Amsterdam Marathon Results: Key Lessons from First Marathon Race

The 2019 Amsterdam Marathon proved to be filled with many lessons for me in this 44th running of the race. As a first time road marathon runner I was going out to discover this particular discipline within the running space, and try to absorb as many lessons as possible from the experience of racing 26.2 miles on yes, a harder surface than what I am accustomed to. The Amsterdam Marathon will go down in my memory as a great day, despite not hitting my time goal, I feel prepared better now for future marathon races around the globe. Which will be my next marathon race?
🔹 Pain relief cream that I use and love, "Deep Blue Rub from doTerra": amzn.to/2MQNTnB
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"Seek Beauty, Work Hard, and Love Each Other"
🔹 Next Races:
October 20th: Amsterdam Marathon - Netherlands
(mystery race)
November 15th: World Mountain Running Championships - Argentina
December 15th: Spartan Trail US Championship - California
🔹 Training this week: (training will vary depending on how my legs feel on any given day)
Monday October 14:
⁃ 3 miles easy
Tuesday October 15:
6 mile fartlek (3 min on, 1 min off)
Wednesday October 16:
⁃ 8 miles steady
Thursday October 17:
3 miles easy + strides
Friday October 18:
4 miles steasy
Saturday October 19:
3 mile shakeout + stride
Sunday October 20:
Amsterdam Marathon!
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🔹 In this daily running vlog, you will hear my thoughts on training for 5k running races up to ultra marathons. Also, we will discuss the best running shoes of 2019, and running shoes that are not working in the current calendar year. I'll do my best to help you find a running shoe that works best for your feet. How to find a running shoe is never easy, running shoe stores can be intimidating at times, so I'm here to help! Ask your running shoe questions in the comments. Subscribe today if you're looking for more of all three in life!
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[@TravelRunner]

QD: Two things: 1) I've learned not to start a marathon too quickly the first 5km. Every 10sec faster than goal pace the first 5km will equal about 1min+ of slow down the last 10km of the race. It's really important to make sure you hit that first 5km mark right at goal pace, or even better, 10-15sec slower than goal pace and pick up the pace slightly after that. Patience in the marathon is key. 2) Make sure to have a "reserve" gel stashed away in a pocket. You never know when you're going to need it.

[@tkbuz]

Travel Runner at Seth’s pace I don’t believe the missed gel had anything to do with bonking. Body has enough carbs for 2 hours so at 2:20 a missed gel is not a big deal imo. It was all about going out too fast. I’ve run 30 marathons and only once bonked from nutrition, it’s always pacing in my experience.

[@zaphod2]

Easier said than done. If you start 10-15sec slower than goal pace, you are most likely ending up in a slower pack. You then have to fight your way forward on your own, which especially in windy conditions will be hard.

[@joshuaecht]

Good points! I think I should treat a marathon as a progression run, like the Japanese do in ekidens. Love your channel Seth!

[@llylep]

Carry your gels and drink what the race offers at aid stations. Keep it simple. You really don’t need to drink that much on a cool day. I have run 2:20 (1984) and many of your workouts were much better than mine. I figure you were in 2:17 shape easily. You just got caught up in the moment which often happens. Now you know! If you pace yourself correctly, you can run sub 2:19. Thanks for your videos. I have found them very inspiring. Good luck with everything.

[@kimwrinkle100]

llylep Nice! 2:20 in 1984? I ran 2:23:15 in 1982 (Nike OTC Marathon in Eugene, OR). We are contemporaries! 👍👍🏃

[@cameronmckinney2090]

Kim Wrinkle OTC? One of my coworkers runs for otc

[@bhoage]

My thoughts exactly on the carrying of gels, drinking what's offered and 2:17 ability. Seth's half split alone converts to a 2:20 marathon in the Jack Daniel's calculator, (which for me is very accurate). His stand alone half time would easily have him under 2:19. The quad pain is typical IMO. I think maybe more pavement running and threshold work might help, but I'm guessing because my quad's always feel wrecked so I haven't sorted that one out yet :)

[@kimwrinkle100]

Cameron McKinney Small world! I lived in Eugene and worked for Nike from 1981- 1984. 👍👍🏃

[@cristianfcao]

Here's what I loved the most about this marathon: Watching the HUGE amount of support for you, Seth, that I saw in the Live Stream of the race! Your fans invaded the stream and left thousands of supporting messages. "Go Seth!" "Seth this", "Seth that" People were constantly asking "Who TF is this Seth EVERYBODY is talking about?" It was really fun and it was also really inspiring to see how the love and the enthusiasm that you put in this channel is appreciated by people throughout the world. PS: Have at least one gel with you might be another lesson!

[@brigiddemoor4206]

This makes my heart happy!!

[@christong4193]

I felt a little emotional when the guy was shouting “rhythm, rhythm “ at you when you ran past, it really shows how you have inspired all of us to be part of your vlog family! I can’t wait to see you going for your next race.

[@Runner4ChristTC]

Yes,it was fun cheering on Seth with everyone in the chat. 🥰

[@yan.weather]

Yeah a gel stuffed in the shorts pocket is good idea

[@andrewrivera4029]

At 21 miles you hit “the wall”, welcome to marathoning!

[@baswelljr]

Great debut! My 3 main rules for long distance racing after 250+ marathon/ultras: 1. Don’t go out too fast (keep pace + or - 2% of goal pace, adjusting for terrain) 2. Run your own race (for ex, don’t speed up just to keep up with someone) 3. Don’t try to make up for lost time (i.e., pit stops, ...) Again, great debut marathon! Congrats!

[@richardrankin7488]

You hit the nail on the head: pavement. Do not underestimate the effect of pavement on your legs.

[@sharr630]

I think it was Runner's World where I read that running on pavement is actually good for you (within reason) because you're bones toughen up with the increased impact. If Seth has basically only been running on ground that explains why the Amsterdam race was so painful for him.

[@distitube]

You should have run with the pack of the first woman. She completed the marathon in 2h19m30s helped by pacers. I was there and I completed the race in 2h55m09s that is my new PB 😊

[@Kenzierose93]

Seth, just for future consideration, the Indianapolis monumental marathon is a flat flat fast race. Lots and lots of dudes pr there.

[@malpeacock1]

What a magic experience Seth, such amazing positive attitude 10/10

[@toppdesignstt]

I'm so inspired, got the fever now ... Warning it's catching!!! Been sick for the last 5 days following all this and haven't been able to run. Can't wait to get back out, it's like a bad itch I can't scratch.

[@j.wielfaert8462]

Amazing! I’ve learned so much watching you take this journey. You are helping me to discover just how much a middle of the pack runner like me can improve by attending to the small details, training smart, planning and executing well, etc. I love this vlog! Thanks for taking us along with you!

[@markmailer8122]

My wife is finding it hilarious that I am watching your Amsterdam video when I am 48 and run 4hr+ marathons. Fair point :-) but your enthusiasm and love of the sport is exactly what I need. Love your channel and thankful I have found it - stumbled across it after watching your review of Hoka as I was buying a pair for my 12 year old son who is much more athletically promising than myself.

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

let’s keep inspiring each other Mark!

[@sharonlightfoot9921]

I could listen to you break down that race all day long- love your attitude so much Seth. .... and stunning moody footage of your last shake out run on a rainy Amsterdam morning- along the cobbled streets 💕 always seeking beauty!

[@valgalimberti4016]

I've just been suggested your channel and I'm here alone with a cold... and you just made me smile :D your attitude is incredible, you just got a new follower

[@DocKenRunner42195]

You probably got "jacked up" during the first stages. You have every right to, its your 1st road race, running abroad and you had that 2:19 goal set. All those factors, but hey Seth, you had a blast, stayed positive and finished unhurt. Great job my man SJD. Safe journey home. God bless.

[@Mark-xw3tj]

Everything you are saying went wrong is typical of the marathon (out too fast, difficult aid stations, quads shot, wall hit, etc). It was impressive that you didn't slow further. Running solo is nothing to fear if there's no wind. Better pacing and you'll nail

[@scottbone8926]

First off, what an amazing result for any marathon, let alone your first! I've huge respect for you as an athlete and as a person. Far from elite level runner here - but a Boston qualifier/finisher and an Ironman, so I've learned a few lessons. The one I feel relates most in relation to the Amsterdam Marathon - YOU CAN'T BANK TIME, BUT YOU CAN BANK ENERGY. Thinking/feeling one can go out fast and have time 'in the bank' for the second half/later part of the race - is a hard lesson to learn. Racing a marathon is a beast - go out too hard and it's a big bear which climbs on your back at 21-23 mile mark. Too much thinking about what's happening during the race versus what happened during training can be a race killer. If one doesn't have people breaking the wind during training, don't sweat it during the race. Pace bunnies can be killer - I've chased them only to have them stop and throw me off versus just doing my own thing. If you put the training in, it'll happen. I'm still learning, like most - that's half the fun. Cheers.

[@bernardwhitmore7677]

Scott Bone - I totally agree with Scott; in the marathon execute your strategy and run your own race. If you want to get aggressive and take risk, that's what the last 10K are for.

[@TheFODRunner]

A great recap mate well done, such a super effort for your first one! Now go spend some time with the family and soak in everything thats happened, you deserve all the praise everyones giving you! 2:23 is just an EPIC time!

[@QronoZ713]

Better pacing + a bit better energy/water along the race, and you're golden.

[@kimwrinkle100]

Seth, A few ideas/comments. Great debut, first of all. Lessons learned that you will use going forward. The quad soreness...yes, Road marathons HURT! More pavement training will help, especially long runs with some marathon-pace segments. The gel...carry it in your shorts! Minimal weight but mentally and/or physically it would have helped. 2:23:37...sweet! My PR of 2:23:15 was set in 1982 after 20+ marathon races (and at age 24), and my best-EVER half marathon race (not a split) was 1:08:45. Your 1:06:53 shows you have the ability to run 2:15-2:16 range. Impressive debut for you!

[@markalison2073]

The marathon. 26 miles basically doing the same movement for 2 hours 23 minutes. No hills to break it up either Seth. I reckon you could break the record for the Western States 100 Ultra and still suffer in a flat pavement marathon. Anyway you should be so proud of yourself. You’re an inspiration to me and all your KZbin followers. Your posts are just the best Seth. Stay strong and start planning for your next challenge and we’ll all be here anxiously waiting to follow you. Cheers from Australia!

[@minuschful]

look at all the comments… you can be so proud of you - you not only ran with the elite runners - you were one of them!!!!!!! congratulations.

[@tkldr]

Love the Mister Rogers friendly neighbor vibe at 7:48. 😄 Thanks for sharing the story! I just ran my first marathon this weekend, not quite two hours twenty three. 🤯

[@brendankravet4658]

The pain is normal Seth for your quads. I’m pretty sure most runners would agree. I’ve done numerous ultras and a marathon and I’ve never been as destroyed more than after the marathon. It truly is a different beast and everyone must respect it going in or it will bite back hard! Congrats again!

[@vincentaurelius2390]

Somehow listening to your disappointments is just as inspiring as your achievements. Shows new runners that setbacks are part of the game not the end of it.

[@mikey_mcc]

QoD: I learned not to do a dummy run of my race one week beforehand at race pace 🤦🏻‍♂️ I still hit my target on the day, but it was a lot harder than the dummy run. Seth, again, massive congrats and respect! You teach all us new runners alot, and I’m sure I’m not the only one to say you are a true running inspiration! That alone is better than meeting any goal in a race! 💙👍🏻🏃‍♂️

[@abelimages]

I mainly run 5k’s. I learned not to go out to fast for the first mile or so. I get caught up in the excitement of the crowed and the start and have gone out to fast. Paid for it at the end. Love experiencing your journey with you. Thanks for bringing us along. Live and learn.

[@eddiecruz9139]

It’s all about staying humble you’re a beast 🙏🏼

[@chriscam1214]

Congratulations on your debut race you must be very proud. Great job I ran my first road marathon last year & April this year my first 50k Ultra, followed by my first 80k ultra. Learnt a Lot on all 3 three events. Now got a solid bench mark for 2020. Enjoy the recovery. Cheers Chris from Wales

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

I am Chris, thank you for the support and you are doing great too!

[@wgraham2410]

New to your channel Seth, and I have to say i'm hooked on your energy/positivity/personality! I am just a "casual" runner, done 2 Chicago Marathons and still trying to break the 4 hour mark. Peanuts compared to you but still love seeing elite runners struggling with the same things non-elite runners struggle with. I know Chicago probably has to many turns for you but PLEASE think about doing the Chicago Marathon. The crowds are probably the best in the world and will push you so much. Either way, keep up the good work!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Welcome 🙏🏻Thank you for being here!

[@sharr630]

I just happened to stumble across your video. I can't believe that you ran the Amsterdam marathon and it was your first one. Amazing time btw. I'm currently training for the Utrecht Half Marathon (my first) in the hope of being able to do the Amsterdam one in October. Your videos are definitely proving to be helpful!

[@kcbnccarter1]

Great post! QOD: Same thing you learned Seth...don't go out so fast! I had a blazing pace going until mile 21. Mother Marathon demands respect! Glad you had a blast. That's been my experience as well.

[@showeezy]

Thank you for imparting your lessons learned. Adding those pointer to my tool kit! QOD: Learned the most from a race where I was expecting water and nutrition at aid stations and there wasn't any! Four hours into a race and I was asking other runners for anything they can spare (i.e. salt tabs or gels!). Now I bring extra nutrition on every race/course to give to runners in need because it's a common mistake.

[@jameschaves5723]

Been waiting all night for this. I must say I'm not surprised at the reason you went out so fast. Yes much easier to run in a group but you also train alone! It wouldn't have been that bad especially at 1:10 pace. You could have easily run 1:08 on the back!! It's a beast and you have learned now. I admire your enthusiasm but I also known it stings. Regroup and go at it again Seth. You have so much time before OT.

[@reesehamilton8115]

I love you man, you’ve got such a great attitude all the time and about everything. I believe you can break 2:20 easy.

[@Elmo6855]

Seth, don't discount your ability to run alone. Packs sound good but they have to be spot on with your desired pace or else. If you can figure out potential run buddies before hand, that's better. You put in many solo miles and you are a specialist in that regard; ie - stick to your training! Speculate that had you been on your pace at 10k to go, you could've started pushing as you likely would have seen someone ahead who's overcooked it; that would pull you in as you pick them off. QOD: Fighting the wind by leaning into it for 8 miles mid-marathon. I had turned with wind now at my back, thinking I was home free. Instead my hamstrings gave me some serious cramps from all the leaning forward I did, stopping me once every mile in the last 10k, costing me 7 minutes and a BQ. I learned to stick to my training. ;-)

[@chngsk]

Hahaha, and Michel Butter is one of the Dutch marathon elites!

[@rikhartman7476]

Yes, former Dutch champion I think 👍🏻

[@drachesunwar]

@@rikhartman7476 That's correct, Dutch champion in 2011, and in 2012 he was 7th at the Boston Marathon (and the top European in that race).

[@moustaphabaya7887]

your videos are just rlly refreshing, it has to be your approach to "challenging" subjects to talk about

[@crummockiphail9720]

The haters on Lets Run are pathetic. This dude's out here trying to live his best life, literally inspiring and encouraging people around the world. Putting himself out there, learning new things along the way, and sharing those experiences with us. And they're just wallowing in the pits trying to drag everyone and everything down with them. Just awful. That forum is a collection of all the worst things about the running community.

[@wastelander1015]

Went to check and couldn't believe how negative and intrusive people are in that forum. What a terrible mentality those people have. Seth doesn't need me to defend him, but damn, he works hard in his training and gives us these great videos and there are people extrapolating on how he gets his money? Ffs... first and last time I visited that forum. Even Reddit can be more cheering.

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

lets run. where most people say that they run sub 3hr marathon from 30-40miles/week training. sure it is possible but only for low percentage of population

[@jimduyck]

Wow...I hadn't seen that LR thread. BLECH. Welp...haters (especially ones empowered by internet anonymity) gonna hate. Jealousy looks good on no one...

[@robertwilliams761]

Yeah, Lets Run is not really worth being a part of. It's just another example of some of the worst of the internet.

[@kemalluxia8305]

What is this???

[@familylaptop9395]

Seth, congratulations to all the hard work you have put into this event. You are such inspirational to all of us. Running a marathon is not an easy task let alone the amazing time you have achieved. Like you say “lesson learned” and you can always try again. Remember it took Eliud Kipchoge 2x to break his sub 2hrs marathon. Life is all about learning from our experiences. Keep it up!! QD I learned so much from my first CIM Marathon last November in Sacramento CA. I missed the carpool bus to the starting line. I was stressing out about getting there. Nonetheless, I finished at 3:44:58. and my goal was 4hr. I did carry my own gel with me which was very helpful at the 18mi mark. I was with the 4hr pacer for most of the race and I decided went solo after I saw the 20mi mark. I passed a lot of people which made me feel good. I had a strong finish at the end.

[@luckyloocciano]

Amazing job James. I’ve been following your journey to this race. Pavement running does hurt, I live in miami and I wish I had more trails (or altitute) to train. You did an amazing job. I’m chasing sub 2:40 on my 2nd marathon in december. Have a strong recovery and keep going!

[@rowanmurray3716]

Been refreshing youtube waiting for this video :)

[@dewrunning]

There’s a reason, here in Kentucky, the very best race horses are “held back” during the beginning of a race. If you let them, they’ll go out as fast as possible, with little left for the finish. That’s why a great and disciplined jockey is so valuable. Gotta train your brain to be the jockey, to keep reins on the legs - LOL - you really did unbelievably great !

[@yan.weather]

Thank you Seth for the inspiration over the years!!!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

you’re very welcome 😊

[@jeancater1388]

That’s a great time! I’d sure be proud of it!

[@CAIrondad]

11:25 ha ha ha.... one of those guys at the airport!!! Way to go, Seth!! Seriously, this was an epic effort and I'm so proud of you, and I so appreciate your transparency and sharing the details of what went well and not so well. Now, focus on the mountain championship!!! :)

[@RexDangervest99]

Honestly love the editing and demeanor in these videos. Just fantastic! Probably have crossed into "fanboy" territory now 🤣 Great great channel! Well done

[@loydpurvis8718]

Well done on your first marathon! 👍🏻 Well come to the world of road marathons 😀 Your legs will always feel a lot more trashed running a road marathon, especially a super flat road marathon. It’s the repetition and the harder ground! A 50k ultra on the trails is way more forgiving, switching up muscle groups really helps the body out, the body really doesn’t like repetition 😀 Still an awesome time for your fist marathon!! Rest up recover well and come back strong with all the lessons you’ve learnt from your first experience, you definitely have a sub 2:19 in your legs 🏃😀

[@latexgeneration]

I have to say, I’m trying to realistically reach my own Marathon goals, & I have learned in the last year about slowing down so I can run faster and longer, mostly by watching your vlog! Your experience in Amsterdam is such a demonstration of why its important to keep the pace you’ve trained for as well as keep your head on race day. Thank you for being such an inspiration and teacher!

[@TobysGoPro]

Proud of you SJD!! What a great ride!

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

Thanks Toby for the long time support

[@florianarnold6664]

Really inspired me! You took a high risk by speeding up, but I think it was the only way to succeed! Real champion like running! Greets from Germany

[@neilreading990]

I've ran a couple of ultra and cross country marathon and the first one I did was a 60km in the lake district England with 7000 ft of accent in total. I got my nutrition wrong on the day which hurt me bad at the end. Climbing hill I found I'm strong at but seem to cramp on the descents which I didn't invision being a problem. Great job on your first marathon. I've learnt a lot from watching you videos. Keep them coming

[@aitorarotzena2550]

It's fantastic that you see this race as a lesson to learn and not as a failure! You are gonna improve the time soon! QD: A lesson I learnt once I was running a half marathon is not to understimate de pacer. The pacemaker was intending 1:24 and we passed the half way point in 42:30 (more or less), so as I wanted a sub1:24 I decided to go by myself forward. Such a big mistake... 4k later, the group absorbed me and I was dropped back. I finished with a 1:26 and almost dead...

[@aitorarotzena2550]

By the way, this weekend I was racing a 15k race and something similar to you happened. My goal was to do 54 minutes (18min for 5k) and I found a group that passed the 5k mark at 17:50, a little bit faster than wanted, but I didn't want to be in no man's land. Finally, I paid the initial effort...

[@boquii]

I ran my second marathon and I even though I trained hard and did everything my running Coach toll me to, I did not reach my expectations, so I knew I needed a chance on my training method, which meant looking for a new running coach as I was training with a trail runner coach and I needed a marathon coach. So I did and next year, I did run and quality to Boston 💪🏼

[@sheva_sd]

Love your videos, you actually inspired me to start running. I did soccer all my life which stopped after meniscus tear. Im 44, started 5 weeks ago and did my 10k yesterday, pretty slow at 1:10 but I will improve :) thank you!!!

[@erwinboerebach2417]

Be proud Seth! Michel Butter is one of the best Dutch runners ever. It was cool to see you run in his group!

[@Boosted_C8]

Great job Seth. You learned a lot from it, and we all know you’ll apply those lessons in the future. Next marathon I’m sure you’ll do better than your previous goal time for this race. I can see you being a 2:15:00 time easy man. You’re “elite” in all our eyes here. You’re great at what you’re doing. I’ve got my first marathon this coming May in Madeline island Wisconsin. I’m aiming for a 3 hour time or just barely under that. It’s a qualifier for Boston if I’m remembering correctly. You’re one of the reasons I run and have a goal to be an ultra runner, thanks for the good content and for all the things I’ve learned to apply to my own training and mindset. Keep doing what you do man! The future is going to be bright for you!

[@backyard1015]

Thanks for sharing Seth. Biggest advice... Bring 2 gels along for miles 10K and 20k. Use the water stations for the rest and rotate Gatorade with Water. Breakfast prep is key two hours before start. I eat 3 pancakes with Syrup, Coffee and 20 ounces of gatorade. Experiment on your long runs with various combinations. Great Job!!!

[@Thommouk]

Just found your channel and as a keen runner myself I'm enjoying your content! You are a blisteringly fast runner and you'll crack 2.20 for sure. Lot's of peeps from my run crew ran the half and the full in Amsterdam - I'd love to try that course one day! Keep it up and come back stronger! Peace from Stockholm ✌️

[@botterweckwb]

Way to go Seth! Good takeaways. When I was thinking about you wanting to qualify for Olympic Trials, it made me think of the old move, Running, with Michael Douglas. An old cult classic running film. I'm a dork.

[@cliffdrinkwater2366]

Well done Seth! Similar to my first marathon trying to go sub 3hrs, first 10k were down hill so thought I’d put some hay in the barn so to speak.. 21k in 1:25, then quads gave out at 34k.. so walked the last 8k to finish in 3:20...🙄 lessons learnt! Looking forward to the next one, thanks for all the great tips in the comments, thanks for sharing your experience Seth!

[@meqdadmahmoud6641]

Well done 👍🏽 again I hit the wall at 38 km I had my bib number 555 and people on the road start shouting go go five five five It was my first marathon in 2017 finished 3 hours 52 minutes 😎😄

[@ballhockey10]

Definitely hear you about ending up in no-man's land. I did my first marathon recently, lost my pack, and ended up being passed by endless amounts of 'relay runners'. It's crazy how much other people can pull you along.

[@SupernovaRallyteam]

Loving the balls out approach Seth 👍🏻👌🏻👍🏻 perhaps have one gel on you (back pocket) for emergency especially with your aid station issues.

[@devinknapp4949]

Such a good analysis! Honest, positive, no negative energy. Great lessons, recalibrate and onward! Still an amazing performance, you’re blessed to have that ability!

[@tireddad4095]

Love your attitude and positivity. Very inspirational. I am also excited for the next part of the journey Seth. Good things happen to good people.

[@endriaswoldegiorgis8992]

Absolutely!! Looking at your heart rate, that gel was very crucial.

[@robberry1602]

Superb run Seth, having the balls to go after it, like you did is a real positive in my book. Keep on going for it man!!

[@ChasingMajors]

Man U did amazing. There are always small things to ponder on, but your effort and time was excellent. Had u stuck in the larger pack u may have done better but u may have done worse. U r owning your race and that’s key!

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

It has to be similar to you, don't go too fast in the first half. My body was more used to have raced half marathon distance, I knew I had to save energy but maybe because of the atmosphere and excitement (it was in Tokyo 2016) I started to suffer around 30k, had some cramps that forced me to walk but in the end I was able to run the last 2-3km and managed to do it under 4hours that was my goal. If I had been able to maintain the pace from my first half, I would have done easily 3h30m but... lesson learnt. I have improved my speed in the past years, but still need to work in my endurance. Planning to do HK marathon next year in February, so I better start training soon and hoping to improve my last time and not make the some mistakes. Great insights Seth! lots of courage and determination from your side. Thanks for sharing the journey with all of us!

[@johnparsley1043]

Welcome home! Great job on your first 26.2!!

[@petermuller6903]

Congrats again Seth for your incredible accomplishment. I never ran in packs, my racepace is reduced to what I did in training and which race pace I trained for, hence I also like to use other runners or packs, especially when windy conditions and I try to provide as well windshadow for others, as in my 1/2 marathon PB ond Oct. 6th. Even on track we have responsibilities as runners, and if someone collapses or gets severely injured (most common in trail races), I at least stay with the person and figure out if I can help. So...as runners that are not elite we have the obligation to take care of each other and cheer each other no matter what. Even in strategic racing we can offer our fellow pack-neighbour a sip of our own hidration. Greetings from Salzburg, Austria. P.S. I don't know how many gels you planned to use but at least 4 gels are easily distributable on your body. And in addition you always get water at the aid stations. So if you are not an elite runner, keep your gels with you and switch if necessary to the regular water support even though it is more difficult at this pace to drink from cups. And of course, 2 salt caps at leaaast...

[@steveilg6134]

QOTD: overthinking. granted, most of feeble ilg's marathons and ultra's are on skis, way high, and sub-freezing temps so the logistical load for Race Day is significantly more than a road marathon (like waxing/skinning and just keeping fluids and their delivery systems from freezing) however, the Teaching remains the same; Less Thinking, More Of Releasing Into And Flowing With The Tao Of Race Day. absolutely awes(om)e production effort and capture during this whole trip! THANK YOU! head bowed...

[@gaddivo]

Alright alright, let's recover and go again Seth !!!!

[@DanRuns]

A fantastic marathon debut! Many more opportunities out there for you to go faster

[@cdh79]

Hey Seth, first of all, i'm glad you got home well! As mentioned here already, there have been many new influences for you (pavement, first marathon, the inconvenience at the water-stations, etc.) which are of course all learning experiences. I'm sure you'll process all of them in your future strategies, so the 2:19 definitely a time you can make (let alone the HM time we talked about). To the QOD: In my very first race (earlier this year), which was a 5k, i was surprised that the distance on my GPS watch ended up a few hundred meters more than exactly 5K. In hindsight it makes sense with the official distance being the shortest possible line, and with many people around it's close to impossible to take that perfect line, but due to this i started my end-sprint a bit early. Now i don't look at the watch anymore towards the end of the race for distance. cheers, Chris

[@wyattplain4986]

Question of the day: Ran my first half marathon on a very hilly course, the second half of the race destroyed my legs. I was 58 minutes through 10k, was aiming for 1:59:59 and ran a very disappointing 2:13:42. Lesson learned was to know the course you’re racing on, and do some more training for hills as it also will help with speed as you’ve taught me!

[@chrisblaze2438]

Hope to see u doing more marathons.

[@MatthewResendiz]

Seth! Again congrats! I know that you don’t use a power meter but the Vantage V has one built in. I would seriously consider looking into Stryd. I’m no where near as fast a runner as you but it has helped me tons over the last few months and ultimately at the Chicago marathon last week. I know that you’re not a huge data guy but power has truly helped me with running by effort during races. Congrats again!

[@megustafood2637]

Man you are a beast! Really inspiring your videos and your personality. Keep it up

[@jrowan99]

In my 1st marathon 10 days ago i learned the same thing about pacing. Set a half PR in first full not great idea. I also agree on the pavement my legs were shot worse than Pike's peak ascent.

[@TheTangoTony]

QD: I am an distance boarder at my first 24 hour ultra i took the advice that all I needed was a certain drink mix to get all the calories that i needed. Did the race with no food or training with the drink mix and bonked at hour 12 at 90 miles. Finished it out at 122.6 miles, 2nd thing was I thought I had enough training put in from last summer to carry me through the winter until january without being able to skate because of weather and snow. that was also not true. so this year been working on nutrition what works and doesn't work and gonna be cross training with running etc to hopefully hit 200+ miles again in 2020. I am learning lots about running as I hope to one day try an ultra marathon, thanks for your videos.

[@mickyhansen6869]

Great job. You rocked it. First marathon. The water bottle situation sucks, next time have backup gels on you or have Chris hold stuff if he catches you on the route. You got this.

[@jqdq9639]

Just wondering if you had a 'secret' target time much faster than 2.19. Then the decision to go with the 5'05 group would make sense. Otherwise 5'20 pace + negative split ( -> race plan) would have been perfect.

[@Veganrunner_taylor]

Mine was that I didn't train long enough on the milage for the road marathon I hit 20 miles at marathon pace for my next one ill definitely be going more towards the 24 mile mark to test pace as a trail and ultra runner more the pace is slower and easier to handle than on the road, but like you Seth I debuted on the road marathon this year a couple of weeks before at Chester UK marathon and come in at 3.14.38 😍

[@novennelagua3151]

I ran my first half marathon last october 5 and that was my first time experiencing hitting the wall and I learned that warming up and nutrition are the most important before race

[@jockesv]

Another awesome video! QoD: Energy intake and hydration. Ive learnt from some marathons and one ultra in warmer weather how important sportsdrink and gels or energybars are. Only drinking water dillutes you so you need the electrolytes and salt.

[@John-rt3nj]

You hit the nail on the head at the end - more conditioning of your quads to flat pavement. It's easy to think flat is always good but that's only if you've trained for it! Still a great performance and you've picked up on all the lessons for next time.

[@rikhartman7476]

Thanks for the details and positive mindset. I’m sure you will be able to get sub 2:19 in your next attempt with these lessons learned 👍🏻 But also... will be very interested to see you try a half ‘road’ marathon 🏃🏻‍♂️ Still a lot of things to discover. Let the adventures continue 😃🤗

[@OneFunPierre]

There’s always next time! I’m so excited for your next race!!!!

[@TheRunningRRT]

Super positive! I tend to go out to fast for my skill level!I will work on that myself. Looking forward to more from you!

[@jono2154]

Love that you were giving the elites a tough time!

[@RobertHeinsch]

Hi Seth, amazing video as always! Wonderful to see your positive attitude after something which probably was a bit of a disappointment after all this preparation. But this is what makes me come to this channel on a daily basis: your wonderful capacity of seeing the positive things in life!!! It's inspiring and infectious! Keep that up! And I can only agree with the others that you have the sub 2:19 in you, that's obvious. Better pacing at the beginning and keep you gels with you during the run, and this will happen next time. QOD: I made the same mistake on Sunday at the Amsterdam Half Marathon, started with probably a new personal best on the 10 K, and then had nothing left in the tank for the last 3 km. I actually had the feeling I was crawling into the Olympic Stadium. :-)

[@AdrianTap]

it`s good. i`m watching this video, foam rolling, and chilling, listening to your experience, after a 23k easy run, on saturday (just did 150k week, waiting for tomorrow`s SLR)

[@johanu3670]

Congrats on an awesome time, good learnings. Love that you foam rolled in the airport, that's pretty neardy :) perfect for a long flight.

[@marinacorsico6486]

Seth You are great so fast still Humble I Am 50 years old and my pb is 3.10 so i cannot teschi anything but i ran 6 marathons always with a negative split same As for other distances... And finished happy Listened to elder and experienced runners... Marathon is maths... U are capable but the first try is tricky If u are alone

[@VicGuitarman]

Man, I’d have a hardon for like a year with that time! I look forward to your next road marathon because I know you’ve got this!☝🏼🏃🏼‍♂️ The journey is the best part my friend,

[@henrykbak7146]

Seth amazing time! I saw you in TV but I wasn't sure it was you. Congratulations

[@benson556]

Dude you are so amazing. Killer pace! I'd love to be as fast as you. Keep up the good work!

[@MichaelCooney]

Trashed thighs is making me laugh. Brings back memories 😁. Thanks for taking us in your journey, it’s been wonderful to follow along👍