didn’t pay too much attention to this. I always had pasta the night before, but not much additional consideration for how many carbs I’d been eating the days leading up to the race. This time around, I was a lot more intentional about eating simple carbs 3 days out from the race. I didn’t track it (probably should next time) but I was definitely eating primarily carbs those last 3 days before the race. 

Race recap

Let’s start with the weather. Checking the weather the week leading up to the race was so stressful - the forecast changed every single day, but it did seem like it was going to be hotter than usual for Chicago so I was mentally prepared for a hot race. Because I trained a lot in the heat this summer in southern California, I felt confident that the temperature would not be a major issue. As long as I hydrated leading up to and during the race, I felt I’d be okay and just tried not to even put mental energy stressing about the weather since I have no control over it anyway. It will be what it will be. I heard that GPS tracking is notoriously bad in Chicago, so I decided I would track each mile manually using the segments in Apple watch whenever I crossed a mile marker. As usual, I started out WAY too hot at an 8:40 mile, I reeled it back in on the second mile. This was a key learning in previous races - I always started way too fast and just couldn’t keep up after mile 17/18. I forced myself to run slower and reminded myself I can always speed up later if I feel good, but if I gas out too quickly there is no turning back. It was honestly hard to get into a rhythm, and I kind of flip flopped between 9:15-8:45 for a few miles until I settled into a 9 min average pace. I had a couple of milestones where I did a mental check-in on how I felt - halfway mark and 20 miles. At the halfway point I was at 1:59:04 so right on track for my goal. I could definitely feel my legs starting to get a bit tired, but mentally I was on such a high. I think this was mostly because of how incredible the crowds had been the whole race - every neighborhood was going hard and showed up for the runners, it felt so special. At this point, I decided to speed it up a bit and was trying to hit 8:50-9 min miles up until my next check-in at mile 20. The miles were just cruising by and I still hadn’t reached that point in the race where I usually start to think when will this be over?? Honestly that question never crossed my mind, I was getting so much energy from the crowds, their cheering, the music, I don’t think my race would have been the same without the crowd. At mile 20 I knew I would hit sub-4. My legs were hurting, but my spirits were HIGH. So I decided then I would be racing a 10k and giving it my all - just go for it, and I did! My last 10K were my fastest, with the last mile being the fastest one at 8:10. I finished the race with a time of 3:55:03 (kind of a bruh moment that I didn’t go 4 seconds faster lol). Suffice to say, I’ve never been so proud of myself. I remained calm the entire race, I forced myself to reel it in and start conservatively, and ended with negative splits - something I had started to think was just impossible. I couldn’t be happier with this outcome, and I just want to thank everyone who came out and supported the runners throughout the course - I genuinely could not have done it without the incredible energy you gave us, THANK YOU CHICAGO!!!! Also major shoutout to the race organizers, logistics were so easy and stress free!

TLDR; I achieved my goal of sub-4 hour marathon and attribute it to some major changes in my training and nutrition, along with the incredible support from the people of Chicago.

With over 4,225,000 subscribers, there are a lot of posts that come in everyday that are often repeats of questions previously asked or covered in the FAQ.

With that in mind, this post can be a place for any questions (especially those that may not deserve their own thread). Hopefully this is successful and helps to lower clutter and repeating posts here.

If you are new to the sub or to running, this Intro post is a good resource.

As always don't forget to check the FAQ.

And please take advantage of the search bar or Google's subreddit limited search.

It's that time of week already...the gear thread! What have you picked up lately? What's working for you now that it's whatever season you believe it to be in your particular location? What have you put through rigorous testing that's proved worthy of use? We want to know!

To clear up some confusion: We’re not actually asking what you’re wearing today. It’s just a catchy name for the thread. This is the weekly gear discussion thread, so discuss gear!

NOTE: For you Runnitors looking to sell/trade any running gear (as well as bib transfers), head over to /r/therunningrack.

I'm pretty new to running (started around a year ago, fell off for around 6 months, getting back into it right now), and it's done a lot of good for me, but what I keep struggling with again and again is nausea, no matter what distance I'm running. I start my runs slow, and then build up to a faster pace, and by the time I'm putting in a decent effort, and no matter what I feel in my lungs and legs and body, the only pain that actually puts me in severe discomfort is nausea, and I don't know what to do about it. I know if it weren't for this, I'd definitely be able to push myself further -- it's not my legs or lungs holding me back, it's stomach pain and feeling like I'm gonna throw up if I go any harder.

The problem is, I get pretty bad acid reflux, so I typically run on an empty stomach in the mornings (just coffee or water beforehand). I know this isn't ideal, but if I eat/drink anything with actual fuel, I'll actually feel like I'm about to throw up and be really sluggish and even more uncomfortable the whole run. Is there any solution to this? Is running just not my sport?

I love my Shokz OpenFit headphones, but they are not very durable at all. I've had three pairs now, and they only last about 6 months. Anyone have a good recommendation for something similar but that will last longer?

I ran the Chicago marathon this past weekend, and unfortunately, I was unaware of a lot of basic etiquette.

For example. I knew to raise my hand before slowing or stopping and moving to the side, but I didn’t know things like you can’t just throw your gels anywhere (the only defense I have is I saw them everywhere and couldn’t find any trash cans outside of aid stations, and since the course gets cleaned up, I thought it was fine to throw them!)

I’ve learned a few of these tips, but I want to know from more experienced runners - what are the most important etiquette tips you have? I want to do better the next time I run a race.

Thanks in advance!!

Back once again for everything you wanted to know about running but were afraid to ask.

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This is inspired by eric_twinge's fine work in r/fitness .

Upvote either good or stupid questions. Sort questions by new so that they get some love.

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Post your question - stupid or otherwise - here to get an answer - stupid or otherwise. Anyone can post a question and the community as a whole is invited and encouraged to provide an answer. Many questions get submitted late each week that don't get a lot of action, so if your question didn't get answered, feel free to post it again.

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[Posting on behalf of u/Percinho who is currently working in the field checking culverts for spiders]

Hi everyone - I'm a bit new to running and road racing, and had an incident at the last race I wanted to check on.

I ran the Long Beach Half Marathon yesterday. It was my third road race ever. It was chaotic at the start and I didn't see any of the designated pacers that I had planned to follow, but about a mile in I found some folks running around my pace. I saw someone that was running at my exact goal pace and also checking his watch every 20 seconds or so. That suggested to me he was going to stay pretty consistently at that same pace, so I tucked in behind him. I sat around 4-5 yards behind him and basically turned my brain off for a few miles. I know he probably saw me a bunch because he looked behind him before making turns or moving around, and I was wearing a bright, noticeable shirt.

At around the 4 mile mark, he turned his head around and yelled: "get off my ass!" I was a bit shocked and confused. I didn't really feel like spending too much energy speeding up past him, but we were also what I thought was the most efficient route (hugging corners, going to the side of the road the next turn was going to be at, etc.), so I didn't want to just go across the street for no reason, but I did pull back a bit so I was around 10-15 yards or so behind him after that. A few minutes later, he pulled up to the side of the road to stretch and I never saw him again.

The rest of the race I spent purposely not tucking in behind anyone because of the encounter. But I just want to know if AITA for tucking in behind a stranger. I'm totally open to being in the wrong, I just thought that pretty much everyone did this?

Hey runners, it's another day and it is time to post your accomplishments you'd like to share - big or small.

Note: No need to preface YOUR accomplishments with something like, "this may not be an accomplishment to most of you...". Be proud of your achievement.

With over 4,225,000 subscribers, there are a lot of posts that come in everyday that are often repeats of questions previously asked or covered in the FAQ.

With that in mind, this post can be a place for any questions (especially those that may not deserve their own thread). Hopefully this is successful and helps to lower clutter and repeating posts here.

If you are new to the sub or to running, this Intro post is a good resource.

As always don't forget to check the FAQ.

And please take advantage of the search bar or Google's subreddit limited search.

Shoes are a big topic in this sub, so in an effort to condense and collect some of these posts, we're introducing Shoesday Tuesday! Similar to Wednesday's gear thread, but focusing on shoes.

What’ve you been wearing on your feet? Anything fun added to the rotation? Got a review of a new release? Questions about a pair that’s caught your eye? Here's the place to discuss.

NOTE: For you Runnitors looking to sell/trade any running gear (as well as bib transfers), head over to /r/therunningrack.

I just completed my last race of 2026 (first year running), I’ve done 4 5k races this year, and ended on a PR! Super proud!

As we head into the winter season, what changes do you typically make in your running training? I don’t love to be outside in the cold, but I know it will improve my running. But I’m thinking this winter I should take time to strength train a little more. I was thinking as opposed to 1-2 3 mile runs per week and one strength session in the gym to 1 2-3 mile runs per week and strength training twice a week.

What are some things that work for you in the winter? If you run in the cold, what are your tips? Do you typically change your training schedule in the winter?

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Happyyyyyyy mondayyyyyyyyy runnerssss!

How was the weekend? What’s happening this week? We want to hear all about it. Let’s chat!

BACKGROUND:

Hello! I am a 23 y/o, 88 kg male with Stage 1 Hypertension (controlled) and no prior sports background. I have been running for 15 weeks now, with my training composed of (1) a tempo run, (2) speed interval training, and (3) a long run via run-walk method. I have achieved sub-40 for a 5k and sub-1:30 for a 10k.

I have been recently delving into zone training to introduce a better system in my runs. I would like to preface by saying that I measure my HR manually, as I cannot yet afford running gear. My main goal right now is to address my weight and hypertension. My secondary goal is to be able to finish a 10-miler in 3 months. I don’t particularly set a target time yet when I join races, I just don’t want to be so miserable and so out of breath when I cross the finish line.

QUESTIONS:

For the past weeks, I have been dreading every running session where I had to do speed interval training (pace > 6:00/km). Not only am I so out of breath afterwards, it also puts considerable stress and produces minimal-moderate pain on my legs. As a beginner, is it okay to ditch speed training for now and focus on Zone 2-3 training? I plan on returning (hopefully after 3 months) once I have lost more weight and strengthen my legs to minimize leg pain, and also once I have developed a bigger aerobic base.

1. I recently tried doing a 30-min tempo run. I was running at a conversational pace of 7:30/km, which for me is just casual jogging. However, based on my age-predicted HR zones, I was in Zone 2 after 5 mins, Zone 3 after 10 mins, and Zone 4 after 15 mins, which is too high I believe. Reducing my speed means that I would have to switch for casual jogging to brisk walking. Despite my HR measurements, I was never feeling like I was putting too much effort and was running out of breath during the entire duration. Should I trust my HR and switch to brisk walking instead? Or should I trust my perceived exertion and run at a pace that feels easy for me despite my HR?

TLDR:

1. As a beginner, is it okay to ditch speed training for now as a beginner to focus on Zone 2-3 training?

2. Should I use my HR measurements or perceived exertion when I run at a desired intensity?

The Li’l Race Report Thread is for writing a short report on a recent race or a run in a new place. If your race doesn’t really need its own thread but you still want to talk about it, then post it here! Both your good and bad races are welcome.

Didn't run a race, but had an interesting run to talk about. Post it here as well!

So get to it, Runnit! In a paragraph or two, where’d you run and how’d it go?