Training hard doesn’t always lead to faster marathon times. In fact, for many runners chasing a new PR or Boston Qualifying time, effort is rarely the missing piece.

In this episode, I’m breaking down eight key lessons I’ve learned from running eight marathons. These are the mindset shifts, execution skills, and training principles that helped me move past marathon plateaus and finally unlock better performances.

If you’ve ever felt stuck despite doing “everything right,” this episode will help you rethink how you train, race, and measure progress.

In this episode, we cover:

Why marathon fitness doesn’t show up linearly and how to spot real progress

The critical role easy running plays in breaking through performance plateaus

How long runs should train execution, not just endurance

Why restraint early in the marathon leads to stronger finishes and faster times

How to interpret fatigue without panicking or overcorrecting

Fueling as a performance skill, not an afterthought

Where real race-day confidence actually comes from

Why breakthroughs often happen when you stop forcing the outcome

This episode is especially helpful for runners who:

Have run multiple marathons but feel stuck at the same finish time

Are chasing a PR or Boston Qualifying standard

Want to train smarter without burning out

Are ready to shift from “working harder” to “executing better”

🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn consistency, patience, and execution into your next marathon breakthrough.

The Fueled Runner Club: https://www.marathonnutritionist.com/thefueledrunnerclub

Where to Listen:

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube Music | YouTube Channel

Connect with us:

elevateyourrunning.com

Elevateyourrunning and sayrahrunshappy

The Elevate Coaching Team has 1:1 coaching spots available for the spring and fall race seasons! If you love running and want to break through that plateau, run stronger + faster than ever before, we’d love to have you join our team! You can find more information about our coaching packages at https://elevateyourrunning.com/virtual-coaching or email Sara at sara@elevateyourrunning.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how coaching has impacted your journey on social media using #elevateyourrunning.

Do you want to be an inclusive insider? Help support the Elevate Your Running Podcast! Get exclusive content, Sara’s training updates, Q + A coaching advice, and more through this platform!

PARTNER DISCOUNTS AND LINKS:

Dynamic Runner:⁠ code SAYRAHRUNSHAPPY for 10% off your subscription

Cheribundi: code ELEVATE for 15% off

RNWY: Use Code Elevate15 for 15% off your order

KETONE-IQ: Your post-run recovery ketones can be found here

Cozy Zero: merino wool running clothes! Save 20% with code SARAM20

LEVELLE GELS - Save 10% on all natural gels using code HAPPYRUNNING10

EP. 208 - 8 Lessons I Learned From Racing 8 Marathons