My first marathon as a SLOW runner & how I did it | Brighton race day vlog

HELLO, HI, WELCOME!!! Join me on my journey as a slower runner completing my first marathon. In this video, I share my experience of my first marathon which I did in Brighton 2024!
If you're a beginner runner or thinking about running your first marathon, this video is for you!
I'm Emily, and I've built a community of over 100k people talking about the joys of slow running.
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[@paulmulks]

Don't call yourself a slow runner. You are a "runner". Don't stress about pace, do it for the enjoyment of running and being part of the great running community

[@Runswithemily]

Love it ❤️

[@coldplayer9403]

it's the new trend, gotta get the views. the equivalent of other videos that put *realistic* in their titles for the algorithm

[@markgeers8488]

Just to put it in perspective, you're still faster than the 99%+ of people who have never run a marathon. An incredible achievement! 👏🏻

[@Runswithemily]

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@maiteluemke]

Hii! Writing from Brazil 🇧🇷! Thank you so much for all of this! Sometimes I really feel terrible for not running faster and progressing slowly. But seeing that there are people who show that running "slow" doesn't make you “less runner”, it's really good! I love following you!

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much! And that’s so true, any pace is a good pace

[@hannahcollardgray4448]

It went seamlessly. You’re incredible. I’m so excited to run London next Sunday. I would love to see you run another marathon or maybe a park run tour, or even a monthly half marathon. I love your channel so much.

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much Hannah ❤️❤️ Sooooo jel of you doing London, you’re going to have a great time!!!

[@EllaCharlotteJones]

Well done!! You made it look like a breeze💪🏼 Amazing time and you were so lucky with the weather ❤️

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks!! I know soooo lucky, thank god!

[@markg99]

Congratulations on a great race, and this awesome video series. It's been really good watching you get through all the training and then hit your goal at the end. New camera seems to be spot on 👍🏻🏃‍♂️

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!

[@tonymayall5039]

Congratulations. You nailed it. Feeling ready for London next week which will be my first marathon. Thank you do much for allowing us to join you on your journey. Looking forward to whatever is next. We'll done.👍👍

[@Runswithemily]

You’re going to have the best time at London. So jealous!!!! GOOD LUCK

[@heatherlouise1522]

Congrats Emily 🎉 So great to hear you enjoyed the experience, and looking forward to seeing what you do next. I'm doing my first marathon in December, so this has been very helpful!

[@Runswithemily]

Ahh so exciting! Good luck with your training :)

[@JMVS86]

Ah you did it! And smashed it! Just think that you were on your feet for nearly 5,5 hours, what an accomplishment! Be very very proud of yourself and all the people you have inspired on your journey. Thank you so much, you make me (fellow slow runner) feel seen :) Excited to see your next endeavours! Ultramarathon would be so cool!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!!! I am very proud. Haha I am very tempted by a 50km…

[@rosamaryp]

Emily I am so glad I have “run” into your channel! I am a slow runner and I’m so proud because I truly enjoy running. I would however love to progress and have those PB moments one day. So far I’ve been able to hit a PB with my 10K time. I am starting my marathon training as I will be doing my first marathon this November. 🎉 Very excited! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!!!

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much! Good luck with your training:)

[@jaynez9027]

You made it look easy!! Awesome job!

[@Runswithemily]

Haha thank you! It was just such a good time!

[@vikkijousiffe5471]

Fellow purple waver 💜 huge huge well done!! I felt exactly the same with the nerves. As soon as I arrived at the park, my nerves vanished and I was super excited to get going. It was a fantastic celebration of the weeks of hard work, dark early mornings and consistently wet long runs, finishing in a bright a beautiful sunny day in Brighton. I didn’t want it to end ☺️

[@Runswithemily]

Oh hello purple wave 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 what a way to end the training ☺️

[@brackenstudy9428]

You did brilliantly! I’m just starting my running journey as a slow runner and this rlly motivated me so thank you.🙏

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!!! Wooo that’s so exciting, take is easy and ENJOY it ❤️

[@ashjvlogs]

KZbin randomly suggested this video to me and I'm so glad it did. I always believed I would never be able to run a marathon but after watching the manchester marathon this weekend, and attempting a half this year. You've gave me the last little push I needed to give the Manchester Marathon a go. Loved this video! and new subscriber ❤ well done for running the marathon!!!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much! You can do it!!

[@lenkaontherun]

Congraaaaaats, Emily! 🎉 So proud of you! 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Runswithemily]

🏃🏻‍♀️❤️❤️❤️

[@7TheNikki]

Congratulations! Thank you so much for your videos, they really help me as a slow runner to get my head straight when everyone around me is running a lot faster than me. I'd personally be interested in seeing another marathon or a triathlon next. The latter would be really interesting so see from a beginner perspective. I also have a fun team triathlon coming up which I have never done before. But I would understand if the rest of the audience would be more interested in pure running content :)

[@Runswithemily]

Noted ☺️☺️ thanks so much!

[@ym6722]

That is wonderful!!!!! Congratulations!!!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!!

[@oneofeverything9820]

So proud of you!!!

[@Runswithemily]

☺️☺️☺️☺️

[@iorekby]

You're a hero to many and doing more good than you realize, well done pal!

[@Runswithemily]

🥹🥹🥹

[@876hj7]

Just found your channel. You give me hope, I love you! I will run with my head up now no matter how slow I am!! xx

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!!! You can literally do ANYTHING!!

[@melb2596]

Massive congrats, what an achievement! Let's see a 50k next 💪 I have never run a marathon but am getting into mountain trail races (not actually racing though) and would love to see a fellow slower runner training for one 🤍

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!!!

[@SoellessGaming]

CONGRATULATIONS! job well-done!

[@Runswithemily]

THANK YOU

[@severiner7168]

Congratulations! Sounds like you managed it perfectly in all aspects! Oh and I'm pleased you did the run walk, I did that on Paris too and it worked really well.

[@Runswithemily]

Well done in Paris!!

[@jacquelinekurpershoek8302]

Such a great job! You slayed that💪🏻

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!! 😁

[@singathousandwords]

Ohmygosh you’re amazing! Goals, hopefully will be me next year!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!!! Ah fun, have you got a marathon booked?

[@Mack.Tracks]

Fantastic job, Emily!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!!

[@biljar8333]

Your story will be my star guide on the next race ❤ Be proud, you are strong!

[@Runswithemily]

❤️🫶🏻

[@Nekteck]

Keep pushing forward, and congratulations on this incredible achievement!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!

[@lindakaneshiro7633]

Omg! I love your content and this video is making me so excited about training for a marathon. I’d love to see you training for an ultramarathon!

[@Runswithemily]

Yay! Thank you!

[@adowning92]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It’s so refreshing seeing a “slow runner” and the sheer happiness in your race day. I’ve signed up for my first marathon - Manchester 2025 and no longer feeling like I’m just not fast enough 🥰well done Emily. You achieved so much

[@Runswithemily]

Yayy amazing! Manchester will be so fab. I did the half up there a few years ago and the atmosphere was great.

[@mikestevenson1334]

Amazing achievement Emily ! Well done =D

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you Mike!!!

[@alexpopona]

Well done! I’m also a slow runner and you inspire me so much ❤

[@Runswithemily]

Yay! Thank you!

[@conradburdekin722]

This was great Emily well done! It’s so lovely to see someone actually enjoy their marathon! So many KZbinrs seem time obsessed and rarely meet their goals. As for the heavy legs early - I’d potentially look at not reducing your taper TOO much and keeping a bit if intensity in there too. But well done! Ultra next pls 👍

[@Runswithemily]

Ah interesting on the taper! I did miss a couple of runs during taper so that makes sense. Noted for future ☺️ thank you!

[@carofischer9934]

I'm soooo happy for you! ☺

[@Runswithemily]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@leticiacancel8327]

Yay team purple wave! Congrats on your first marathon. I was also in the purple wave and it was my first time visiting England. Brighton was beautiful and I didn't expect it to be as hilly as it was. My time was about 5:45 but I loved stopping along the course to take photos and enjoy the scenery. I also returned home with a great t-shirt tan because I didn't bring a sleeveless top to run in. A 50k after a marathon is very doable.

[@Runswithemily]

Yay more Purples ❤️ it was SO hilly wasn’t it hahaha! Congrats on your marathon!

[@freddiecarpio1445]

Awesome! Congratulations!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!!

[@biggi217]

Yes, you did it🎉 . Be proud of yourself😊❤

[@Runswithemily]

I’m so proud!

[@85tomb]

Well done Emily - you smashed it! 💪

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!!!

[@carina_2604]

Congrats on running your first marathon! 👑 I just discovered your channel and I'm so happy I did! I only started runinng 7 weeks ago, also using the Run Walk technique 😊I have a Garmin watch, and the Garmin training programme is really useful, currently helping me from 0 to 5k. I don't know if I'll ever do a marathon, but your honest videos are very inspiring ❤ Maybe you could do a video about your equipment, and your experiences with what works for you / didn't work for you?

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much! Ah yay welcome to the running community ❤️ Ooo I like that idea very much!!

[@sarac1520]

Congratulations🎉🎉🎉 you did an amazing job! I would love in the future to see a 5k pb series

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!

[@vickyturrell-bt9hg]

Congratulations, amazing achievement. So pleased you actually enjoyed it 🎉

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!!

[@MarcBoase]

Amazing. Love your content. Got my first marathon tomorrow in Manchester

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!!! Ahhhh good luck with Manchester, the vibes will be great!

[@shy_sorai_vlogs]

This is so inspiring! I just posted a lackluster run update. But I am getting back on it now. 👟💕

[@about_ina]

You give me such a good feeling. I always tought i have to run fast to be good. Knowlng there are other people running Slow makes me happy

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!!! Slow makes me happy too 🫶🏻

[@audreylamothe4833]

Congrats 🎉 I have my first marathon in October, but I’ve been injured since January (plantar fascist) seeing you doing the run /walk method gives me hope to do my marathon too! ❤ hope you are proud of you 🏃🏻‍♀️

[@Runswithemily]

💖💖💖

[@nicolemcardle5711]

American viewer here! Thank you for mile times😊. Congratulations! So motivational

[@Runswithemily]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@CarlTheAmateurRunner]

Congratulations on completing your first marathon! I’ll be running my first marathon on the 28th, I’ll take your word for it that the race is the easy part!

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much and good luck!! You’ll have the best time ❤️

[@JbMaun]

I hope your marathon was everything you hoped!! 🎉

[@CarlTheAmateurRunner]

@@JbMaun thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole marathon journey. Race day was hard picking up an injury but nevertheless, loved it! Already thinking about my next one.

[@qbrhino8875]

Great channel! Run my first yesterday, the Leeds marathon!

[@Runswithemily]

Congrats on your first marathon!!

[@jogordon9732]

Another purple waver and first timer here! Have loved following your journey ❤

[@Runswithemily]

Woooo hello!!

[@gypsymuffinABZ]

Well done! That is really cool medal! 🏅

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!! I know, super colourful 🫶🏻

[@Bekiireads]

I finished just after you but genuinely didn’t see you the entire way around 🙈 I kept looking out to cheer you on but must’ve just kept passing each other 😅 congrats on completing it! The section where we left all humanity for like 10k in the first half was such a mental battle but overall it was sooooo much fun and I wanna do it all over again 🙈

[@Runswithemily]

Haha that part was definitely the hardest!!!! Makes such a difference when there’s no one there to cheer you on

[@JonathanReissing-ip3wf]

Laughed out loud at you getting scared by a bagel. Great work on the run!

[@Runswithemily]

😂

[@michaelr.8402]

Be proud! All the best from Berlin/Germany🙋‍♂

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!

[@ibbletastic]

Love this 😊

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!

[@neil1974uk]

Congratulations Emily sounds like you executed your run walk strategy perfectly. It was probably the hilliest marathon I’ve run and the most windy but that was more than made up by the incredible support from the crowds. Also can’t fault the organisation.

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much! Yes it was so hilly wasn’t it!! Perfect day though

[@Lulu-oi9ue]

One day I’ll do a marathon. My goal is to be consistent with my rehabilitation and gaining strength and endurance so maybe next year. Well done. Such an inspiration.

[@Runswithemily]

Good luck with your rehab ❤️

[@StuartBennettUK]

Congratulations !!! That's an amazing time. I've done Brighton twice in years gone by but not quite that fast.. Yeah, hills, hills. I did Kent Spring Half Marathon today round Ashford and there was some mother funster hills of epic proportion..2 hrs 30 so I'll take that being a plodder. (my 5km best ever was 30:49 but more like 31:30 at the moment) I do think you've really upped your game on the running following your journey. How about some OCR stuff ? I do enjoy like The Nuts challenge in Dorking , Spartan races.. Just breaks up the relentless running. Like jeffing but you do an obstacle instead of a walk :-) Anyway, awesome video and congrats again.. I do enjoy slower running, I stopped stressing about my time so much to enjoy it more based on one of your vids months ago,.

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!!! Congrats on your half marathon. Oooo I hadn’t thought of an obstacle course, that sounds really fun!!!!

[@lisachudasama1248]

I love trail runs so the hills didn’t bother me. I had to take some time out from training due to broken wrist, really hit the wall at mile 21. I have Loch Ness marathon planned for September.

[@StarfishMaths]

Woooohooooo!!! Well done you champion!!!! Bring on the ultras 💪

[@Runswithemily]

Woooooo

[@yourm8k8]

Thanks for sharing, super inspiring :)

[@Runswithemily]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nicmarlow6388]

HUGE well done for getting this marathon done, excellent work and brilliant time!! 👌🏻👌🏻 not all min/mile runners are american tho, I'm english and have always run in miles (maybe cos i'm older generation, 45 this year), it baffles me that so many people run in kms 😂😂 I think as a slower runner myself (my fastest marathon was 5 hours 52 mins, 6 years ago), it's really interesting to hear how you got on. I think you'd be prime for doing a 50km ultra next, they are so much less pressured and it's basically a big picnic with a bit of running and walking thrown in! 😊 Happy to point you in the direction of a couple of them if you want a heads up of ones who accommodate less fast people. Ultras are so much more fun than road running imo (although realise everyone has their own preferences). Huge well done again, great achievement! x

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you so much!! I think I will most likely do an ultra later this year haha, everyone is telling me how much I would love them. Would love some recommendations!

[@nicmarlow6388]

@@Runswithemily I'm pretty sure you would, they are such a great atmosphere and the people are so friendly! :) Where abouts in the country are you and i'll fire off some suggestions your way :) x

[@thomasaussem29]

my last marathon, Donna Foundation marathon 2/4, I completed in 5:22:XX which was a PB for me. So thanks, nice job I consider myself a slow runner as well.

[@Runswithemily]

That’s amazing, well done!! ❤️☺️

[@sarahpa3318]

I just ran my first marathon in 5 hours 23 minutes. :) so close to your time

[@notmyrealname6272]

Amazing!!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Runswithemily]

❤️❤️❤️

[@VighneshwarMadas]

I have somehow made my KZbin debut in your video at the beginning and like you, I am a runner focused on finishing the race and not the pace. This was my first marathon and at a similar finish time as yours, 05:27 😊

[@VickiBankai]

i think it would be interesting to see you get your 5k time down because i’m trying to do the same thing! congratulations on finishing the marathon by the way

[@Runswithemily]

Noted ☺️☺️ thank you!

[@Heleen_Hikes]

Congrats, you are amazing and thanks for sharing your journey! How has the recovery been? And kinda curious because my own first marathon is coming up, expecting the same pace as yours and we are about the same age, what your heartrate was (average and max)? I know everybody is different but I have a hard time finding information on this and it would be very helpfull and much appreciated. In any case, congrats again!!

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much 🫶🏻 Recovery has been pretty good actually. My average heart rate was 168, max was 187 :) I struggled with sleep the first few days after the marathon but from what I’ve heard that’s pretty normal. Only sore for 2 or so days, still got some slightly tender hamstrings but feeling good!

[@Heleen_Hikes]

@@Runswithemily Thank you very much! Amazing that you are recovering so well, really shows the training you put in is paying off :)

[@justbeingrenae2995]

Good work!! I’m a slow runner too so love this content 🇦🇺 what camera did you get? Sound and video is clear n great 👌🏻👌🏻

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much!!! For all the shots where I’m running I’m using the Insta360 Ace Pro, any shots indoor that looks higher quality is Canon g7x mark iii 🫶🏻

[@freyacorner4169]

Well done!! What training plan did you follow? Did you focus on distances rather than running for set amount of times (as a slower runner)?

[@Runswithemily]

I used the Runna app! It has a mixture of different runs - long, easy, interval and tempo.

[@angelafosse5955]

Well done! Omg your slow km is not slow for me haha

[@paddycunningham6834]

Well done 👍

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you 👍

[@emmarunyeard6832]

The ultra violet run to the sea ultra is worth doing x

[@Runswithemily]

I’ll check it out!!

[@emmarunyeard6832]

@@Runswithemily really well organised, there is one Brighton one and a Bournemouth one (which I did) ... Total joy x

[@iorekby]

If you want to do another marathon next, Edinburgh is a brilliant one to do. It's all flats or downhills. But given time scales probably 2025 is best. One idea is you also do 1 in Wales, 1 in N Ireland also, then you have down the 4 Nations lol!

[@Runswithemily]

I like it!!! I would also love to do Edinburgh, gorgeous city!

[@laurasvc123]

Well done!👏 do an ultra next 😄

[@Runswithemily]

Haha I’m tempted!!

[@nosirrahm]

I need to visit my cousin in England. I’m convinced every run path I’ve ever seen is along some water.

[@Runswithemily]

We have some good routes!!! 🫶🏻 Especially when you can get out into the countryside

[@emmarunyeard6832]

I did Brighton last year.. Hills, so much hill x

[@Runswithemily]

So many 😅

[@jessiewaughh]

what camera are you using, love the wide angle!!

[@Runswithemily]

For the running shots I’m using the Insta360 Ace Pro 😁

[@jillshannen280]

I don't see 12 miles per hour as slow. 🙂 Great job!

[@maevecrowley8210]

Brilliant 😊. Any race tips for a fellow slow first timer?

[@Runswithemily]

Try not to worry about your pace, stay hydrated, fuel like you practiced and take some anti chafe stuff even if you don’t usually chafe!!! I got caught out during mine 😭

[@maevecrowley8210]

@@Runswithemily thank you so much

[@EBoone503]

Yahoo!!

[@Runswithemily]

🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@cosminbryant1243]

Very nice

[@lisachudasama1248]

You looked really strong every time I saw you during the race.

[@Runswithemily]

Thank you!

[@jeffbroadhurst7315]

Well done

[@Runswithemily]

Thanks so much

[@alisoncuff]

You were a lot quicker than me ... I took 8 hours lol

[@Runswithemily]

You did it though!!! Amazing

[@millenrgaard8558]

it would be so very interesting to watch you aim for at sub 30 min 5 km. I am currently doing so myself and would love to have som company

[@Runswithemily]

I’m tempted!!

[@gdkmouse]

Ultra

[@Runswithemily]

Verrrryyyyy tempted

[@Amtcboy]

My fastest is 5:58. All the others are over 6hrs.

[@Runswithemily]

Killed it 💖

[@vacationmode6286]

you should run Honolulu Marathon

[@Runswithemily]

🏝️

[@fynnersml4246]

Do what would get you the most fulfillment, that's what's important

[@Runswithemily]

So true ❤️

[@johndepledge1811]

Wel done. +1 for the salty language.

[@Runswithemily]

😇

[@rubymaybe]

It would be amazing to see an ultramarathon done by someone that isn't an absolutely jacked man

[@Runswithemily]

Noted 👍👍👍

[@nosirrahm]

If you’re a slow runner, I’m a sloth. 🥹