3 Lessons I Learned from PRing My Marathon by 37 Minutes

Slicing 37 minutes off a marathon time may seem unreal, but it’s exactly what I managed to achieve—and it was one of the most rewarding, challenging journeys of my life. Like many runners, chasing a new Personal Record (PR) became an obsession. Every training run had me visualizing race day and every mile on race day felt like a test of endurance, grit, and perseverance.

But the story behind this achievement isn't just about crossing the finish line with a faster time. It’s about finding the right balance in training, recovery, and mindset to make it happen. And trust me, none of these lessons came easy—there were struggles with injury, self-doubt, and moments where quitting felt tempting.

For any runner eager to achieve their dream PR or marathon milestone, here are the three most valuable lessons that helped me shave a whopping 37 minutes from my time.

Lesson 1: Training Adjustments Are Everything

Focus on Smarter, Not Harder Training

When I began chasing that ambitious marathon goal, I took a look back at all my previous training cycles. When I first got into running, I made the common mistake of trying to "outrun" my problems. I thought more mileage or intense sessions would result in better performance. Spoiler alert—it didn’t. Instead, I found myself sidelined multiple times due to injuries and no closer to any race days - and definitely not PRs.

The turning point came when I learned to prioritize quality training sessions over sheer quantity. Working smarter meant creating balanced weekly plans, incorporating tempo runs, speed intervals, easy mileage, and longer progressive runs—but always with a focus on listening to my body. This is what I now teach in The Ultimate Runner 1–1 Coaching Program.

Cross-Training as a Secret Weapon

Another unexpected game-changer? Cross-training. Strength and mobility based yoga not only boosted my muscular endurance but also gave my joints the break they desperately needed. The variety kept me engaged and prevented overtraining. If you’re injury-prone, like me, cross-training could be your game-changer, too.

Rest Is Not Optional

Here’s the kicker that many runners overlook—rest and recovery days are essential, not negotiable. Scheduling deliberate rest or recovery days was what allowed me to stay consistent week after week without falling into the frustrating injury-recovery cycle I had been stuck in for years.

🚀 Takeaway

PRs aren’t achieved by burning out; they’re achieved through balanced, intentional training. Shift your mindset from doing "more" to doing "better."

Lesson 2: Nutrition and Recovery Make or Break Your Performance

Nutrition Is Fuel, Not an Afterthought

You wouldn’t expect a car to race at top speed on an empty tank, right? Well, running a marathon is no different. For years, I underestimated how important nutrition was—not just during a race, but throughout training. Proper fueling transformed my workouts and race-day performance.

I worked with my favorite registered dietician and started experimenting with carb loading strategies, finding gels and snacks that worked best for mid-run energy without triggering GI distress. Marathons present unique fueling challenges for everyone, and fine-tuning your nutrition strategy can be a game-changer. The goal is nothing new on race day so use those long runs as tests for your fueling strategies!

A Recovery Routine You Can Stick To

Equally important was developing a recovery routine that truly helped me bounce back stronger. This included gentler yoga, foam rolling religiously, prioritizing post-run protein-rich meals, and clocking enough sleep to support muscle repair.

I also discovered that journaling about my runs and noting post-training fatigue or soreness gave me better insights into my recovery needs. Recovery is more than "resting"; it’s about actively giving your body what it needs to rebuild and prepare for the next effort.

🚀 Takeaway

Nutrition fuels your goals, and recovery keeps the dream alive. Master these, and your body will thank you for it come race day.

Lesson 3: Mental Conditioning Can’t Be Ignored

Breaking Down Mental Barriers

Marathon training isn’t just physical—it’s deeply mental. One of the most transformational aspects of my PR journey was learning how to overcome the self-doubt that often crept in during hard sessions.

Mantras like “One more mile,” “You’ve done harder,” or even just visualizing the finish line became my go-to tools for pushing through moments of weakness. I also practiced gratitude—reminding myself of how fortunate I was to be able to run, to chase PRs, and to even train.

Staying Focused and Motivated

Training for months on end comes with natural ebbs and flows of motivation. But instead of pressuring myself to stay "fired up" all the time, I focused on maintaining discipline. Motivation will come and go, but discipline—committing to show up even on hard days—is non-negotiable.

Additionally, incorporating races into my training served as smaller checkpoints along the way, giving me opportunities to practice pacing and fueling strategies while staying engaged.

🚀 Takeaway

Your mind is your most powerful asset on race day. Train it as deliberately as you train your body.

Overcoming Marathon Challenges Along the Journey

Remember, no marathon comes without its unique set of challenges. Whether it’s unpredictable weather, carb loading hiccups, injury risks, or pursuing course-specific training, the marathon experience is fundamentally about meeting hurdles head-on with determination and self-awareness. Grit isn't just a buzzword—it’s what gets you to the finish.

From identifying the fine line between pushing through discomfort versus risking injury, to knowing when to pace conservatively for your bigger goal, long-distance success relies on experience, adaptability, and preparation.

What I Learned from Chasing (and Achieving) My Marathon PR

Each of these three lessons—smart training adjustments, prioritizing nutrition and recovery, and mastering mental conditioning—played a critical role in helping me break through my limits. Together, they represent a balanced, holistic approach to marathon preparation and racing success.

Whether you’re chasing your first marathon finish, a new half-marathon PR, or simply want to enjoy injury-free running, these principles are practical and universally applicable.

What’s Your Next Marathon Move?

Every runner’s journey is unique—and I’d love to hear about yours. Have you recently hit a new PR? Are you on the hunt for strategies to stay injury-free while reaching new milestones? Feel free to share your story with me! DM me on instagram @TheUltimateRunnerStudio and let’s talk!

And remember, the miles may be long, but the rewards are endlessly worth it. Keep dreaming big and chasing those PRs—you’re capable of so much more than you think.