Edinburgh Marathon 2022 - What Went Wrong

[@FordyRuns]

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[@fatrunner]

Great video mate. I'm in a similar place at the moment. I trained my arse off for Colchester half marathon a few weeks ago for a PB and on the day the heat was a killer and I ended up coming in 6 mins slower than my current PB. It completely went to pot at mile 10. It's hard to not be disappointed, especially when you know you've trained really hard.

[@jamiedahl2200]

Running, especially running marathons, has a way of bringing a person down to Earth. We're all after that perfect race, but it's so hard to get everything right. Great job finishing and pushing through the pain!

[@pennyrusbridge5725]

Great achievement Chris you still completed another marathon and that's a win. 4hr 04 is still an amazing time. Be proud of your achievement. I am disappointed with 4hrs 7minutes wanted sub 4. Another great video Fordy

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks mate we go again

[@rakeshmottey3384]

Been watching you and Team for months now and you guys are all heart! Well done. Any marathon is an achievement. Really enjoy this retrospective view of the race. Onwards and upwards sir 😃

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks buddy

[@stephanieadlinton1218]

It's so hard when things don't go to plan, particularly when you train harder and smarter and end up slower. My last Marathon was a PW, which I did more miles for than ever before. Sometimes I think we have a tenancy to put too much pressure on ourselves, and forget we do this cause we love it. You'll get it next time Chris 👍😉

[@spenceragnew1126]

My First Marathon was Edinburgh, soul destroying having that turn-around and knowing how far it is! There's loads of headwind too as it's on the coast. I think the initial downhill makes it tough to get into a good rhythm but can make the first miles quite fast.

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks a good point

[@jeffkoll4002]

Marathons are so hard. It has been my experience, after 5 marathons, that the race does start at mile 20. The 26.2 mile distance has pretty much destroyed me. I ran my last one for a PB and hit my goal, but it hurt so much. The last 3 miles were more pain then I ever remember feeling in any sporting event. I believe my biggest challenge was lack of strength training. I have two more marathons, not running either of them near a PB time. I wish you the best of luck in tackling the marathon! 42 minute 10k tells me you should crush 4 hours in the marathon. That is a great 10k time! Have you tried a lot of long easy miles with 3 or 4 fast finishes sessions leading up to the race? The one thing that I hear much better runners than me, and a lot of coaches, say is “most people run their easy runs too hard and their hard runs to easy.” I applied this and it worked great for me. If I told you my training pace for easy runs, you would have a hard time guessing my race times. Thanks for sharing all of your training journeys! I really appreciate your content and your perspective of the sport.

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks alot

[@JC_POV]

You win some, you loose some. Running is awesome when things go right and very humbling when they don’t, but that’s the beauty of running and that’s why we do it. Some days 3hrs is easy, some days 5km’s feel hard, lots of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Running teaches us a lot about self growth & that bitter pill to swallow will make you a better runner for the next marathon. Edinburgh was a lesson & a changing point for your success Fordy 🤙🏻🏃🏼‍♂️

[@FordyRuns]

So true

[@runningwithstephen]

Edinburgh was HARD .... like you I'm trying to put my finger on exactly what went wrong. Looking back on the training aswell I put in ao much effort and consistency this time around to not hit the target. Well done again to get over the line mate and it sounds like it's not your only battle over the past few months do you could say you've had lots playing on your mind too during all your training runs!! Keep up the hard work buddy

[@robinatter8934]

same for me, I got to the turn around and was suffering, but thought ok downhill coming. But downhill never felt it and that town felt up hill again on way back. By end I had chest pain and felt so sick. But all this said I signed up for next years as this was my first marathon and fancy giving it another go.

[@williamcass68]

Hey, job well done and focus on the next one. Thanks for sharing!

[@12greenlane]

Great vlog mate. The disappointment is obvious but learn the lessons and move on. Love the channel; gives all us “normal” runners something to relate to. We’ve all had races that didn’t go our way. Keep on keeping on mate.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!!

[@stevestarr9769]

You hung in there, you got it done...Bravo. Some days just don't work out, and you didn't drop out. You rock, dude.

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks bro

[@micky1311]

just ran the kielder marathon for the second time sunday just gone. i ran it first in 2015 and got a 345 and this one i got 451 as i hit wall half way but only did 2 days training for it .

[@Stevenc1984]

I've had trapped wind the past few days, it's pretty much gone now, but running has been much harder than usual. I find rubbing my chest in a circular motion works for me or least provides a bit of temporary relief. Well done on completing the race, it's 10 miles more than I've ever run!

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!!

[@normancoutts]

I'm sorry to see you still beating yourself up over this run. I wonder if you are underestimating the impact of having had surgery and its after effects? I was told that how different individuals react to anaesthetics is something of a mystery: I personally took months to recover from what was quite a short period under a general anaesthetic. In any case, now in my seventies and still enjoying my running, I see keeping myself in shape to keep getting out there and enjoying the buzz of taking part in events is more important than chasing better times. Not that you are at that stage yet of course, but it is something to bear in mind for the future perhaps. All the best in any case. 🙂

[@cattyscoobie]

Great video Chris, you got to the end and that’s fantastic, marathons are not easy, brilliant effort, keep up the good work.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!

[@mikebonsall2449]

Really insightful video Chris. I was also aiming for 3.45 at Edinburgh and ended up with a 3.54 which I was very happy with given the conditions. Like you I also got to around half way on schedule but it just felt too hard. My heart rate was significantly higher than it would normally be running at that pace. I put it down to only getting about 2 hours sleep the night before and not much more the night before that, plus the adrenaline of running my first marathon. Once the sun came out and it quickly got very warm I knew that if I kept up the 3.45 pace then the wheels would likely come off well before the finish, so I dropped my pace and reverted to Plan B, a sub 4hr finish. I did slow even further around the 22-25 miles but had enough time in the bank by then to get in under 4hrs. I also ran with a vest and 2x500ml soft flasks with electrolytes which I think helped me avoid any cramping issues.

[@FordyRuns]

Well done mate great job

[@faceless89]

What ever you choose to change, dont go harder on easy and revcovery runs. That is where things start to really go south. I¨m a sub 3 marathoner and I run my easy days 6-6:30/k so that my body is actually recovering and getting the aerobic benefits at the same time so I can go hard on hard days and do eventually harder long runs later on in the blcok.

[@FordyRuns]

I agree I’m just looking to drop it a smidge

[@GaryHowland26]

Another honest video Chris. You smashed out another marathon which is amazing considering you had surgery. Well done. If I can recommend a marathon please try Chester marathon which is in Oct. Awesome course...not flat but scenic, awesome medal and and tshirt along with the best goodie bag I ever had in any event I've entered. I'll be doing it again in 2023 as I have London this October.

[@FordyRuns]

Will check it out thanks

[@clairehope7574]

Well done 👏🏻would have loved a time like that - it's so hard when it doesn't go to plan though so much goes into all the training etc so can definitely understand the disappointment - you finished though onto the next one 🙌🏻

[@FordyRuns]

100%! Thank you

[@martinrix3143]

I finished the LLHM in 1:36 - just 2 minutes ahead of you and I think you finished in better condition as compared to me. After that we did a similar amount of training at similar intensity ahead of Edinburgh (my fist marathon race) and I came in at 3:26 (I was aiming for sub 3:30). I recon you had done the training and you were in good enough shape to finish in something close to this time had it been your day. Sounds like you were just unlucky with your stomach. Perhaps taking things ultra easy the day before might help a bit (apart from getting on the train at KingsX I barely moved). Personally, I loved the Edinburgh marathon and recommend it. I wish you the best of luck for the next one and I'm sure you will nail it.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you legend and well done!!!

[@jamesb.walker9177]

Sometimes it just doesn't work out, it is like that to everyone I guess. Good thing is only make you stronger for the next run! Cheers :)

[@jeffreycapper9385]

Have you looked at precision hydration. Their products have transformed my running fueling in long races. Especially in hotter or humid weather

[@samuelluxa6897]

Good reflections Fordy lad. Only thing I’m not quite agreeing with is the idea of speeding up the easy runs. Easy runs easy my beauty. Put the work in during the sessions then absorb the gains in the rest and recovery running 🤙🏽

[@FordyRuns]

Yeah I’m talking small mate tbh nothing drastic I just felt on some of the longer runs I was idle and it could have been a bit better

[@samuelluxa6897]

@@FordyRuns fairs 🤙🏽

[@pcowe224]

Chris it’s sold as a easy course and it isn’t coming back it’s more uphill than you realise and you need to hang on like hell even if you’ve trained well..don’t over analyse it you got around on a warm day and a tough track you got it done ✅ be proud and slight improvements will help with the next one..

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!!!

[@dougmatthews8469]

I feel for you Chris, it’s hard to analyze a subpar marathon, so many variables. I was thinking about your 1:38 half was too close to the marathon, I suggest rethinking the taper next time, better to be fully rested especially with the travel you had to do. I’ve had phantom pains before good marathons that kept me from over training and forcing a taper on me which mentally I didn’t want. I’d also guess that the sunshine was a major factor, I find it really draining to run long distance on a sunny day. I echo the others that said your speed work was good enough, 42 min 10km is excellent and proves you had the speed. Best of luck with the training for London, you have a good chance to make your A goal there!

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks bud

[@martinblack5021]

Yes I tend to agree. I did my marathon block with way more 20mile long runs than previously, and a fast (for me) half marathon on there too…and I was low on energy come marathon day. I think I just depleted myself too much. I had a good pace a but hit a wall at just over half way with nothing in the legs.

[@whitters6983]

Great video...as others have said take it easy on yourself. I wonder if Hackney took it out of you? I was there and it was so hot and only a week before Edinburgh?

[@FordyRuns]

That’s a very good point!!

[@paulparker6325]

We travelled to Edinburgh from Cyprus for the Marathon..... expecting the flat course 🤣🤣🤣 saw loads of your club runners..... 4.04 ias still a great time 🍻

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Did you say A 1:38 2 weeks before the marathon ?? If so, there’s your culprit. My easy pace at low HR slides by a minute slower the week after a Half that I “run hard” versus racing. I’m good the second week to train more but my body would fade in a race setting. Granted it sounds like some GI issues from the carb load - but if you carb loaded, it was over training. Did you carb load? I once carb deloaded to hit a race weight and crashed halfway :( super smart of me there

[@FordyRuns]

Hey thanks for watching no it was about 6 weeks out from d day

[@elizabethjones2088]

Fordy you all did amazing You had surgery a couple of months before it so your body was still recovering I live in a village on the route and if I can help you with anything to spur you onto the finish next year please just reply to this message. Maybe try doing some little hill runs as I know that’s what lots do for this course. Well done 👍hope to cheer you onto that finish line next year .

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you so much

[@elizabethjones2088]

@@FordyRuns I truly mean it I ran the 2 last water and energy stations for 10 years but illness reared it’s ugly head and I had to give it up but I know how critical water and encouragement means to each and every runner Keep going

[@joemilewicz6847]

I don’t think you can underestimate the effect of temperature. Especially in spring when you have been training in cooler conditions. I had a Similar issue where I was far more tired than I should have been at half way and blew up the last six miles to get a 4.04 time when I was confident I would get sub 3.50. It was 18’C and sunny the second half. I agree with speeding up your easy runs which I have done myself since.

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks dude

[@jameschaves5723]

Just my 2 cents Chris but what was a game changer for me was, more MP miles. For example: 4 x 5K @ MP or the middle 16 of a 20 miler @ MP. Your body has to really become comfortable with that pace. On race day it’s just another long run followed by a 10K race.

[@FordyRuns]

I agree but we did chuck a fair amount of MP into the plan so I’m scrubbing it off as one of those days

[@999rossi999]

Hi, love your channel. I’ve done Edinburgh lots of times and would agree with everything you said. It’s a terrible race. We call it the Musselburgh marathon because your only in Edinburgh for about 2 miles, I won’t do it again! Loch Ness on the other hand is amazing 🤩 and should be seriously considered. The course is great, views spectacular & a real party atmosphere all weekend especially the Sunday evening 🍻🍺👍

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks so much mate Loch Ness is on my wish list!

[@sturgmanrunning8546]

U smashed it mate

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks mate

[@ianglendinning7668]

You had surgery in January so finishing a marathon a few months later in just over 4 hours is incredible. Don't be hard on yourself for this one + Edinburgh is deceptive. My first marathon in 2017 was a disaster from 20 miles on but I went back the following year after training with the runner's world 4hrs or bust plan and I came in at 3:56. The easy pace runs actually hurt because I was always running too fast and slowing down for the easy stuff made a massive difference even though I had found new muscles haha. My 5k is 20:37 and 10k 42:16 so running at 10min miles for the easy runs felt alien to me 😂 Check out Lanzarote marathon if you fancy going abroad for one, it's in December so not too hot and runs out and back along the coast.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!

[@AndrewMosc]

Great open honest video. And great that you are already thinking about making changes for the next block. That is progress. Doing the same thing again and expecting a different result is the definition of madness. What race do you have in mind?

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks! We have Amsterdam and London next

[@williammoir7816]

Great honest video. I did a 4:07 and put it down to first marathon and covid causing 3 weeks loss of training at week 10. By the looks of others it was a hard course. I just wondered how much elevation you do during you training runs?

[@FordyRuns]

Not much which is half the problem

[@kophotography895]

Easy runs at 9.30 - 9.45 are fine, if you are burning carbs, progressive long runs for stamina, farleg long runs for speed. 50 miles not long enough on 25% of week. Each day's run needs to be 2*4-6 mile easy or recovery depending on speed work. I would concentrate on 8 weeks on distance and stamina first & last block speed (on a 12 week block. Remember to do hills and strength, eat well

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks

[@mikeommanney]

I understand what you’re saying & it’s really frustrating when a race doesn’t go to plan. You do the training but for some reason it doesn’t happen. Still you made it through & finished. It’s an achievement. I did Edinburgh 8 years ago, not sure if the course has changed but it’s not an easy ride. Some days everything just clicks & others it doesn’t. I’m sure you will hit your goals on the next one.

[@namits3775]

Always enjoy your content, I recommend a book called Waterlogged by Tim Noakes, very interesting read and has changed the way I run (for the better)

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you I’ll check it out

[@mattnash5795]

I’ve experienced the cramp in the ribs like you described. Mine came after a bout of Covid. Doctor told me it was a bronchial spasm. Had you been unwell at all in the couple of weeks leading up to Edinburgh?

[@FordyRuns]

I wasn’t 100% tbh

[@benbeard2977]

I think having gut cramps just makes it a bad day at the office. Don't think you have to delve into your training block as a whole, just a bit unlucky...On to the next one 💪

[@FordyRuns]

So true

[@Clairewy]

Not seen videos for a while you mentioned in Edinburgh video you had surgery hope nothing too serious

[@WJ-qw8wl]

Hi Chris think your being bit hard on yourself . Marathons are hit and miss brilliant when it goes to plan and very painful when it doesn't as you have just found out ! Think from what you are saying you have a good idea where you went wrong ! Not watching your food and water intake carefully in last couple of days b4 race ? Maybe 50miles a week could be just that 5- 10 miles to much maybe quality of runs over quantity would suit better ? Good luck with your next peak race and keep putting out the quality vlogs .

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you

[@robnott6622]

Would you say having a more simple training program is better than trying to do 16 different LR variations?

[@FordyRuns]

For me no but everyone is different

[@Clairewy]

I sense you may need to do Edinburgh again as a score to settle

[@jcov182_88]

Well done on even finishing it mate, I have never attempted one and may never. Not to be rude but do you think age has anything to do it with it and you may not be able to get back to marathons in much under 4? It's going to slow us all at some point just wanted your thoughts

[@FordyRuns]

Age is just a number 🤣 no you could be onto something

[@61js]

Check out Tommy Hughes 2hr 30 min at 60 years old.

[@Clairewy]

When's next marathon

[@TolunayOrkun]

I think your speed work was sufficient. You need goal pace long runs. I think you should have one 20 miles run at goal pace in your training. Also, you will need to dial in your salt intake for cramping. Take a look at "Gu Roctane" gels. Like most gels they must be taken with water. They do have salt and amino acids to help long distance runners (designed for ultra runners). If you are using Maurten, I think it is overrated gel. More people get into trouble with Maurten.

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks for the tips

[@thepatternforms859]

Never run with food/liquid bolus in stomach. You had a side stitch from doing so.

[@FordyRuns]

Yep

[@timtrenholm3698]

100% a stitch.

[@teresavanlokven9767]

This comment is probably worth didally (is that a word) squat but hay, and I don't confess to being a marathon runner in fact is's horrible !. Having only done 15 odd in 40+ years of running and I can only remember a couple that did'nt hurt. Just before turning 60 a few years ago I ran my pw in Dublin was the first time I followed a man with a time on a stick (3.15 pace)for the first 20m with a big group out of the wind I let them do the work and pushed on towards the end and negative split for first time. Ten years earlier in London I kid you not at about 18 miles I running out of sight of anyone ! it was like winning a low key event 10 years before that , and i've never run sub 2.30. My point is , unless your going for silly quick times long runs are just not needed. If you think you must do 20's even slowly i believe it's taking more out of you than you think and 3 at a push 4 in a 12 week build is will do you. Lots of 10 milers say every other day is the way forward, your an experience runner and with that very good 10k speed could and should be running 3.30's 60% of running quick (3.30 is quick not fast) is a mind set.. Keep up the interesting blogs and i look forward to you telling me that i talk a load of b.... s. Ian

[@FordyRuns]

Love that

[@i.p2088]

I don't run fast at temperature above 15°C.. I overheat.. I find 10°C and dry a sweet t spot for a serious effort. Your body was telling you that you were doing to much. Finishing a Marathon is the real achievement.

[@FordyRuns]

Thank you!

[@RunThePlanet]

I think everybody had a tough Edinburgh except for your other team member - Hayden who blitzed it ! Maybe get him on the show and find out how he did it ! 😲

[@FordyRuns]

He’s my hero!

[@stuartwalker6786]

Still did a canny time considering it didn't go to plan....knocking on the door of a 4h when you have a bad'un is still a win. Well done.....

[@FordyRuns]

Thanks buddy

[@charlesvelez4677]

Could you have over trained?

[@FordyRuns]

Don’t think so as lot of work done super easy

[@willheatlie4127]

Flannel, waffle and lots of trifle.

[@FordyRuns]

🤣🤣🤣 you must be so lucky in life that you can be so rude to someone you’ve never met … think before you type

[@ianlowe4126]

Fordy man come on stop beating yourself up. You had a bad one it happens to the best ask Paula Radcliffe but you still finished even with your problems in just over 4 outstanding given what you’ve been through this year and you managed to produce the fart of the year at the end so not all bad 🤣Take a break and move on 👏👍

[@FordyRuns]

Legend