Marathon 101: Why Discipline & Pacing Matter More Than Anything
What makes people aspire to, train for, and take part in something so demanding as a Marathon?
The marathon has an addictive pull. It’s not just a race; it’s a journey that tests your body, mind, and discipline.
My First Marathon
My own marathon story began when my dad decided he wanted to run one for his 60th birthday. I’d only just started running, and slippers would’ve been my preferred present, but I said yes. We chose the Isle of Wight Marathon — local, cheap, and perfectly timed. Nobody mentioned the hills.
I’m not even sure if I had a training plan. I ran three times a week, did a long run at weekends, and hoped for the best. I didn’t have a GPS watch, just a stubborn streak. We came last. The only people at the finish line were our families, the race director, and a St John’s Ambulance.
And yet, I loved it. I felt stronger, fitter, more confident. That experience hooked me, and I’ve been learning ever since.
The First Pancake Rule
Your first marathon is like your first pancake: sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, you learn, adjust, and try again.
The marathon is unpredictable — that’s what makes it so tough, and so appealing. Training plans are like recipes: skip steps or swap ingredients without knowing what you’re doing, and you’ll end up in a mess.
Training for Discipline
The marathon isn’t just a long race. The training is long, demanding, and carries a higher risk of injury. It forces you to learn discipline:
To run by feel.
To listen to your body.
To resist going too fast too soon.
To use your watch as a tool, not a tyrant.
GPS is great, but it isn’t flawless. Buildings, trees, and thousands of other watches can give false readings. If you let one dodgy split panic you, it can derail your race. Learning to trust your effort, not just the number on your wrist, is one of the biggest strengths marathon training gives you.
The 4:1 Rule
On race day, the biggest challenge is the start. You’re tapered, buzzing, and ready to go. And this is where most runners blow it.
Here’s the 4:1 rule:
For every 1 second per mile faster you run in the first 10k, you’ll give back up to 4 seconds per mile in the last 10k.
Example:
Goal pace = 10:00/mile
Start at 9:45/mile (15 seconds too fast)
Final 10k → you’re more likely to average 11:00/mile (60 seconds slower)
The math is cruel. The marathon always takes its debt back in the second half.
A Tale of Two Marathons
Emily, one of our runners, learned this lesson the hard way.
Bournemouth 2017: Emily trained brilliantly, but surged with the crowd and set off at 10:10 pace when her goal was 11:00. By the last mile she was crawling at 13:25. The final 10k was misery. Finish time: 5:25.
Liverpool 2021: Same grit, same determination, but this time she paced cautiously. Her splits were consistent all the way to the finish. Finish time: 5:20. Only five minutes faster on the clock — but worlds apart in confidence, control, and enjoyment.
The difference? Discipline.
Why Do It?
The marathon is unpredictable, painful, and relentless. But it’s also unforgettable. It teaches patience, discipline, and respect for the distance.
Whether you come last or smash a PB, you’ll come away stronger. That’s the marathon’s magic.