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Coach the Run

Performance, pace and probiotics! 🦠 🥣

Published 4 months ago • 3 min read

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Here's your
​Coach the Run fortnightly email

Hi Reader,

As marathon training is in full swing for some of you, in this email, we share some insights for runners about understanding average marathon times across different groups and how to master your marathon pace with strategic long runs. In an article about how to treat your tum, we also explore the potential of probiotics for runners.

If you missed it last week, get your free running year planner, get it now​

Get ready to elevate your running journey!

RUNNING TRAINING

Understanding average marathon time

Achieving a marathon goal is more than just a milestone, it’s a transformative journey. With the right preparation, mindset, and determination, anyone can cross the finish line with pride.

In this article, we look at the history of the marathon, the average marathon time, age group performance, factors influencing marathon times, and tips for a faster marathon.

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PS, don’t forget that a great way to kick-start your journey toward your first or fastest marathon is by downloading a Coach the Run marathon training plan.

London Marathon 2025 Countdown
Sunday 27 April

Count down to 2025-04-27T07:00:00.000Z​

Sunderland City Half
/ May 25

​See details →

Snowdonia Half
/ May 25

​See details →

Maverick X Series North Downs
/ May 25

​See details →

Whether you're a marathon novice or a seasoned runner,
we have a running training plan just for you.

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Your exclusive sportsshoes.com
15% discount code:

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For all our subscribers - the code will give you 15% off SS25 products​
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The code expires on 1st May 2025. SS25 products are current season items. In most cases, SS25 will be stated in the product name. For Nike products, SP25 and SU25 are included in the promotion. (Exclusions apply, including but not limited to Brooks, Coros, Garmin, Shokz and Maurten)
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Best HOKA road running shoes

Looking for the perfect running shoe this coming spring? Our shoe expert, Brandon, breaks down the top HOKA picks for every runner - daily trainers, max cushioning, speed, and more. Find your fit today!

ASK MIKE

Ask the Coach: I’m struggling to hit my target marathon pace on long runs

Oliver got in touch to say he’d been using our sub-three-hour marathon plan but had struggled to hit marathon pace for the last part of his run. Mike shares his thoughts in this Ask the Coach article. The top takeaways are:

✔ Start slow: begin at an easy pace

✔ Progressive pacing: start slow and build to a steady pace

✔ Mental conditioning: create muscle memory of finishing strong and build confidence.

You can read the full article here…

RUNNING DIET

A digestive boost on the running trail

There’s still much to discover about the relationship between probiotics, health, and performance in runners, but existing scientific research suggests they could be valuable for runners.

Find out more about their benefits in this comprehensive guide…

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Latest codes & discounts

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​Buy 1 get 1 free on selected fleeces -

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Code: AF25X4

"When you run the marathon, you run against the distance, not against the other runners and not against the time."

Haile Gebrselassie

 

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Bye for now

Please share your stories with us on Instagram or Facebook. If you have any questions, please drop us an email.

Thank you!

​Mike Gratton
& The Coach the Run team

Coach the Run

Coach the Run helps midlife runners improve their performance and reach their goals through personalised advice and training plans, with expert advice from London Marathon winner Mike Gratton. Join our mailing list to receive running tips, event details, discount codes, and more every two weeks...

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