The Marathon Struggle - OVERCOMING 26.2 Miles

How I overcame 26.2 Miles when it wasn't my day. In this video I cover what went wrong, how I found myself in a dark place mentally three different times, and how I overcame each situation.
There's no escaping the suffering, inside of the marathon and the cringy dad jokes buried inside my videos. Delicious little land mines, in my opinion.
If you do not get anything useful from this video, I at least hope you are entertained.
I just launched memberships: They're cheap because I'm cheap and I got a demotion. Give some love and get some exclusive extra content!
/ @midliferunner
00:00 - The hardest marathon
00:29 - The 1st Dark Place Set up
01:09 - the illness
02:57 - that dog in me slash heart rate
04:01 - The 1st Dark Place Delivery
06:56 - Regroup
08:01 - The new Plan Mile 6-13
09:03 - Maurten Might Suck
10:04 - The 2nd Dark Place
11:43 - The 3rd Dark Place
13:44 - All heart RC
14:59 - All in the family
16:07 - Icing
17:00 - Lessons
17:24 - Y THO
18:03 - SUB 3 TBD
19:50 - Parting Thoughts
Music by Epidemic Sound
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[@matthiassventoest6800]

you are an excellent story teller

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thank you, Matthias. 🙏🏼

[@lilpappi007]

Thank you for the Shout out! Super cool. Sub 3 is one of my goals and I appreciate you sharing your journey.

[@kuriosites]

1) 3:08 marathon when you're sick is almost Jordanesque. 2) Great attitude and what a wonderful, supportive family you have.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Im a big fan of theirs. And they can always hold it over me to go some place …”you dragged us to the woodlands for your marathon. You have to take me to the trampoline park!”

[@1Shoe18]

Love that you renamed your son after your newish hobby!

[@MidLifeRunner]

His success is inevitable

[@nrg_runs]

‘It’s not the everything bagel’ - wise words, my friend. Marathons are hard. Marathons when sick are harder. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you - love your honesty and spirit 👊🏼

[@vijayeaswar9502]

Very authentic. I really enjoy your videos. Being a midlife runner and dad myself, I really get motivated watching your journey! Rooting for you to break 3 in the fall!

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼 thank you

[@coreyadcock]

"The stupid grey humid sky", felt that.

[@_DCLXVI_]

Just subscribed, i started running at 40 and that was 2 years ago. Last weekend ran my first marathon 3:24 was trying for 3:10. I really enjoyed your video and you gave me some very valuable insight.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Congrats on 3;24! That’s a killer first marathon time. No matter when you start, you’ve got 10+ years of getting faster and faster with your aerobic system. There are few things we can do at this age that accelerate 🤣 🫠 are you going to aim for another one next fall?

[@toddbanning]

Congrats, Andrew! Big effort through dark places 💪 Thanks for bringing us along.

[@blakefaulds]

So relatable man, thanks for sharing! Have loved following your journey. On to the next one, lets gooo!!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

LG!!!! 💪🏼

[@Greg-me8le]

Great video. I always enjoy when runners share their Mental dark places and what worked getting through them. And great Marathon.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼

[@jeffmather5594]

I found this inspiring and a good reminder of why we run and that the time goals should not overwhelm us. Just a comment about favorite gels. My answer is no gels. I ran the last two marathons with two 125ml soft flasks tucked in my belt and it has been a game changer. Each flask contains a concentrated mixture of energy powder (tailwind works well for me). One scoop is about equal to a gel in terms of carbs and I usually put in 2-3 scoops per flask so it's super strong. It's extra weight but it goes down better than gels (there's a reason why pros take their energy in bottles). I take along gels too for the later miles if I need them.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Brilliant . I drank a high carb mix before Houston . I think that’s a great way to go, especially since my wife meets me around halfway and can be like my aid station for another flask

[@rnapol3266]

Great channel dude

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼

[@Pheelip]

Thanks for sharing all aspects of your race. You’re are very motivating to us midlifers.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼

[@jonvirgi7215]

Good job pushing through to the end! Like the other comment, I really like the SIS gels. I use those and maurten but SIS are so easy to go down and taste better.

[@karatechop]

Hats off to you for toughing it out when conditions weren't optimal - and still pulling off an impressive time. Agree with the message 100% - I missed Boston 2022 due to getting covid the week before the race and was ready to have the race of my life. While it was heartbreaking, I had to look at all the work I put in and be proud of it. It gave me a perspective I didn't have before and was a lesson in toughness. Even when we don't get to meet our goals, there's still value in the process and the struggle. Thanks for this video!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for sharing, Sean! That’s rough about Boston. My fitness turned a corner the week before the marathon and it’s back a week after - so that part is really exciting and I’m focusing back on the process. All that volume in the training bumped me up a notch

[@ericchevalley]

Another great video! You are brave to share your struggles. It's simply brilliant to run for someone else and push. Mind over matter. Clever. Gel suggestion: Have you tried Precision Fuel and Hydration?

[@MidLifeRunner]

I haven’t but this and sis beta fuel keep coming up. I’ve only ever done GU, UCAN and Maurten

[@kouvang6256]

The shades had me. 😂 But love the journey bro. You will get there and at the moment I'm trying to even catch to look at the triangle (dragon scales) on your back (the singlet). It's about the journey. Let's go!!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

I need your words, Kou Vang! And a warm cup of coffee

[@namnori]

This is so awesome

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼

[@dukpsm]

I really enjoy your videos. I can relate to your journey. I did the same race, also got sick beforehand and had a terrible race. There will be other races. Your video really does well of putting things in perspective.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thank you 🙏🏼 - sorry to hear you fought the same battle . Cheers to more races

[@Matt-cp9wh]

Congrats man, you will get your goal time keep going

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼

[@andrewfeher224]

Great race recap! The amount of multi-tasking and introspection you're doing during a marathon is bananas. If you're having trouble with the texture of Maurten, might want to try Spring Energy.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks! It’s on my list to try. I like the real food element

[@shannonsides6017]

Thanks for the breakdown, well done! I had noticed the dark places on your first race vlog and it was cool to see you describe them and what helped pulled you out. Sorry it wasn’t your day for a sub 3 but you hung in there! Cheers on another BQ.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙌🏼 should’ve worn prime x strung

[@shannonsides6017]

The main reason you didn’t hit sub 3, tbh.

[@MidLifeRunner]

@@shannonsides6017 😂 😂 😭

[@adultslovepokemon6615]

Good race man. Just subscribed to your channel. I ran 2:56 in Ventura with Cole and Evan a couple weeks back. You can do it brother, don’t give up. All these races are learning experience and bricks that are stacking for your fitness. Keep on going. Oh and btw I love huma gels. I have GI issues typically and these sit super well with my stomach.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Congrats on the sub 3 at Ventura! And thanks for subbing up! I will have to try huma and sis to see if they hold up better

[@allheartrc]

Good idea subbing midliferunner, jj! I like this many~

[@htownq7224]

Sis Beta Natural flavor worked well for me. I did The Woodlands marathon as well, let's Go!!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

HTown q is Legend 🙌🏼

[@JimCraig-gf8co]

Great Job pushing through! Congrats on a great effort. I thought I was the king of Dad Jokes---I have the coffee cup to prove it--you are the BEST at Dad jokes-laughed at all of them. I'm a (nearly-2 months) 60 year old triathlete/runner, my sub 3:00 is 3:50. Wish me luck, hope to catch you at a race sometime. Looking forward to your videos, well done sir!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Love it! 3:47:32 on the horizon

[@oh_wall]

Amazing effort! Your mental fortitude astounds me, I would have been pissy for weeks if this had happened to me.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Still some subtle grief bubbling deep under the surface. Especially because a week later my new fitness gains are back

[@finding_health]

The mental gains you got out of this may ultimately be even better for you than if you'd achieved your time goal. Your toughness grew exponentially and that will get you to sub-3 in time! In any event, you've inspired the hell out of this 43-year newbie runner. :)

[@MidLifeRunner]

Let’s go! This marathon was 4 days before my 44th bday. I started at 40 maybe in 4 hour marathon shape. You get aerobically fitter for ten years no matter when you start. You’ve got an exciting journey ahead

[@finding_health]

I spent my thirties above 300lbs. 120lbs healthier now: slow as hell but loving it. Happy belated! ☺

[@videos-gl2qq]

you are right there. 3:08 on that day was tough- It got warm & humid. Plus carrying a phone, gopro and headphones.Marine Corps is a tough course. You can do it. Hopefully the weather will be kind.

[@chrisd3501]

Ive always struggled with gels. Just been put onto High5 Aqua and they seem to be working well. More importantly, I've learnt a lot from you since finding your channel, so keep going. I'm looking forward to seeing what's next 👍💪

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Chris. Spoiler alert , looks like volume!

[@chriscarino6006]

Great recap! I was also in sick denial at a 10k yesterday and wasn’t exactly sure what was going on with me until hearing your same struggle. After the first mile I couldn’t understand how my pace wasn’t matching my effort. Thought I just really sucked at the hilly course… also, try precision hydration gels. Their similar to maurtens but cheaper

[@MidLifeRunner]

🫡 there’s always another race

[@Matt-cp9wh]

Every Mara is special it’s a huge achievement because it’s bloody hard and the prep is harder so it’s something to be proud of

[@dbknickerbocker]

Who are you kidding!? There is no way your personality is not chemically altered! 😂 I’ve really enjoyed watching your journey and will share in your victory when you do break 3.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🥃 cheers to that! Even though I don’t drink. 🤣

[@allheartrc]

Andrew, great recap. Kids love your content. Lots of midlifers here but your videos connect with the whole run community. Might want to consider losing the selfie stick. It makes a giant difference. I do 99% of my runs with the camera. So i train for 2:55 to run 3 hours. Sometimes on the track i run without the camera and i can hit workout splits that i am unable to hit with the camera. Im experimenting with carrying the camera without a stick in my naked belt. Will let you know how it goes. Good luck with your base build!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks MK! Naked belts get a little warm for me. I agree that doing workouts without the stick makes a big difference versus just easy runs. Worth contemplating 🤣

[@neilkearney6822]

Dude I know you were working for sub 3 but 3:08 is far from an epic fail. Give yourself some credit.

[@therapygrind]

Organic/Natural self-monitoring yes, but have you ever raced without all the tech? My best performances have always come from 100% focus on 'feel', not allowing tech/data throttle me or induce fear I was red lining. For me Marathons have always been about settling into a comfortable physical groove, and then getting into a meditative state where my awareness was in another zone. Time, fatigue and distance go away and I'm just in living in the moment of enjoying the next ball or midsole strike. For me harnessing mindfulness has been very helpful in enabling me to be the best version of myself on race day, good luck.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for sharing. I have been meditating at night. It has increased sporadic mindfulness bouts during the day. I started counting breaths from 9,999 down to relax in the run when my breathing starts to become la Labored .

[@kieronfreeman5865]

Very cool fam. I took it up (running) at 47. Physically I'm quite fragile so I work on shorter efforts as I'm not sure my musculature and skeletal bits will take the training. That might change. Anyway my first goal was to see if I could run 5k under 20 mins. This week I got myself down to 20:13. I reckon I might need 1 more block. I think my point is that the goal is the goal; it's there to keep us functioning and dreaming. But the journey is really what counts. Good luck, and I look forward to seeing more....

[@MidLifeRunner]

thanks brother ! I remember trying break 20 in the 5k also and ran 20:16 . I was so gassed and I couldn’t imagine how I was going to shave off another 15 or so seconds. I got shin splints a couple of times in the first year or two, the músculo skeletal system does take longer to strengthen than the aerobic system . I found slowly increasing mileage week to week allowed me to inch up mileage and I could always run slower if things started to flare up. Your body will get stronger . I’m flirting with 80 miles a week and I started 25-40 and worked my way to 60 after a couple of years

[@Borjaa24]

Singing “I woke up in a new Buggatti” sent me lol, you are right there and there’s no doubt you are going sub 3 🏆🏁

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙌🏼

[@josenaveo588]

Way to make it about bigger than yourself on the last 10K. I love the 3rd point at the end btw. 😂

[@MidLifeRunner]

It’s the most crucial

[@LuisBecerra79]

6 weeks and and a 6 min difference between them. That’s a great accomplishment Andrew. It just reminded me of the video of the girls screaming while running “I’m trying, I got little legs” 🙈😆😆. Nobody teaches us math under this circumstances 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️. On to the next one 👍🏼. Let’s go!!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Luis! Cheers to the OGs

[@runninguy]

Hey Andrew, I really appreciate your videos and taking us on your journey. The other aspect that I am very appreciative of, is that you do the whole weird Imperial to metric conversion thing. But seriously do you natively think in Miles for pacing?. I was just thinking that since a KM is a more precise measurement, and there are over 40 opportunities for pace corrections during a race, as opposed to just 25 opportunities if you think in Miles. The other aspect is precision eg running a 4:15/km pace vs 4:14/km pace seems like a very small correction but it can be the big difference of being over 3 versus sub 3. I know you have the fitness and pace to go sub 3, but I also know that the marathon is a precision event where even the little details can make a compounding impact.

[@MidLifeRunner]

That’s a great approach. If I switch to km, it would definitely help get the pace more precise on feel. That can only help

[@robthompson4882]

Into the batcave to build a meaner Batmobile….cant wait to hear about your evolution with base/speed periodization. the next iteration is gonna be so rad! ( midlife vocab, so off the chain) Great vid - enjoyed your reflection, sadly noted less flexing w/ less power-squats as you sat down a lot less in this one 🧐. spot on with the fam - I’m gonna have to suggest they (ie. mine, not yours) travel with me to a future race…just gotta get the wifey motivated to join the crowds 😬 such a clean ending to your videos, consistency just like the Toronto Maple Leafs in playoffs - they be gone!

[@MidLifeRunner]

🤣 thanks for the laughs as always Rob

[@dereklai1234]

I love Endurance Tap

[@Joe_Souza]

Andrew, you’re going to do it. You obviously have the fitness and had two bad breaks. BTW - when is Yowana podcast coming out?

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Joe! I’m going to sit down and edit on Friday , aiming for Sunday . Having technical difficulties with some sound on the rest of Floberg. Not a ton of time

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Huma gels sit easy in my stomach as well as Spring Energy. The latter is real food, and the Awesome Sauce flavor tastes like a great apple pie without crust. Neither is too gooey, sweet or thick, and for me, neither requires water at the moment. PS. The Ventura marathon is the same basic course as Mountains2Beach which I recommended to you for sub 3. It’s very gentle downhill except for the last couple of miles.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Martha! I’ll have to save mountains2beach for my sub 2:50 😂 and sign me up for Apple pie all day

[@jeremyday6864]

Really enjoyed this post mortem. I have had issues with various gels but the one I never have trouble with is SiS. I usually take the electrolyte Raspberry but they are currently out of stock at the feed so I’m using tropical. One of the flavors, I think cherry, tasted like NyQuil so would avoid that one. Haven’t tried it but have heard the espresso flavor is awful. I was actually going to use Maurten at Boston since they are on course but now I’m reconsidering.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Cherry and espresso are synthetic flavors I actively avoid 🤣 that’s good looking out. Blackberry GU is also pretty rancid

[@foggy123ukb3]

Congrats on toughing it out. It sucks when you are sick. I think maybe these great training blocks leave us a bit vulnerable. Got the man cold between Berlin & London a week apart and then Covid the weekend of NYC (thought it was allergies) a month after Chicago. I’ve been using SIS Beta fuel gels since I started running (22) which are similar to Maurten in that they are 40g carbs each. 1x15min before start, 1@each4 miles. Last one at 20miles has caffeine. Roughly 70g carbs per hour. Nothing against maurten I like the concept of 60-100g carbs an hour and higher carb gels mean less to carry. But Like you I’m not keen on their consistency. Beta fuel is more watery and needs no drink to wash down. Available through the Feed in the US.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙌🏼 thanks for the recommendation! Definitely going to try next October/november

[@seekingUltraNick]

Dude, love this breakdown. Much respect. As far as gels…I love the “idea” of Maurtens. But they don’t work for me either. I do BPN’s. They do not have a caffeine option -yet- but they just work for me. Used to do GU…they’re too sugary as well. Anyway, maybe give BPN’s a shot. Midlife runners unite!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

I might just do that

[@MidLifeRunner]

5g of protein a gel for hybrid gainz

[@Strizzle81]

Great stuff...I can empathize with starting running at 40 and racing while not 100%. Ran marathon #2 last Sunday aiming to BQ after training 10months and getting a cold 5 days before race. Got a steroid shot + took mucinex/afrin. Conditions were perfect, but heart rate was 8-10bpm higher than training from the start. Went deep in pain cave to hang on after mile 17 and likely missed BQ by 90seconds. Super frustrating

[@MidLifeRunner]

Aw man sorry to hear it! Way to fight! It was made more frustrating by returning to peak fitness a week after the marathon. Went on an easy run and my pace was 7:29 for 10 miles. Basically what I slowed down to in the race. My goal now is to base build, speed block and then marathon training for late October and ANNIHILATE sub 3 by being much closer to 2:50 shape

[@Strizzle81]

@@MidLifeRunner I love it...BTW, this is Matt S. from Garmin Connect. I'm surprised that you only took 5 days off running after your last 2 marathons and quickly started doing 10mile runs.. I took 8 days off and ran 3miles and legs still feel wrecked. Don't want you to get injured

[@MidLifeRunner]

@@Strizzle81 yeah thanks for looking out. My legs have been conditioned over the years . Whenever I feel too sore , I just run slower. Taking days off makes me more stiff and tight - ironically more prone to injury . I’m just running easy - ish now

[@Strizzle81]

@@MidLifeRunner I hear ya...I'm curious if you'd see better long term gains taking more time off and easing back into it...especially after racing 2 marathons in 7 wks. Or maybe all the BPN "supplements" you take are just that good!😂

[@margaretblake5051]

For any endurance event I recommend salted cooked potatoes. (steamed or boiled). No GI issues. so easy to digest. put them in a baggy in your pocket.

[@peteryun8379]

I tried many different running gels and finally found the best one for me which is Huma gel. Never troubles my stomach + Easy to swallow, and taste is good. Thx for the great recap and keep spreading love, light, and laughter! Eternal optimist lol

[@MidLifeRunner]

HUMA let’s gooooo

[@pranayama-running-Jendrik]

In my opinion these are the best kind of marathons that you can get because you will always remember them and you learn so many lessons through rough experience 🔥💪🙏 My first one was my roughest marathon 🤣🤣🤣 But we get it done as runners 🔥🔥🔥

[@ch71225]

I feel you, caught a cold (hopefully not covid, have to confirm) a week before my HM, still recovering but my second-to-last training week was ruined

[@MidLifeRunner]

Eeesh! 🤞🏼 hope it ironically gave your body rest and super compensation!

[@blairstrahan2147]

Try Precision Fuel and Hydration, good luck you'll get there!

[@BamainMn]

Sorry for the race day conditions. Interesting how weeks of training comes down to how you feel on that one day. Note on the Maurten 160 gels helpful. Sounds like they’re just too thick or too much carbs all at once that would require to train your gut during training- which sounds cost prohibitive. I’ll stick to the regular 100. Raw Vélo is more liquid & costs about $30 for a box of 12. But it’s 20g of carbs as opposed to 25 for the regular Maurten.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Yeah I think it’s the amount of carbs all at once . Maybe if I spread them out I would feel it less. Definitely going to try some new gels out in training with quantity of carbs

[@kengifford3714]

Great video MLR! I notice you make a lot of mid-race decisions based on heart rate which sometimes ends up costing you your goal time. Have you considered ignoring this data? For me there are so many variables w/ HR that I've learned not to fully trust it. Fluctuations (in the course elevation, temps, anxiety, changing max HR over time, nutrition, caffeine, hydration, inability to measure max HR, etc ) can really throw off your HR average. I use a number of methods including breathing technique and some anxiety reducing techniques to bring my HR down during long runs. Anyways, that's been my experience. Everyone is on their own path. I want to see you break 3!!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks brother ! I have ignored the data before and bonked. I’ve felt great and ignored the data and picked up the pace midway through my HM PR also. So it’s landed positive and negative. I mostly use HR just as guardrails and as a reflection of effort. My HR doesn’t really lie. Overall the takeaway is to get much fitter to be able to withstand some tougher weather conditions and a tougher course (marine corp marathon )

[@kengifford3714]

@@MidLifeRunner thanks for the reply. Best of luck!!!! I'll be watching along :)

[@SantaCruzRunner]

Great advice to just run the mile that you’re in. “Think small but achieve big.” Corny dad quote!

[@marcuslockhart4610]

Strong effort! SIS gels like Maurten do not require water and are larger but I find them hard to open when sweaty. I now move on to Torq gels. They are smaller and need water but go down easy. How did the AF 1 feel? I have 4 pairs and still have 2 left.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Rare rubbing from the AF 1 but they just push you in the best way. Hopefully I can get v3 before November . Have the metaspeed edge Paris in the mail. Looks like a winner too . Way to stock up!

[@andrewjenkin1029]

Precision Hydration

[@gregkinlan3013]

Jeff Kinlan is the freaking man!

[@jameschaves5723]

Take this summer to focus on speed. 10K and 5K stuff. I would love to have you on olearyracing team.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks James. Big base build into some faster stuff is definitely on the agenda . Looking forward to sub 2:50 🤣

[@schoukri]

I used Maurten 100 gels for my 2 marathons in 2023. I thought they were okay but I didn't really like the consistency or the flavor. I found them hard to "chew" at marathon pace because they are pretty thick. This year I picked up some Sports in Science (SIS) Beta Fuel gels (160 cal) because they were on sale. I didn't think I would like them because they are very watery which means the packets are larger and heavier than Maurtens. But they are a lot easier to take at marathon pace and I realized that the extra water in them is a good thing. Also they are not so much larger that they're a burden to carry. I just used them at my marathon last week (Tokyo) and they worked out great. I carried 4 of them but ended up only taking 3 (which was probably a mistake but thankfully it didn't affect me). I am now a convert to SIS gels and will never go back to Maurtens.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for taking the time to share the insight. They will be my next gel to try out.

[@lehitimo]

Classic number 3 ending the video😅

[@MidLifeRunner]

KZbin is all about consistency

[@darapumphrey-ruiz5849]

All the gels I’ve tried made me nauseated when I have had to take them repeatedly for longer distances. Now I just use maple syrup mixed with a pinch of salt and a few drops of lime juice. Has been so much better.

[@TolunayOrkun]

Maurten sometimes doesn't sit well for me as well. Try "SIS Beta Fuel". 45g carbs in 1:0.8 Glucose/Fructose ratio. There is also a version of this Gel with Nootropics which contains a whopping 100mg caffeine. Good to give a boost around mile 16-18. I am sure you will run sub-3. You are so close. I am older and started running even later than you. If I qualify for Boston, I'll be more than happy :)

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for the advice! Believe it!

[@TolunayOrkun]

@@MidLifeRunner Andrew, fyi: I found the official finish line arrivals video. Search for "2024 The Woodlands Marathon Finish Line Pt1" of "RunFAR Racing Services, Inc.". You are coming in around 2:25:51 in the video. I am in the Pt2 video.

[@OSUCarol]

Rawvelo might replace Maurten for me. The flavors are decent as gels go, they have some sodium, and they're more liquid than most gels.

[@spou20]

Nice vid, thanks for sharing! SIS BETA FUEL! Rocket fuel 🤙🏽

[@MidLifeRunner]

That’s the leading candidate to replace so far. Thank you

[@chipg6446]

I started using enervit. Very easy on me and flavor is light.

[@AA-mm6wu]

I have a pretty sensitive stomach and can’t handle GU and Honey Stinger, but Huma and Spring are the two that I can handle. Give them a shot.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for the recommendation

[@coreyadcock]

Ive been doing the sis beta fuels. I dont actually know what the heck im doing...but i ordered a bunch and tried them on my long runs. The maurtens and the sis where the two that i liked. I do the unflavored. A little more liquidity but so far no issues.

[@MidLifeRunner]

A lot of votes have been for the beta fuel. I’m going to try those and spring and huma . If none of those settle right , maybe liquid carbs.

[@darkcoldwater8179]

Maurten’s suck! Gave me the sugar crashes hard, also my stomach hates them! Huma or gu’s or gu roctanes seem to go in slower and sustain longer. Also trying to take your gels slowly. Take tiny bites of it and spread it out over a few minutes. Goodluck bro!

[@MidLifeRunner]

I think taking in more slowly is the way to go . And Huma . The big gels are too much

[@KoolnJ]

Spring energy gels ( awesome sauce flavor)

[@MidLifeRunner]

Count me in

[@AndMattWill]

I prefer Science In Sport gels, they go down much easier and you don’t need a drink.

[@ejquezad]

Chicago 2025. That’s when I will attempt my sub 3. Let’s go!

[@MidLifeRunner]

It’s already a done deal!

[@justoutlaw6423]

Would you run in Adios 2 if you were doing it again?

[@MidLifeRunner]

Knowing I wasn’t going to hit it, yes. Just to see how it feels with lighter , more nimble shoe under foot. Now I have the metaspeed edge Paris in the mail and I’ll likely use that instead. And I imagine if the alphafly 3 ever quit selling out, I’ll try that too for the distance

[@justoutlaw6423]

There will be enough time to train for the fall marathon.@@MidLifeRunner

[@jonvirgi7215]

Do you think you could’ve gone faster if you would’ve gone even pacing the whole race (but slower than the sub 3)?

[@MidLifeRunner]

Yes. I feel like if I would’ve locked into 7:03 , I could’ve run closer to 3:05

[@fabio_andrade]

"The dog its in me" kkkkkkkkkkk Very cool review! "Jeff lets go!'" kkkkkkkkkkkk

[@MidLifeRunner]

😂 every time I see a sign with someone’s name on it, I cheer the person on to the person holding the sign. Some guy behind me caught on and started echoing it. I wish he would’ve held pace longer because I found it hysterical

[@zacsborntorunrunningadvent3441]

Shame you had a virus bro. You did your best. S.I.S gels isotonic i used 4 for the 2:59 ... and you can get a high sodium version which you can take as gel number 2 around 14-15k in and again at 26-27km. Thatll give you 1000mg of sodium (500mg in each). As they are Isotonic try and really limit plain water intake. The normal isotonic gels have hardly any sodium in them. Eating about 3 1/2hrs pre race (lets insulin fall again) works well + coffee about 50-60min pre race sipping in car on way to race carpark 😊. The s.i.s gels works so well as they're only 90cals /serve with 60ml fluid. Cheers 🎉

[@MidLifeRunner]

Brilliant . Thank you Zac

[@PatrikHow]

I have the same problem after about 3-4 Maurtens. Somehow the fact that they don’t have a flavor becomes its own flavor. And that flavor is disgusting.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Nailed it. Not sure I can do the flavorless flavor anymore . I’d even do blackberry GU before that again

[@Ben-yw8be]

SiS Beta Fuel 40g gel or SiS Beta Fuel 40g with nootropics.

[@MidLifeRunner]

This is the most popular suggestion so far. Looks like a winner . Thank you

[@benchandler3220]

SIS Go Plus Isotonic Energy Gels

[@benstevens1718]

Maurtens are like eating a jellyfish. I tried the Precision Fuel 30g & they had a smooth viscosity (didn't stick in your mouth) & wasn't too runny either. Super mild sugar taste, but not gross at all. The only downside is you'll need to get your salt elsewhere.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Noted. Thank you

[@MidLifeRunner]

Not fond of seafood either

[@steveeric6942]

Gonna suffer this year with ya

[@MidLifeRunner]

Let’s goooo

[@projekt3658]

LIFE happened .. to teach you something. 😊

[@MidLifeRunner]

My greatest teacher

[@Rich_GnXFit]

Awesome video! You will get your sub 3:00. Every attempt is an investment, which will eventually pay the desired dividend. Stay with it!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Rich!

[@mattwells4294]

Mid life white guy!!!!! Wooo.

[@MidLifeRunner]

😂 MLWG! Missed you out there on the course

[@mattwells4294]

@@MidLifeRunner I was there! Ran the half wanting a sub 1:30. Turned in a 1:33, slower than the halfway point of the marathon 7 weeks prior. This race was brutal. I redlined at mile 3 and just fought to hang on till the end.