James Goodall - A PB in Melbourne
For James, Melbourne Marathon was another reminder of just how much the marathon can ask of you, right through to the final kilometre. After a solid build-up, he crossed the finish line in 2:41:05, securing a new personal best. While the final stages didn't quite go to plan, the result was another step forward and a reminder that there's still a quicker time within reach.
The build-up
James' preparation was solid, with weekly volume peaking at around 135km and averaging approximately 120km over a 10-week period. While the consistency was there, the build was perhaps a little light on longer runs, and he completed fewer marathon-specific sessions than in previous preparations.
Without a training partner to share those key workouts, replicating the same level of marathon-specific work proved more difficult. Nutrition is another area James has identified for improvement, giving the overall build a rating of 7/10.
Despite a few areas to refine, the training provided a strong foundation heading into Melbourne, with plenty of aerobic work behind him and confidence in his ability to run a solid marathon.
Race day
The race was tracking well through the first 30km, with fantastic crowd support along the course and some particularly noisy sections providing an extra lift. Albert Park, between 30km and 35km, was a different story. With the crowds thinning out just as the race began to bite, it became one of the toughest stretches of the course.
James started to experience some cramping around 34km, although he still felt aerobically strong. Unfortunately, the cramping gradually worsened, spreading through both groins and into his right hamstring. By 40km, it had forced an unscheduled pit stop, making the final two kilometres a real battle. His pace dropped by around 45 seconds per kilometre over those closing stages, but he pushed through to the finish and secured his PB of 2:41:05.
Despite the difficult finish, James rated the race an 8/10. Melbourne was another valuable experience in the bank, and he came away with a result to be proud of, a few lessons to take into his next preparation, and the belief that a quicker time lies ahead.
The sessions that build confidence
James' favourite workouts are the long runs that most closely replicate the demands of the marathon: around 36km in total, with 10–15km at marathon pace.
These sessions provide an opportunity to practise settling into goal pace while carrying the fatigue of a longer effort. They also build confidence in the rhythm, patience and endurance required on race day, particularly when the kilometres begin to accumulate.
With another marathon under his belt and a new PB on the books, James has a clear idea of what worked, what needs attention and where he can improve. The next build will be about refining those details, with the goal of turning that belief in a quicker time into reality.
