Consistency is key
my journey to sub-3-hour marathons
I'm not built different. I'm just consistent. I've shown up every single day.
How it started: from Ironman to marathons
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I needed an outlet to stay active and sane. I started training for triathlons, and in 2023 I finished an Ironman: 13 hours, the hardest physical effort of my life. But Ironman training eats your weeks, and I wanted a more efficient way to challenge myself.
That's when I turned to marathons. My first, inside the Ironman, took over 4 hours. I walked the last few miles and thought, "This is rough. How do people do this faster?" What if I could run a sub-3-hour marathon? How hard could it be?
My progression over time
Seven races in twenty months, from a 4:36 marathon inside the Ironman to 2:50 in Chicago.
| Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Ironman Marathon | 4:36:00 |
| December 2023 | CIM | 3:14:00 |
| February 2024 | Phoenix | 3:19:00 |
| April 2024 | Big Sur | 3:12:00 |
| August 2024 | Tunnel Vision | 2:53:00 |
| October 2024 | Chicago | 2:50:00 |
| December 2024 | Honolulu | 3:06:00 |
Lessons from each race
Every race taught me something. Phoenix: don't start too fast, even when the adrenaline is high. Big Sur: fuel properly and respect the course. Tunnel Vision: running with friends makes the miles lighter. Chicago: when preparation and execution finally line up, so does the race. Honolulu: tough conditions, unforgettable day.
No coach, just grit
From the start, I decided to train without a coach. I wanted to prove that you don't need expensive resources for this. Everything I learned about running came from YouTube, books, friends, and trial and error.
Coaches are great for accountability and expertise, but for me, running was about self-discovery. I wanted to experiment, fail, and find my own way.
How to start running
What I'd tell a friend starting from zero:
Choose a comfortable distance (1km, for example) that you can run without stopping. Run that distance consistently, and when it feels easy, increase it.
Gradually increase your weekly mileage by 5%. Over time, you'll find yourself running distances you never thought possible.
Learn to differentiate between muscle fatigue and injury pain. Rest when needed, and prioritize recovery with yoga, foam rolling, and massages.
Aim to run daily or as often as possible. Think of running as essential as eating or sleeping. It's part of your routine.
Staying injury-free
Four things keep me healthy: yoga for core strength and the daily grind, foam rolling to head off stiffness, massages twice a month, and resting the moment something doesn't feel right. Half of it is injury prevention; half of it is just quality of life.
Why I run
Running is more than a physical challenge. It's a mental escape. It's where I process my thoughts, deal with emotions, and find clarity. Each mile has taught me that limits are mostly in your mind.
Looking ahead
I've hit the sub-3 goal. The next one is to shave 20 more minutes off. There's more I want to write about: the Ironman, how I prepared for each race, my weekly routine, plateaus, and the recovery work that keeps me healthy.
This post is where the blog starts. Writing it feels like crossing another finish line.
— naz