Six months ago, Ulysse could not even run 10K. Today, he is an Amsterdam Marathon finisher. He shares the story of his race and looks back on his RunMotion Coach training journey.

How did your Amsterdam Marathon go?

For a first marathon, the race went pretty well. I was sharing this goal with my friend Karl, who encouraged me to get a race bib as he was already registered for the event. Our shared target was to complete the marathon in under 4 hours. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury two and a half weeks before race day and could not maintain the pace, so I ran alone from the 10K mark onwards. I managed to stay very consistent with my pacing throughout the effort, even though I experienced muscle pain, especially towards the end of the course. I was able to manage it, and I officially became an Amsterdam Marathon finisher in 3:54:09. Goal achieved.

Beyond the physical performance, this marathon was an incredibly emotional moment for me. Six months ago, I had never run consistently, not even once a week, and the longest distance I had ever covered was just 10K. Running also came as a release for me during a period when I truly needed one, and it helped me grow positively in so many areas of my life. That is why I could not hold back my tears as I crossed the finish line. Realising what I had just achieved brought me an overwhelming sense of joy.

How did you manage your Amsterdam Marathon training?

Of the six months I spent running to prepare for this marathon, three were actually dedicated to rebuilding a solid running fitness base, while the final three were focused specifically on marathon training. That is why I went from two or three workouts per week in the first weeks of training to five weekly sessions in the final months. This structured training developed a discipline in me that I did not have before. It changed many things in my life and gave me real motivation for this marathon goal that I had built up so much in my mind.

I did not really go through periods of doubt during training because I think discipline took over from all the stress and questions I might have had in other parts of everyday life. I was consistent with my training and convinced that I could reach my goal. However, about one month before race day, I developed knee pain that brought all my doubts and stress back. It forced me to cut back my training a few weeks before my taper, which ultimately turned out to be clearly beneficial.

What motivates you to run?

To be honest, I have always loved running since I was very young. I loved it so much that, when I was around 10, I decided to join an athletics club. It completely put me off running. Once I stopped athletics, I very rarely ran again and, above all, I no longer found any enjoyment in it. That is why I am grateful once again to my friend Karl. Without him, I would not be here. Everything changed when he told me about the Amsterdam Marathon. Seeing such a great goal, I thought, “Why not?”

Driven by the Amsterdam Marathon goal, I started enjoying running again. No matter the location or the weather, I fell in love with the sport all over again. I only discovered it last weekend, but I think what will motivate me even more to run from now on is experiencing the extraordinary emotions I felt at the Amsterdam Marathon.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered the RunMotion Coach app towards the end of my marathon preparation, while searching online for advice on managing the final weeks of training before a marathon.
One of the things that sparked my interest in RunMotion Coach was being able to speak directly with Romain Adam, one of the app’s co-founders, on Instagram. I could really feel his passion for running, which he strives to bring to the app.

What encouraged you to download and try the app?

The app is comprehensive. It truly provides answers to many questions that a runner, especially someone young and inexperienced like me, may have.

After the Amsterdam Marathon, what is your next sporting challenge?

Honestly, all my friends and family asked me after the Amsterdam Marathon, “So, are you going to do another one?” But for now, I am still enjoying this recent success, which I have not fully taken in yet. One thing I know for sure is that, after taking a little time to reflect, I will be open to plenty of new challenges and races. Who knows, maybe something completely different. I cannot wait to get back out running!

Well done, Ulysse. This is exactly why we love running so much

L’article From 10K to Amsterdam Marathon Finisher in 6 Months est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

How did your Generali Geneva Marathon go?

My parents gave me a race bib for the Geneva Marathon for Christmas. For this first marathon, the goal was to finish hand in hand with my dad and
enjoy every moment.

Those 42 km went really well. We kept a very steady pace from start to finish, and I felt amazing! No leg pain, no major issues. I will always remember seeing the 30 km sign. That was when I truly realised what I was doing. Even now, I still find it hard to believe. The emotion hit me, and my mind started playing tricks on me. My dad then gave me small goals: reach the next aid station, go through the tunnel with the DJ, and he kept telling me, “Enjoy it, Juju.”

So, step by step, we kept moving forward, held the pace we had planned, and most importantly, never gave up. My dad and my loved ones, who were there along the entire course, supported me so much right up to that famous finish line. It felt so good to see them!

I was a little worried about my nutrition and hydration strategy. During my long runs, I trained my body to eat and drink every 35 to 40 minutes. For marathon day, I wondered whether I should carry a fruit purée pouch or a soft flask. In the end, I decided to trust the aid stations, and I found everything I needed. I alternated sweet cake and TUC crackers with a glass of water. By doing that, I avoided any energy slump and had no stomach issues.

I crossed the Geneva Marathon finish line with my dad in 4:12:58.

How did you manage your Generali Geneva Marathon training?

With the excitement, pressure and nerves around this distance, I started increasing my training load quite quickly without following a specific plan. I soon began feeling pain in my knee, but I did not stop straight away. In January, I ended up with knee tendinitis. I worked with a physiotherapist all the way to the marathon, focusing on strength training. I returned to running with a specific four-week comeback plan.

On 20 March, I started my marathon training plan with the RunMotion Coach app. I chose a plan with four running workouts per week, alongside swimming, cycling and S&C.

I had a major dip in energy two weeks before my goal race, but I quickly got myself back on track and arrived at the Generali Geneva Marathon in great shape.

What motivates you to run?

Above all, I run for enjoyment! I find that joy when I run with friends and family, but also when I achieve goals like this one.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered the RunMotion Coach app at the RunMotion Coach Chambéry Marathon in 2021, where I ran the half marathon.

What encouraged you to download and try the app?

I downloaded it thanks to Maxime, who works for RunMotion Coach.

What do you like most about the app?

I find the app easy to use and clear. The training programme is easy to understand, and you can quickly see how the upcoming weeks will unfold.

After the Generali Geneva Marathon, what is your next sporting challenge?

My next goal is the Paladru L-distance triathlon relay next September.

Congratulations Julie, you can be proud of yourself! Running your first marathon always has a special feeling…

L’article Julie’s First Geneva Marathon, a Dream Achieved est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Valérie, a psychotherapist, went through burnout after the Covid period… That was when she discovered running, which gave her the freedom and flexibility she needed so badly. Today, she shares her Berlin Marathon experience with us.

How did your Berlin Marathon go?

It was my first marathon, after taking up running two years ago. At 54, I crossed the finish line in 5:16. I felt only a little stress because I trusted my marathon training, and RunMotion Coach had also guided me through my first three half marathons.

I chose to stay cautious with this new distance. The first half of the race felt smooth, with a slight slowdown around kilometer 25, but I kept a steady pace all the way to the finish. I still felt strong after running through the Brandenburg Gate.

This marathon was full of emotion, but I never doubted my ability to make it to the finish.

How did you manage your Berlin Marathon preparation?

My preparation lasted four months, with four training sessions per week, plus strength training sessions. Determination was the key word throughout this marathon build-up, and I followed 95% of the plan despite daily hospital treatment during half of the program.

A month before the race, I ran the beautiful Cancale Saint-Malo Half Marathon to test everything I needed, gear, fueling, pace, and more. It also helped me build a lot of confidence.

What motivates you to run?

Running clears my head and, above all, gives me time for myself. The desire to push my limits came gradually through racing.

How did you hear about the RunMotion Coach app?

I discovered the RunMotion Coach app on social media, Instagram, Facebook, and more.

What made you want to download and try the app?

What encouraged me to download and try the app was the flexibility of the training plans and how easily they adapt to my schedule and my needs.

What do you like most about the app?

What I like most about the app is the personalized training plans, which let me adapt each workout to my goals and my current level.

After your Berlin Marathon, what is your next sporting challenge?

After the Berlin Marathon, my next challenge will be the London Marathon! I was lucky enough to get picked in the ballot. Before then, I have a few tune-up races planned so I can be fully ready.

Well done, Valérie, you can be proud of how far you’ve come

L’article How Valérie Finished Her First Berlin Marathon at 54 est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Racing in the moment and staying fully present

The first few kilometers go well and I feel great. I run as if I am being carried by the current of a river. Things start to get more difficult toward the end of the first third of the race. My breathing speeds up and I feel my energy dip. Two women pass me, I start to lose confidence, and my thoughts begin to drift. What if I cannot finish the race? Maybe I went out too fast. Then I remember what my coach, Julien Lyon, told me before the start: embrace your race fully and stay in the present moment. I refocus on the race and on my sensations.

The downhill at kilometer 12 gets me back on track. I find speed in my legs again and a mental boost. I gently lift the pace and start reeling in one runner after another. I soak up the cheers along the waterfront and find fresh energy in the faces of the spectators.

A 1:27 personal best and a brilliant second place in her age group

At kilometer 18, I pass one of the women who had overtaken me in the first half. I spot the second runner about a hundred meters ahead. Then I catch her in the final kilometer. I manage to go by, digging deep for the last bit of energy I have left in the closing stretch. I cross the finish line in 1:27:03.

Happy with my performance, a new personal best, and second place in my age group, I get back to training with another PB in sight for my next race!

L’article Geneva Half Marathon, 1:27 PB and Age Group Podium est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Running has been a real love story for Matteo. He got into the sport almost by chance in 2015 and quickly fell for it. He also handles communications at RunMotion Coach. Matteo lined up at the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon after following a half marathon training plan for 3 months.

How did your goal race at the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon go?

I was aiming for a time around 1:21, which meant holding 3:50/km pace. Deep down, I also wanted to break the 1:20 barrier. Did I manage to do it at the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon? I’ll let you find out below.

After a great night’s sleep and a solid pre-race snack, it was time to head to the start area. Once I picked up my bib and soaked up the atmosphere, I headed straight out for my warm-up. On this Sunday morning, conditions were ideal. It was around 12°C and the sky was blue. Once my warm-up jog was done, I went through a few running drills and some stretching. One quick glance at my GPS running watch, and it was already time to make my way to the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon start line. Bang! No more hesitation, it was time to race.

Fueled by the crowd, I covered the first three kilometers at 3:43/km. I told myself not to get carried away and to stay locked in on my target pace, 3:50/km. So I naturally eased back and ran the next five kilometers at an average of 3:48/km. At that point in the race, I had already covered about one third of the distance and felt incredibly good. I took advantage of that and picked it up again, running the next four kilometers at 3:45/km. I was already through 12 km. It was flying by!

At kilometer 13, the biggest challenge of the course was right in front of me. One kilometer of gradual uphill, with an average gradient of 1.5%. I knew this was the main difficulty, maybe even the only real difficulty, on the course. I gritted my teeth and could see it was hurting the other runners too. I stayed strong on the climb and even started passing people. I was sitting in 11th place at that point in the race. Once I got over the hill, I knew the next kilometer would be slightly downhill. So I opened up my long stride and covered kilometer 14 in 3:34. Then there were 7 km left.

And those final 7 kilometers of the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon are especially exposed to the wind. Luckily, I managed to latch onto a pack of three runners. I tucked in behind them, sheltered from the headwind. Two of the three runners in front of me dropped off, and suddenly there were only two of us left. The kilometers ticked by and the finish line kept getting closer. With only three kilometers to go, it started to get really tough. I was finding it harder and harder to stay with the runner ahead. In the end, I had to let him go.

With 1.5 kilometers to go, I saw another runner coming back up to me. I stayed calm and tucked in behind him. I hit the 20 km mark in 3:48, and I was more than ready for this half marathon to end, my strength was fading fast. But the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon finish was now very close! That is why I gave absolutely everything, even if it meant collapsing right after crossing the line.

I managed to run kilometer 21 in 3:43. There was almost nothing left then. Barely a hundred meters. With one final all-out effort, I managed to drop my rival and crossed the finish line in 1:19:30, in 9th place at the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon! Goal smashed, and I could not hold back my joy!

How did you manage your training for the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon?

My original goal was to run the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon in 1:21. To reach that performance goal, I started a 12-week RunMotion Coach half marathon training plan, with 5 running workouts per week.

What motivates you to run?

Running is simply my breath of fresh air. This sport helps me recharge and refocus on myself.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

After leaving my hometown of Chambéry to study, I had to leave my running club. With the demands of student life, I no longer really had the time to train, and even less the desire to join another running club. So I started looking for a digital running coach, and RunMotion Coach seemed like the best fit.

What do you like most about the RunMotion Coach app?

I love the variety of training sessions on offer. I also really like being able to choose between three different types of coach, even if Coach Philippe can be a bit annoying sometimes!

What’s your next sporting challenge?

My next challenge will be resting. No, more seriously, I do not have a race goal for the end of the year. But for 2023, I would like to step up to the marathon. Why not take on the Annecy Marathon!

L’article How Matteo Broke 1:20 at the Lake Maggiore Half Marathon est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Today, we’re introducing Vanessa, who took on a huge challenge: finishing her very first marathon at the 2025 Paris Marathon. With plenty of emotion, real determination, and the desire to show her children that anything is possible, she completed the 42.195 km in 6:07. She looks back on her training, her doubts, her joyful moments, and everything this experience gave her.

How did it go?
Amazing! That’s really the one word that sums up the day, even if it was full of emotion. I felt a lot of stress, and I shed quite a few tears… but above all, they were tears of joy and pride. I finished my very first marathon in 6:07, and I felt good from start to finish. I never hit the famous wall, and I was simply happy to be there. One of my goals was also to show my children that if you really want something, you can do it. And I kept my promise.

How did you manage your marathon training?
I started preparing on my own in October-November, then joined RunMotion Coach in January to help structure my training plan. I ran three times a week, followed the program, and only missed one workout. No injuries, thankfully! I had plenty of doubts along the way, moments when I honestly wondered how I was going to hold on for that long on race day. But I stayed the course. Good family organization helped a lot too, my husband knew all my training sessions in advance so we could plan everything as smoothly as possible at home.

What motivates you to run?
First of all, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I also wanted to experience the incredible atmosphere of a race like this, and feel that sense of pride when crossing the finish line. I wanted to be proud of myself, and make my children proud too.

How did you hear about RunMotion Coach?
I don’t remember exactly… maybe on Instagram! But one thing is certain, I don’t regret downloading the app.

What made you want to download and try the app?
It was simple, I wanted to reach my goal, and I knew I needed a little extra help to get there. The app motivated me right away, and I connected with it instantly.

What do you like most about the app?
I love the personalized workouts, and especially the little custom recaps after each run. Honestly, I don’t know exactly what happens behind the scenes, but what I do know is that everything works really well for me! The choice of coaches? I haven’t really looked into that yet

What’s your next sporting challenge?
I might go for the Deauville Half Marathon next November.

Any final words?
I paid close attention to everything, before, during, and now after the race. And I was lucky to have amazing supporters around me.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this app

Thank you, Vanessa, for sharing your inspiring story and contagious energy! Your journey is great proof that motivation, organization, and consistency can take you a long way in endurance sports. Enjoy your recovery, and see you very soon for new challenges

L’article First Paris Marathon, Vanessa’s Inspiring 6:07 Finish est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

How did this goal race go?

“Goal achieved 1:20 was the target in the RunMotion Coach app. Official finish time = 1:18:20. The course had 200 m of elevation gain in the first 10 kilometers. I hit 10K in 39:17, so I was ahead of 1:20, and I knew the rest of the course was fairly flat, so confidence was sky-high. I held the pace and by kilometer 16 I knew I was going to make it. I didn’t want to push harder because I had a few physical niggles, and I was really happy to go under 1:20.”

How did you manage the training?

“I got started a month before the training block. Good thing too, because I was lucky enough to take part the week before in the 5K race against Eliud Kipchoge at the Marathon for All to earn my bib for the Paris 2024 Olympics . I secured my bib by finishing among the 200 fastest runners in wave 5, the 15 to 18 km/h start corral.

I train twice a week when I have a running goal. Otherwise, I ride exclusively, at least 250 km a week all year round.”

What motivates you to run?

“Staying motivated to run regularly usually comes from having a race on the calendar. But I love winter trail running in the woods, it gives me a break from the bike. I genuinely enjoy running, especially in the snow ”

How did you hear about the RunMotion Coach app?

“I’ve known Guillaume for quite a few years. To stop asking him for advice all the time, I downloaded the app.”

What do you like most about the app?

“The way it adapts to my schedule is brilliant. And I keep hitting my goals, I’m still at 100% today.”

Next up for Thomas, the Course de l’Escalade in Geneva in December, and the Marathon for All at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

If you have also broken a record or become a race finisher, share your story with us through our success stories. Find our road race training plans for your next goals in the RunMotion Coach app.

L’article Thomas Breaks 1:20 at the Geneva 20K est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Olivier got into running because of a challenge. His wife challenged him to run a 10K. More than 10 years later, he is completely hooked on the sport. “It just goes to show that even if you start from scratch, you can push beyond your limits and set goals that make you want to keep going.” He has just beaten his personal best with a 1:27 finish at the Harmonie Mutuelle Paris Half Marathon.

How did your Paris Half Marathon go?

I had a great half marathon. I was using it as part of my build-up to the Paris Marathon, as an intermediate goal. I ran 1:27:24, which was 1 minute and 4 seconds faster than my previous PR. I felt good from start to finish. I did not push too hard because I wanted to avoid injury, and above all it was part of my marathon training for Paris.

What is funny is that during a race, you sometimes find pacers without even planning to, and that is exactly what happened to me this time. This year I had extra motivation because I wanted to test myself for my main goal, going sub-3 at my next marathon.

How did you manage your training for this goal?

My RunMotion Coach training plan for the Paris Marathon helped me fit in 4 sessions a week, plus an extra run when time allows. I started my training block on January 1, for a 3-month build-up.

Doubt is sometimes part of the training process. The hardest part is getting past it and keeping your goal in sight. I am lucky that I rarely get injured. I am part of a running group, and we always support each other, which is a huge source of motivation when you want to push your limits.

What motivates you to run?

I have been running for about 10 years. At the beginning, I ran for my health and to lose weight. Now I run to push myself and reach goals that once felt out of reach.

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

RunMotion Coach came into my running group through one of the members, and we started using it more and more. Today, it is fair to say that 100% of the group is happy with the app. It has helped us improve and make real progress in training and performance.

What made you download and try the app?

I used another app before. It also helped you push yourself, but the training paces eventually stopped making sense. The people behind that app could not find a solution.

So I discovered the app through the group and through the Suunto Value Pack, and I was won over.

What do you like most about the app?

The app is great because it can be tailored to your preferences, your needs, and your goals.

What is your next sporting challenge?

Now that the Paris Half Marathon is behind me, my main goal is the Paris Marathon on April 2, with a sub-3 marathon finish.

Congrats Olivier on your half marathon. We wish you all the best for the Paris Marathon. We would be so happy to see you go under 3 hours. We will be following your race closely.

L’article Paris Half Marathon PR, Can Olivier Go Sub-3? est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

We catch up with Romain Adam, co-founder of RunMotion Coach, who is taking on a 3-marathon challenge in 2024. He kicks things off on March 17 at the Rome Marathon, before the Paris 2024 Marathon for All in August and the Valencia Marathon in December. Let’s find out how Romain’s race in Rome went

How did your Rome Marathon go?

From the gun at the 2024 Rome Marathon, a lot of us realized it was going to be hot, with cloudless sunshine on a course with almost no shade, which took a real toll on plenty of runners. Thankfully, the many aid stations, with water and sponges, helped me limit the damage.

I finished just 1 minute off my personal best, in 2:35:40, good enough for 34th place in the overall standings (out of nearly 20,000 runners), after going through halfway in 1:17.

I had a tough start to the race, with a tendon feeling tight and pins and needles in one foot from as early as km 8. Thankfully, at km 16, as we passed St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the tingling started to fade! From halfway on, I really enjoyed myself, the course is beautiful and my legs kept feeling better and better.

This Rome Marathon is truly a superb race, one of the most beautiful marathons I’ve ever run! Sure, the cobblestones clearly add difficulty, but in terms of elevation it felt easier than Paris, for example.

How did you approach your Rome Marathon training?

I followed about a 12-week marathon training block, including cross-country skiing from December to mid-January (the snow wasn’t good enough after that), then it was 100% running.

My fitness kept building throughout the training block, with some very strong marathon-specific workouts.

What motivates you to run?

I have plenty of good reasons to run. But the marathon is just so special! On the start line of a marathon, I love that feeling of excitement, the chills through my body, the desire to perform, and the awareness of the suffering to come, it’s such a mix of conflicting emotions! I never feel more alive than I do at the start of a marathon!

How did you get involved with the RunMotion Coach app?

As co-founder of RunMotion Coach, I’m proud to see that the app helped so many runners prepare for the Rome Marathon, and I love sharing moments before and after the race with app users.

What do you like most about the RunMotion Coach app?

The app gives me the flexibility I need with a schedule that changes every week. And the S&C module is genuinely useful for the marathon! I didn’t have any hamstring pain either, which had sometimes happened to me in certain marathons.

What’s your next sporting challenge?

I can’t wait to be on the start line of the Paris 2024 Marathon for All in August! And to go after a big time at the Valencia Marathon, my first marathon that is truly flat and has a very deep field! In the meantime, I’ll do a few trail races to mix things up.

Congrats Romain, we wish you a smooth recovery so you can jump into your next marathon training blocks

L’article Rome Marathon, Romain Adam Nears PB in 2:35 est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

François is becoming a real marathon regular. After the Amsterdam Marathon this fall, he set himself one last goal for 2022, the Malaga Marathon in Spain. For RunMotion Coach, he shares his takeaways from marathon number four.

How did your Malaga Marathon go?

The weather conditions were absolutely perfect for the Malaga Marathon (laughs). There was rain for the entire race. It rains 10 days a year and of course it had to be today!

My target for this Malaga Marathon build was 3:42. With the end of the year coming up, I was aiming more for 3:45. In the end, I ran 3:40’05. A personal best!

People often say the mind drives the body, but my mind was pretty drained by everyday worries and the pace of life. In reality, it was my legs that pulled me through. The sensations were so good that my head simply followed. My legs and my cardiovascular fitness were both on point too.

How did you manage your training for this goal?

I followed a long training plan starting in May, knowing I was running the Amsterdam Marathon in October (as a pacer). After that marathon test in Amsterdam, I took 5 days off, then got back into my preparation for the Malaga Marathon.

What motivates you to run?

It’s my world, my bubble of oxygen!

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

In August 2021, by chance. Then chatting with Romain Adam and Guillaume Adam (founders of RunMotion Coach) put real faces behind this great app. That human side is what won me over.

What do you like most about the app?

I love its clean interface and how intuitive it is, of course, but above all, it’s insanely effective. I planned 4 marathon goals in the RunMotion Coach app and I achieved all 4. Thanks RunMotion Coach!

What’s your next sporting challenge?

My next challenge is the 100km of Millau in 2023!

Congrats François, you’ve earned a few days of recovery before jumping into your next training block.

L’article Malaga Marathon in the Rain: François Runs a 3:40 Personal Best est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

We catch up with Romain Adam, co-founder of RunMotion Coach. Last November in Deauville, he set a marathon personal best of 2:36. He told us he wanted to break 2:35, using a RunMotion Coach marathon training plan to kick off 2023 the right way.

How did your Barcelona Marathon go?

A marathon is always something special. I ran a new personal best in 2:34:42, but the finish was brutal. The big challenge at the Barcelona Marathon was the heat, it caused a lot of runners to blow up after 30 km.

As for me, I went out on my faster projections, between 2:32 and 2:34, but I still let a group of around ten runners go so I wouldn’t redline too early. A bit on my own, I could lock into my rhythm, and I felt great with a 1:15:58 half-marathon split.

By 30 km the sun was really pounding, the clouds had disappeared, and thankfully there were aid stations every 2.5 km (!) to cool down. Or more accurately, to avoid overheating too much. Still on 2:32 pace at 35 km, I couldn’t hold the speed, and the last 2 km of the Barcelona Marathon, uphill, were tough. I dug in and broke 2:35 in 43rd place (out of 15,000)!

I said back in November after the Deauville Marathon, “ideally I’d like to go under 2:35”… so mission accomplished. It was my 6th marathon and I still love the distance, even if there’s definitely some suffering during the race.

How did you manage your preparation for the Barcelona Marathon?

I did a build of about 12 weeks, including a half marathon four weeks before the Barcelona Marathon to test where I was at. I really loved the long runs during this marathon prep.

Two weeks before race day, we ran the RunMotion Coach booth at the Paris Half Marathon expo. That added a bit of fatigue, so I used the final two weeks to rest as much as possible between the workouts prescribed by RunMotion Coach. It also helps you peak thanks to the reduced training load during the last two weeks, a proper taper for marathon performance.

What motivates you to run?

I love the journey that leads to race day, I get a lot of enjoyment from training. And on race day, it’s always an incredible experience with a lot of lessons about yourself.

I also love being able to discover a city while running. Running in Barcelona without cars, past Camp Nou, the Sagrada Familia, the Arc de Triomf, Plaça d’Espanya, that was amazing!

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app?

As a co-founder of the app, I’ve known it since the very start of the adventure, even before we had its current name.

On my way to the Barcelona Marathon, I realised on public transport that the passenger next to me, who was also heading to the race, had the RunMotion Coach app on his phone too. I thought that was wild!

What do you like most about the RunMotion Coach app?

It gives me all the flexibility I need while still providing a clear structure with the key sessions to hit, like long runs and quality workouts. The more I train with the app, the more I realise how important it is in our users’ lives.

What’s your next sporting challenge?

The post-marathon programme in the app will be perfect for two easy weeks before I jump into my trail running season. With the big highlight being UTMB at the end of the summer!

L’article Barcelona Marathon: Romain Adam Smashes 2:35 With a Smart Training Plan est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.

Stéphane started running later than most, at 52. For one very simple reason, to stay fit. As his runs stacked up and his confidence grew, he decided to take things up a notch and sign up for a few local races. For his 60th birthday, his kids gifted him a challenge on a whole new level, running one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, the Berlin Marathon. Here’s his story.

How did your goal of becoming a Berlin Marathon finisher go?

“I ran the marathon in 3:52:01. Luckily, I wasn’t alone. My family traveled to Berlin to support me, so my motivation went through the roof.
I wasn’t there just to stand on the start line, I was there to cross the finish line. In the start corral, I was hit with a wave of emotion, knowing what was at stake, finishing this race in under 4 hours.

My supporters figured out the Berlin U-Bahn and S-Bahn like pros so they could cheer me on at six spots along the course, including the legendary Brandenburg Gate. Surprisingly, the difficulty didn’t feel that huge. Only the last 2 kilometers were tough, but without any real drop in pace. And I didn’t hit the dreaded 30 km wall, probably thanks to a solid RunMotion Coach marathon training plan.”

How did you manage your Berlin Marathon training?

“My training started in early April, a 25-week build with 3 runs per week. With RunMotion Coach, I never really had moments where I doubted the process. The one tricky part was getting the sessions done during the heatwave we had this summer. I also shared a few runs with one of my sons, those were awesome moments together.”

What motivates you to run?

“My motivation is to stay in great shape, to live experiences I didn’t get to have when I was younger, and the little bonus, to chase some strong performances!”

How did you discover the RunMotion Coach app? :

“I discovered the RunMotion Coach app through my company.”

What encouraged you to download and test the app? :

“My company gives me the Premium subscription. The training plan looked really well matched to my level and my goal, a structured approach to marathon preparation and performance.”

What do you like most about the app?

“I really like the new design, and especially how much more flexible the new version is to use, viewing workouts across several weeks, moving training days around and saving them, syncing with my Garmin or Strava account, and so on. I also like how the personalized training plan is built based on the data that’s been recorded.”

What’s your next sporting challenge?

“It feels impossible to run just one marathon! So I’ve signed up for the Paris Marathon, this time with my son, who’s a runner too.”

Congrats Stéphane, you’re a Berlin Marathon finisher. And well under 4 hours for your first marathon, that’s amazing!

L’article Berlin Marathon at 60: Stéphane’s 3:52 Finish and Training Secrets est apparu en premier sur RunMotion Running Coach.