Running My First Ever Marathon

[@maratonist]

I'm running for the last 35 years,did a lot of marathons,and still I had tears in my eyes when i see a first timer finishing.Well done Sarah!!

[@eduard05ilva]

Does anyone remember when Sarah didn't felt comfortable talking while running? People change 🤭😜You did amazing Sarah, congratulations on your first marathon 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@veganrunner5634]

It takes a lot of energy

[@seanaepley3180]

As for what's next, I'd actually love love see a video about marathon recovery. Such as PT, icing, how to rest, when to start walking or running, and the distance for those etc.

[@euan1234]

"I battled with things there, that did not come up in training" - I've never run a marathon before, but that is an *incredible* quotation... and I can only imagine how true it is, and how others feel the same to hear that. Well done Sarah!!

[@keithconneely4725]

Only seeing this now. How can you not love this absolute legend? This reminds me so much of my own first marathon - the initial optimism that gradually drains away, the dawning realisation, the despair, the pain, and finally the relief - even Sarah's finish time was remarkably similar to my own!

[@thedanalcantara]

When I subscribed to this channel, I wasn’t expecting so many tears on camera or off camera (mine). I’ve had a rough time trying to stay consistent with running in 2021 because of either sickness or injury but having these videos keeps me motivated to get back in the saddle whenever I’ve recovered. Well done on your first marathon!

[@P3rd3n2]

I can fully relate to it😊

[@marcleong80]

Have you checked out Anna's Berlin marathon? Big tear jerker moment at the end.

[@michaelstuart9378]

@@marcleong80 at the end, it killed me numerous times during it also, as I said on their Facebook page Marley & Me is an easier watch 🤣

[@thedanalcantara]

@@marcleong80 shut up or I’ll tear up again remembering it! Lol

[@schmidtfit7037]

Same!

[@Kevgti5]

Congrats Sarah !! You've become my favorite presenter on the running chanel over time, watching someone who isnt an elite athelete acomplish big things like a marathon is super motivating and makes me think "well maybe I can do it too".

[@garyflynn3762]

Agree

[@sarag4743]

Sarah: congratulations! You bring so much positivity and perseverance to hard marathon training. You are an inspiration to all us regular runners. "Just gonna play my game". Right on!

[@kaspoudakis25555]

I ran my first marathon a few months ago, and I truly believe it’s an experience that’s hard to imagine until you’ve done it! The pain, the hustle, and all your training truly pay off out there. One piece of advice for future first-timers and casual runners: since it’s your (our) first marathon, don’t set a time goal. Instead, set a heart rate goal to pace yourself and keep it easy. I did that, and I absolutely enjoyed it with minimal pain. Remember, easy doesn’t mean slow. But honestly, who cares if you do go slow? Just enjoy the ride, folks!

[@dontuse7829]

This is so inspiring to watch as a 16 year old wanting to run a marathon. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and seeing you Sarah (we have the same name hehe) is just so incredibly inspiring. WELL DONE SARAH ❤️

[@williambunter3311]

Sarah Macleod. Go for it Sarah Macleod! God bless.

[@arrontrevor7086]

Well done Sarah, superb achievement to finish and to go sub 4:30 first time. I love this Running Channel community. People have been really invested in your story, and Anna's before that, and all the positive encouraging comments have been fantastic. Well done to all at the channel for building something fabulous!

[@tezster0]

I finished my first marathon 3 weeks ago and did not reach my target time, I was just happy (relieved) to be able to complete the distance and drag myself to the finish. You're 100% on point when you said that it's so easy to have a time in your head to achieve, especially as a first timer, but the final hour/10k is absolutely brutal, the final 5k for me in particular. Nothing during my training prepared me for that.

[@sophieannestansbury1364]

Huge well done Sarah, what an achievement 🥳😭🙌🏼I love how you and Anna are so relatable, it certainly helps motivate normal folk like me to realise that actually we can achieve these kind of things.

[@Linch1835]

Just ran my first Marathon today, my A-goal was also sub-4 but I finished 4:13. Still chuffed tho! Thanks TRC, you give me a lot of inspiration to continue doing this!

[@henryaxon4873]

Great effort! I wanted sub-4 in my first marathon and it was a brutal experience. Ran 4:32. But kept at it and now run 2:46. Arguably a 'slower' marathon is much harder than a faster one due to time on feet. You learn so much from every marathon you do. Inspiring stuff 👏🏼

[@xelionizer]

I will keep your words of wisdom in the back of my mind next year, when I go for my second marathon try, at getting under 4 hours;) I was hit by COVID-19 20 days out from my marathon but managed to run it in 04:06:28.. So I know it's possible! I even went to the loo for a poop during my race xD Thanks!!!

[@garyflynn3762]

Good advice !!!

[@keeskip4589]

That doesnt make any sense.

[@mommamialec4705]

Absolutely well done Sarah! I know it’s “the job,” but how amazing is it to have a video record of your experience? The marathon is such a learning experience. I have finished five now and learn something new about the distance and myself every time.

[@abqp7158]

Me too. Always learning and taking on new challenges. That's what makes it so great.

[@jessicabaker3867]

Congratulations! I ran my first marathon on my own when my race was canceled. My family made it amazing by meeting me at our own checkpoints with water and surprising me by letting me break the tape at the finish. I would love to do it with a crowd one day.

[@Frapple92]

Congratulations Sarah! You set a PB at your first marathon and, more importantly, you looked really good at the finish line. Now that's an accomplishment. Time to enjoy your victory.

[@jessenattrass3107]

Started running about 10 months ago and signed up for the Los Angeles Marathon March 20th. Ran the Rose Bowl Half this past Sunday. I can't believe I ran 13.1. Can't believe I'm running at all. These videos inspire and motivate me.

[@Running_with_gareth]

I'm not crying, you're crying... Between your videos and Anna's, I was inspired to sign up for my first Marathon next May in Belfast. Started running at the beginning of lockdown last year and could barely manage 200m without wanting to die... Thank you so much for all your videos, and for showing all the sides of the marathon - the highs and lows. You're all my heroes!

[@niles_stone2742]

Great to see a running channel with a person just starting out and achieving their goals. Congrats Sarah.

[@colinlittlewood9613]

Congrats! I think having an A, B and C goal is a really good idea for a first Marathon because regardless of how consistent your training is, you never know what that extra distance will feel like. And if you don't hit your A goal, you'll be much better prepared should you attempt the same goal again in the future!

[@tanker4life222]

Congrats! You finished with a smile on your face. You were such an inspiration throughout your train up I almost felt that I was there with you. I am now signed for my first marathon in 30 years! The Running Channel got this old man up and moving

[@misshellokitty00]

Just finished my first marathon last week and I've been watching these marathon videos. Honestly getting tears in my eyes seeing everyone finish. Truly a special moment finishing a marathon.

[@lindsaypilags5153]

Fantastic achievement Sarah. You did brilliantly and I still can't get over that you can run AND talk to camera AND be coherent, let alone for a marathon. Great job on your journey and congratulations 💐

[@knaacku]

Congrats, Sarah!!! This was so beautiful that I was crying by the second half. I have been struggling with training for my first marathon feeling isolating, but having your inspiration makes me feel more of a part of this lovely community. Thank you for sharing your journey!

[@DfromDANDE]

Sarah, I know you might feel disappointed that the race didn't play out as it was in your mind pre-race, but you definitely should NOT be disappointed at all. Running a marathon is a fantastic achievement, and this one will always hold a special place in your heart and memory, even if you go on to run another 100 marathons! You only get one first, and this was an excellent effort. Be proud of yourself, we all are! Cheers, and hold your head high!

[@laurabartlett6269]

Congratulations! I would actually love to see a series on improving 5 or 10km speed (a bit like Anna's marathon but a shorter distance) as it's my constant battle and something I never manage to improve on for good. Well done again!

[@sannevdr]

Running Amsterdam marathon again next month and just had to rewatch this video. Can’t wait!!

[@brianbillington]

Well done Sarah - anyone who has run a marathon can relate to the emotions you go through, from start "fear" middle "doubt" finish "just want to cry"

[@laramie5951]

I don't think I've ever been so proud of someone I haven't even met!! Keep it up Sarah, you're such an inspiration!

[@ChrisLedwidge]

I loved watching this series of training for your marathon. I've only started running again recently aiming for a 5k. Seriously impressed with your finish time.

[@paul-1908]

"... Remember this moment of perseverance, because that's what a marathon is - persevering." I'm inspired! 😊

[@oldmanwombat]

just seams like yesterday when Sarah joined the running channel and 2:00 min in you look so fit.26 miles still talking and smiling ..Priceless..

[@maddygiles6272]

Congratulations Sarah!! You've been such a trooper through this series and have helped inspire many people and young women to get out there and give it a go. As I'm on a similar sort of journey to running my first marathon, whenever I don't feel like it or lose my motivation, your videos and that of the running channel pick me right up. Fantastic work to yourself and everyone at the running channel. Keep up the good work!

[@GinnyBerch]

Running my first marathon in April. You and Anna have been such an inspiration! Just started watching the video and I'm already crying 😂 Kind regards from the Netherlands!

[@echandiasal]

Congratulations Sarah!! That was so inspiring in currently training for my first ever marathon as well also following the running chanel training program, yesterday I did my 24k in a bit of despair and agony and all through this video I was on the edge of tears. But thank you for sharing it was amazing and I hope I can just finish it as you did.. No time goals just a smile and some tears at the end.

[@fiapahmp6050]

Not gonna lie, I cried when you ran across the finishing line, I could feel all of your emotions and I'm more motivated then ever to try a marathon. It looks brutal but awesome!

[@yuanyuanintaiwan]

The walk at 29k is way too relatable 😅 good job!!! It took me 6 marathons to reach sub-4 😬

[@jasminelozano9575]

It was so cool to see you train up for the marathon. I’m running my first in a few weeks and it was nice to “train” with someone else. Great job! So proud of you!!

[@warreng440]

I'm working towards my first marathon in Brooklyn next April and I'm so incredibly inspired by all of your tremendous hard work and your positive attitude Sarah. I'm going to emulate that during my training. Thanks for the boost 😁

[@runningoncoffee9072]

I am running one in March!! Good luck to you! Smile a mile!!!!😀😁

[@michaelstuart9378]

Well done Sarah! I've loved watching you and Anna prepping and competing at marathons, perhaps I'll eventually build up enough confidence to actual enter one myself, keep up the great content TRC ❤️

[@rovdjur2]

Great job! I recently ran my first 10k and I am just intimidated by the effort it seems to take to complete a whole marathon. Your journey has been inspirational and has made me set a marathon as a personal goal next year! Thanks.

[@neilcatley9474]

There's nothing quite like the feeling of crossing that finish line for the first time. It was Chelmsford 2014 for me... I almost killed myself to get in under 4hrs, and burst into tears at the end. I've done 20+ marathon and ultra races now, but nothing has come close to that first explosion of emotion. Well done Sarah!

[@yvesmassaad]

Running my first marathon on November 26 and super excited!! Wish me luck!!

[@Briguy1717]

Congrats Sarah! I'm running my first marathon in less than a month now, and the only races I've ever competed in were two 5ks and a 10 miler, so it's quite the jump to 26.2 miles! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@M.G-K]

Best of luck! My first marathon is December 4th. I’ve run a bunch of 10ks, four halfs, and finally making the jump. I’m so excited!

[@Briguy1717]

@@M.G-K Best of luck to you too! Just got my first 16 miler in today. A little behind where I’d like to be distance-wise but it was a confidence-booster because I felt good!

[@haggismuncher429]

Good lord if I can tell you anything please do a long run, even it's really slow, try and get up to 20 or so miles, just to get a feel!

[@Briguy1717]

@@haggismuncher429 I’m trying to get up as much as I can with mileage, but I’m not gonna increase too fast and raise the chances of me getting injured. I’ll at least be able to get up to 18 before the marathon but we’ll see about 20. Only about a week and a half till I gotta start my taper 😅

[@joroberts6881]

Only just found this channel as am about to embark on the training for my first marathon. Well done for completing(I know it was a couple of years ago now but even so).It was so emotional watching you run over the finish. I sob when I finish a half so I dread to think what I'll be like if/when I complete my first...thanks Sarah

[@runningchannel]

Welcome 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@joroberts6881]

Thanks. Am loving the channel so far, no idea how I'd never heard of you before! Very impressed. Working my way through all the "marathon" playlist at the moment

[@zeniktorres4320]

Same here, first time watching this, I'll go back and check out the others. Like you, I'll try going for the marathon after having just done my first half marathon (late 50's), with a time of 2:04, much better than expected. Happy training.

[@joroberts6881]

@@zeniktorres4320 I've done 8 half marathons so far, so not going to train for a marathon after 'just doing 1 half' Slightly different lol....Good luck with your training

[@lizstockton2100]

Amazing Sarah, well done - that was really emotional and a fitting end to a great series of videos. What next? Enjoy your achievement you should be so proud of yourself 🤗

[@TheNyxmaster]

I never thought that one day I would have my eyes filled with tears because some is finishing a race... Thank you Sarah for sharing your experience...

[@camillegras6942]

This was so moving! I started considering a marathon myself by the time Sarah started this serie so it feels special to see her achieve her goal! Congrats!

[@Merritt7278]

Congratulations, a massive achievement to you and also a big shout out to my wife Kelly who completed the Beachy head marathon yesterday after cramping up after 30k but still had the will to finish. My challenge to you is to run the Beachy head next October, one of the most gruelling but beautiful marathons out there, also would love for my wife to get one of them running tops lol, congratulations again top running and congratulations to every runner completing there runs whatever the distance.

[@chrisshaw2810]

I ran that yesterday too! My first marathon! :-) I'm glad it wasn't windy!

[@Merritt7278]

@@chrisshaw2810 A massive congratulations

[@chrisshaw2810]

@@Merritt7278 and to you both.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I love supportive partners!! Congrats to your wife on her race, and her great choice in husbands! 😆

[@lucasmellinger1084]

The marathon training has been so inspiring!

[@harrygadlin7618]

Amazing series, I also ran my first marathon in Amsterdam this year and it was a fantastic experience. I can relate to so many of your emotions throughout the series and this was a great end, looking forward to the next adventure!

[@alinep.j.1158]

The way she was able to talk and express herself at the finish line is a proof that she definetly did a good race. She was in form. Don't get attached to the walking piece, it was a very good race in the end

[@monicak181]

Ah - feeling all the feels for you Sarah! Massive congratulations! Basically been blubbering throughout this video for you! Brought back all the memories of my first marathon which was in Amsterdam in 2017! Totally inspired to go back to Amsterdam and give the marathon another go to aim for a sub 4:30 time like you managed! You and Anna have been such real and genuine people throughout your marathon videos!

[@joannabarlow864]

I'm guessing 4:27 for your finishers time ☺️ I've loved watching this series - hope to see more of the same soon!

[@SuperYtc1]

No she finishes at 12:50

[@xelionizer]

@@SuperYtc1 What do you mean by that? At 14:35 in the video you can clearly see her finish time as being 04:27:37

[@nightraid7]

Congrats Sarah 👏🏼

[@GeezLouise]

“That’s what a marathon is….perseverance.” ~Sarah

[@ahsanasad-s6l]

Congrats Sarah!!! You are amazing.... Cheers from Asia!!!! I would love to show this to the close ones in the circle especially females to show them and get a motivation from your running passion and presentation is also great. Love your videos

[@johnstaines5705]

Congrats Sarah! I ran my last marathon 10 years ago and since then run only halfs. You have inspired me to sign up for a marathon in 2022!.

[@MrPlacy]

Congrats Sarah. I’ve just started running again after almost 10 years and you’ve inspired me to try for a marathon next year

[@rebeccasprowell8335]

Wow that was amazing! I’m crying for you. I’m currently training for my first ever marathon too so have loved watching your journey and love your honesty through the process. Well done Sarah xx

[@jandatube]

Congratulations Sarah on completing the Amsterdam Marathon with a sub-4:30 time on your first attempt. Great video, great series. Just perfect timing as I did my first full marathon yesterday. You communicated the full spread of emotions experienced, but always showed through with a positive take on things. Well done.

[@RayBlake]

I ran my first marathon in Yorkshire the same day. I'll never forget it. Well done, Sarah.

[@juliae5639]

I just finished my first marathon and watched this series multiple times throughout training for motivation. I love this series style. Thanks Sarah

[@NeagoeRadu]

I subscribed for a while to The Running Channel and in my opinion is one of the best channels with inspirational, funny, training and all sorts of videos. But what I like the most is that with perseverance you can conquer your own limits, and this is shown in most of your videos.

[@franciscoromano2924]

Congratulations Sarah! I really felt identified with you. Just had my first marathon on October 10 2021. I really love this channel!

[@damianboardman278]

The running channel has helped me so much since I started running, I have just signed up for the Manchester marathon 2023. I can not wait, well done Sarah

[@nickwilliams7946]

Congratulations Sarah, super well done!! I have signed up for my first marathon in 2022, Brighton, at the young age of 53 and am very excited about it. Didn't watch all your episodes but will do now. Again, well done 👏

[@aviswabharat]

Hell Sarah, Exactly a Month ago, I saw this video and registered for my first Marathon, even though I was putting enough miles and not confident enough to run my first Marathon at that moment. I trained hard for 4 weeks and smashed my first Marathon a sub 3:30 this Sunday. Thanks for the video and inspiring me and a lot of others like me.

[@MezMooCow]

A huge congratulations, Sarah! A sub-4:30 first marathon is a fantastic achievement. I think we crossed paths at some point in the last few kilometres coming out of Vonderpark and that really spurred me on, so thank you!

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Im a mid distance runner who are trying to run sub 2 800 meter but my a goal finish marathon b goal ran sub 4 hour c goal run sub 3 hour marathon

[@ellietess186]

Wow Sarah, your training has been so inspiring, thank you for being so honest with us. I have signed up for my first 10km race at Christmas, so hopefully one day I'll get to the marathon distance! You absolutely smashed it!!!

[@toby1kenobi352]

What really came across in the video was the level of emotion that marathons create. I have only run one, London in 2017, but the tears as I rounded the bend at Buckingham Palace! It is a real achievement to have run that distance. Congratulations!

[@francesarmstrong8896]

I ran my first marathon this year too - an awesome feeling and still don't quite believe I did it. Congratulations!

[@chloemoss3]

My first marathon was also Amsterdam. I had a very similar experience. Wanted sub-4 but came through at 4:39. Must have caught the bug and have now done 9 and shaved 1h30 off my time. Marathons give you ALL the emotions- congratulations! Superb effort!

[@benaustwick2312]

Such a brilliant account of a first marathon.The emotions, the sounds of feet and the crowd. Such a brilliant REAL video and it helped me to re live my first marathon I did a few weeks ago. The running channel was an important piece of the puzzle that helped me get to the start line so thank you to everyone at the RC.

[@benaustwick2312]

I also tried to stick with the 4 hour pacer and couldn't. Going to do my own thing next time, set off slower and finish stronger.

[@fiekeschool4523]

"I wanna be in that stadium, so bad" I love it. "It's so easy to have a number in your head", I think this idea really helps me on tough days or at training if I don't hit the splits I wanted. But what I've found the most helpful about the running channel is that it reminds me that running isn't just about times but about enjoying it and the community. It may be hard sometimes but it's absolutely worth it, I totally agree. GEFELICITEERD SARAH! (Haha I'm Dutch so it was amazing to see Amsterdam...maybe that will be my first marathon down the track...)

[@allied8430]

Loved watching this (and had to wipe away a few tears). The best part for me was that the next day, my husband (who has always said a half-marathon or longer is something he'll never do) said he was inspired and he thinks he might want to run a marathon next year. And he's been wanting to watch Running Channel & other running videos ever since - way to go, Sarah & TRC!! I think you've done something I couldn't do!! Thank you!!

[@jaiwalker377]

You’re such an inspiration!! I just finished my second half marathon and am looking into signing up for a marathon! Videos like these always give me so much motivation and drive!

[@stasz4375]

First of all, contrast Sarah! I also ran my first marathon in Amsterdam last week and it was absolutely amazing. Super proud of all of us pushing it to the finish line.

[@Jess6Gun]

Congratulations!!! I just ran my first marathon at OKC Memorial Marathon on October 3rd. I am running the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon next on November 21. It was an amazing experience.

[@kevinbennett437]

I absolutely love your enthusiasm Sarah. Never really liked running, but decided to do a Couch to 5K program with a local running club (Isle of Wight Road Runners)....and I'm absolutely loving it. Found the Running Channel on KZbin and have to say you have totally inspired this 55 year old guy to keep pounding the streets. Thanks. Well done on your fantastic achievement in Amsterdam. Really enjoyed the video. 🏃🏼🏃🏼

[@1wswilliams]

Thank you Running Channel for showcasing normal people achieving great things! As much as I love watching content of accomplished athletes achieving amazing things, there’s something so much more relatable to watching this - normal people doing amazing things! Well done Sarah 👌🏼🏅

[@romaingautier2986]

Congrats Sarah! Such an inspiration! After 6 years without running, I'm slowly coming back and preparing for Paris Half Marathon in March :)

[@jamesbanfield456]

Related to so much of this video, just ran my first marathon 2 weeks ago in Manchester. It didn’t exactly go to plan but managed to get over that line! Massive congratulations Sarah!

[@BeautyQueenNr1]

im in my second week of marathon training!! im in tears with you! good job sarah 💙

[@alanm8728]

2022 I'm running my first marathon! Congratulations Sarah an incredible achievement!

[@ElisaShaffer]

I’m super proud of you Sarah! Looking forward to running my first Marathon in Jan 2023.

[@craigsmith7765]

Well done Sarah. We've been with you every step of the way and to see you cross the finish was amazing and throughly deserved.

[@FSO_PT]

Newbie in the Running Chanel. But i've cried at 30k and at the crossing line. Sarah you are my Running tágide.

[@chrissyswarbrooke2203]

Oh Sarah, I’m so very proud of you! So very inspiring and cried with you on your video. You are so strong and such an incredible willed person. I hope you are as proud of yourself as we are all of you ❤️❤️🎉 Congratulations again x

[@runningchannel]

Thanks for the kind words Chrissy

[@sarahschaar2767]

I played softball using Mizuno gear in Highschool, now I’m a collegiate runner. Had no clue they made running gear! Congrats on your hard efforts Sarah! Truly a fun video to watch. Your bubbly energy is felt through the screen. “Now time for the victory lap!” 🥳

[@chrisgardiner4998]

Amsterdam was my 3rd marathon in 2019, which I finished with one of my running buddies and the emotion you felt running into the Olympic stadium was no different for us two. When I finished my first marathon in London 2018 I crossed the line and asked the lovely lady giving out the medals for a hug….as I just needed one. The emotions of completing a marathon is something very special. Congratulations 👏

[@runningchannel]

That's a lovely story Chris!

[@m00st]

Well done finishing your first marathon! October 17th 2020 I started running.. The october 17 2021 Amsterdam Marathon was also my first marathon! What an incredible journey. I would have laughed at anyone suggesting I would ever run a marathon a year ago. My plan was to run the marathon in less than 4 hours.. ..and I beat myself by more than 10 minutes 🔥

[@ellyastevenson]

I always find watching TRCs marathon videos so emotional and so real in what to expect. I'm hoping to run my first marathon next year and always find these videos so motivating and helpful in my journey. If I have a hard run, I'm comforted knowing I'm not the only one so these videos always help me massively. Huge congratulations Sarah, a brilliant race and an incredible finish time!

[@runningchannel]

Thank you for this kind words Elly, it's so great to hear that our videos are proving to be a helpful motivation to runners everywhere.

[@katietorreswelch]

Congratulations, Sarah!! What a massive achievement! Watching this series has given me so much inspiration that I will take with me when I train for my own first marathon in the future! Hope you’re getting lots of well deserved rest now!

[@wicketron]

Congrats on the first marathon Sarah! I also ran last Sunday...albeit in the Mizuno Half Marathon. I still finished strong, going under my goal time by a few minutes so I'm very happy :) Because of your videos I've decided to sign up for my first full marathon in April next year! Thanks again and congrats on the big victory.

[@maryheatwole3717]

Congratulations! I'm running my first marathon in almost 1 week and completely terrified. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@stephkerby1227]

What a range of emotions in 4.30 hours! Anyone who can train for and run a marathon has got grit. Well done!

[@BradleySingerRuns]

Sarah, what an amazing achievement you have done. running your first marathon under 4:30 hours. so proud.