“Because nothing says ‘marathon ready’ like blowing up at mile 12 and walking through Inchicore like you’re auditioning for Les Mis.”
It’s the most common rookie mistake in Dublin Marathon training, running every long run like you’re chasing the last bus home. Sure, it feels grand for the first few miles, but by mile 16 you’re eyeing the kerb like it’s a chaise longue.
If you’re a first-timer, here’s the reality: running too fast now will ruin you later. That fast long run you bragged about on Strava in August? That’s the reason you’ll be staggering over the Liffey bridges in October, praying for the sweet release of death.
Why It Happens (And Why You’re Not Special)
Everyone thinks they can “handle” a quicker pace. It’s the runner’s equivalent of saying, “I’m fine to have one more pint.” Spoiler: you’re not fine.
Three reasons this happens to beginners:
- Ego: You want the Strava graph to look impressive.
- Peer Pressure: You got dragged along with a faster group, because you didn’t want to be “the slow one.”
- Misunderstanding the Point: You think training pace should match race pace. Wrong. Long runs aren’t auditions. They’re rehearsals
The Science Bit (Don’t Worry, It’s Quick)
When you run long runs too fast:
- You burn through glycogen early
- You stress your muscles more than you recover from
- You train your body to hate you
You’re meant to be building endurance, not seeing how many Strava personal bests you can knock out before breakfast.
How Slow is Slow Enough?
For long runs, aim for:
- 60–90 seconds per mile slower than your target marathon pace
- If you don’t know your target pace yet, use the “conversation test, if you can’t chat comfortably, you’re going too fast.
Think: jog you could do with your auntie who’s power-walking for charity. Not a sprint finish for the Raheny 5.
Why It Matters for Dublin Specifically
The Dublin Marathon is sneaky. The first half feels downhill-ish, the crowd energy is high, and you’ll want to go faster. But the back half? That’s where the Liffey bridges, slight drags, and miles-in-your-legs combine to break spirits.
Run too fast early, and you’ll be:
- Power-walking along the quays while people pass you eating bananas
- Muttering “never again” as you pass the Guinness Storehouse (oh, the irony)
- On the receiving end of pity claps in Merrion Square
How to Stop Yourself From Going Too Fast
1. Leave the Watch at Home Once in a While
If you’re addicted to pace alerts, ditch the tech for an easy run. Your Garmin won’t be offended.
2. Run with Someone Slower
Yes, this means swallowing your pride. But it also means you’ll finish your run feeling strong instead of looking like you’ve just escaped a war zone.
3. Set a Cap Pace
If your target marathon pace is 10:00/mile, your long runs should hover around 11:00–11:30. No exceptions. Not even when you feel “amazing.”
4. Practice Race Discipline Now
Slowing yourself down now teaches you patience, which is the difference between finishing proud and finishing traumatised.
Conclusion
Running too fast on your long runs is like spending your whole paycheque on payday: it feels great for about two hours, and then you’re skint, exhausted, and full of regret.
So for jesus sake slow down. Run easy. Save your heroics for the last 200m on race day, when it actually matters.
Because if you keep blasting your long runs like a 5K, don’t be surprised when Heartbreak Hill bites back. And trust me, it will.
