Marathon Handbook Podcast · Episode 128 · January 22, 2026 · 1 hr 31 min
Sub-3 Marathon Attempts, Boston Qualifying & What Marathon Pace Really Means | Winter 2026 Mailbag
In this Winter 2026 Mailbag, the Marathon Handbook crew answers listener questions on some of the toughest — and most misunderstood — topics in marathon running. From runners who missed sub-3 by seconds, to first-time marathoners chasing Boston, to athletes sidelined by injury, this episode dives deep into both the physical and mental side of training. SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://wahoofitness.com and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order. Lagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match. Rocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorun We cover: Whether to repeat a sub-3 training block or hire a coach How much marathon pace should actually hurt Long runs vs. overall volume — what matters more? Shoes for mid-pack marathoners: super shoes or not? Training in extreme heat for cold-weather marathons Injury, identity, and staying motivated when running is taken away Alcohol during marathon training: moderation vs. abstinence Fine-tuning pace by seconds per kilometer This is a must-listen for anyone training for a marathon — whether you’re chasing Boston, your first finish, or a big personal breakthrough. Interview with Pete Pfitzinger, co-author of Advanced Marathoning: https://youtu.be/pw9edKx9Mws?si=1bQ_KYd_dRLdUGUm 📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at [email protected]. 🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast 📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook 📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter 🎙 New episodes weekly from Marathon Handbook