Reflecting Upon a Marathon Race: What I Learnt from Manchester

Yesterday, I completed the Manchester Marathon. If you’ve ever finished a race, you know that post-race reflection is everything—especially when things don’t go according to plan. Today, I want to unpack my experience with you and share the lessons that emerged from those gruelling 42.2 kilometres.

Did it Go Well? Not Quite…

This race didn’t pan out as I’d hoped. Despite aiming for a 3:25 finish, I hit the dreaded wall around the 30km mark and limped home in 3:47. Every runner’s nightmare: all that lost time packed into the last stretch. But here’s the thing—reflection turns disappointment into insight.

The (Painful) Lessons Learnt

1. Set Realistic Expectations:
Looking back, my time goal was ambitious. My training hadn't justified aiming for under 3:25. Although I run daily, specific race preparation is a different beast. I ignored the training data, which clearly indicated a more achievable 3:30.

2. Stick to evidence, Not Ego:
Despite the stats, I set off at a 3:15 pace—chasing a qualifying time that simply wasn’t on the cards. Unsurprisingly, I ran out of steam and paid for it in the final 12km. If you have data and a sound plan, listen.

3. Factor in External Conditions:
On the day, Manchester was unusually hot—22°C, feeling even warmer on the tarmac surrounded by heat-radiating crowds and buildings. This mistake alone cost me 5-15 minutes. Always adjust expectations and pace for the conditions.

4. Never Try Something New on Race Day:
Despite preaching this rule, I opted for new silicon foot pads and swapped my tried-and-tested nutrition for something untested. The padding didn’t stick, friction caused blisters, and unfamiliar energy gels may have contributed to my struggles.

5. Poor Planning Costs Time:
The failure to secure the right gear and nutrition before race day cost me dearly. Don't leave these things to chance. Preparation is everything.

How I’ll Do It Differently Next Time

Reflection isn’t about wallowing; it’s about learning. For my next marathon—Edinburgh in just a few weeks—I’ll be:

• Setting data-driven race goals

• Testing all equipment and nutrition extensively

• Adjusting for weather and course conditions

• Sticking to familiar routines

The Bigger Picture

Marathon running (and life) is a mosaic of small decisions. Get enough right and you can achieve your goals. Get a few crucial ones wrong, and you'll come up short. Post-race reflection helps you learn, adapt, and come back stronger—whatever your finishing time.

If you’re preparing for a race or reflecting on one, take the time to look honestly at what happened. Celebrate what worked and be ruthless in addressing what didn’t.

If you found these insights useful, or have your own experiences to share, drop a comment! And if you want to support my mission to save the lives of children through the ultimate ultramarathon of daily run vlogging, please like, share, and subscribe. Every bit of support makes a difference.

Stay positive, stay happy!