Pay Attention To Yourself: Andrew Marmion’s Chicago Marathon Training Through Setbacks and Breakthroughs

The path to marathon success rarely follows a straight line, and Andrew Marmion knows this truth better than most. With just five months remaining until the Chicago Marathon, this training journey finds him navigating the familiar dance between breakthrough moments and unexpected setbacks that define serious marathon training.

Andrew’s recent weeks have been marked by what he describes as a “turning point” in his preparation. After months of careful base building and consistent work, he’s experiencing the kind of breakthrough sessions that make runners believe in their goals again. A recent track workout exemplifies this shift – eight demanding sets combining 1K repeats at 10K pace with 500-meter segments at 5K pace, all while maintaining what he calls a “floaty” feeling throughout the effort.

“Everything is becoming floaty,” Andrew explains, describing how his heart rate continues dropping while his pace remains steady during treadmill sessions. “I actually felt like I wasn’t running fast enough. I felt like I could run faster, but I knew that if I pushed it at that point it would get harder.”

This sense of controlled power represents exactly what marathon coaches hope to see in their athletes during peak training phases. Yet, there is a difference for Andrew. He hasn’t come close to his peak training phase and is already feeling that momentum. Andrew’s ability to hit his target paces of 4:04 per kilometer while feeling restrained suggests his aerobic system has adapted significantly since beginning this training cycle.

The Reality of Training Peaks and Valleys

However, marathon training’s unpredictable nature showed itself just hours after Andrew’s breakthrough track session. A seemingly routine gym workout focusing on hip thrusts, part of his strength maintenance program, resulted in back discomfort that forced him to skip a planned run and seek immediate physiotherapy attention.

“About rep 6 in that last set, I could feel my back,” Andrew recalls. “I should have done two sets instead of three. I need to remove ego from the conversation.”

This honest self-assessment reveals the mental challenges experienced runners face. Andrew’s training philosophy centers on maintaining 55-65 miles per week across 8-10 hours of running, a volume he’s identified as his sweet spot through years of experimentation. His willingness to adjust when his body sends warning signals demonstrates the wisdom that comes from previous overtraining experiences.

The strength training component of Andrew’s program has evolved as race day approaches. Andrew is going to the starting line of a marathon in a few weeks in the hopes of gauging fitness to this point. Rather than pursuing gains, he’s now focused on maintenance work that supports his running without adding unnecessary fatigue. His recent setback was a reminder that he must remain vigilant about the risk-reward balance in his training decisions.

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Marathon Goals and Boston Dreams

Andrew’s Chicago Marathon goal reflects both ambition and pragmatism. Targeting a 3:12 finish would comfortably secure his Boston Marathon qualification while providing a buffer above the required 3:15 standard. This goal becomes more meaningful when considered against his personal best of 3:07, achieved on a net downhill course, and his sub-39 minute 10K capability.

“I think I could probably go out and run sub-41 for 10K right now if I really wanted to,” Andrew explains. “So I think I have the speed. The question is can I maintain that speed? Can I hold on to that?”

That honest question highlights a common concern among marathon runners. Can they translate shorter distance speed into sustained marathon pace? Andrew’s training has included challenging sessions like alternating mile repeats at marathon pace, designed specifically to address this endurance component while maintaining his sharpened speed.

His approach to goal setting demonstrates emotional intelligence about race day execution. Rather than chasing his personal best immediately, Andrew recognizes that a solid Boston qualifying time would open opportunities for future ambitious racing at that prestigious event.

The Mental Game of Small Field Racing

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Andrew’s Chicago Marathon preparation involves his psychological preparation for racing in a small field. His next race, the Solway Coast Marathon, typically attracts fewer than 50 participants. This isn’t just a small difference in field size. This is a stark contrast to major marathons with tens of thousands of runners.

“It’s going to be a very lonely race,” Andrew acknowledges. “I almost in a way imagine it’s kind of like an ultra in that mental aspect – you’re basically on your own.”

This mental preparation reveals an often-overlooked skill in distance running. While large marathons provide energy and pacing support through crowd dynamics, smaller races demand different psychological tools. Andrew must be prepared to maintain pace and motivation without external support, relying entirely on internal discipline and race strategy.

His analysis of previous Solway Coast Marathon results shows strategic thinking about race selection. With winning times around 3:04 and fourth place typically around 3:18, Andrew’s 3:12 goal would position him competitively while achieving his Boston qualifier. This pragmatic approach to race selection – choosing events based on personal performance potential rather than prestige – represents mature racing strategy.

Training Philosophy and Technology Integration

Andrew’s Chicago Marathon training journey reflects a balanced approach between traditional coaching wisdom and modern technology integration. His coach programs most runs by time rather than distance, allowing Andrew’s fitness improvements to naturally increase the distance covered during each session. This approach prevents the common trap of chasing arbitrary mileage numbers while ensuring appropriate training stress.

His experimentation with AI tools like ChatGPT for training analysis represents how modern runners are leveraging technology for deeper insights into their preparation. While acknowledging the limitations of current tools, Andrew appreciates having additional perspectives on his training data and race predictions.

“What I really would like is something that has full access to everything,” he explains. “How does this fit with the goal that I have? Is what I’m doing okay?”

This desire for comprehensive training analysis tools highlights how some runners are seeking the kind of detailed feedback previously available only to elite athletes.

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The Wisdom of Listening to Your Body

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Andrew’s current training phase is his developing wisdom about when to push and when to pull back. His recent decision to skip a run following his back discomfort, despite having a physiotherapy appointment already scheduled, demonstrates mature training judgment.

“That’s vanity – I want the mileage, but I don’t need that,” he reflects, acknowledging the mental challenge of missing planned training when race day approaches.

This self-awareness extends to his approach to weekly mileage targets. Despite approaching the psychological milestone of 100 kilometers per week, Andrew recognizes that chasing arbitrary numbers can compromise his primary goal. His willingness to stop short of his house rather than add unnecessary distance to achieve a round number shows hard-won wisdom about training priorities.

Looking Ahead to Race Day

With five weeks remaining until Solway Coast Marathon, Andrew’s training enters its final crucial phase. His recent breakthrough sessions provide confidence in his speed development, while his minor setback is a reminder about the importance of smart training decisions during this critical period.

The combination of controlled track workouts, strategic long runs with marathon pace segments, and reduced strength training volume represents a thoughtful approach to final marathon preparation. His upcoming 22.5-mile progression run will provide valuable insight into his marathon readiness and help calibrate race day expectations.

When Andrew lines up in Chicago, his preparation demonstrates the complexity and nuance required for successful marathon training. His experience navigating the peaks and valleys of serious training, combined with his honest self-assessment and willingness to adapt, positions him well for achieving his Boston Marathon qualification goal.

Any journey, whether a marathon or starting a business, rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Andrew’s approach shows how experienced runners can navigate uncertainty while maintaining focus on their ultimate objectives. There are valuable lessons that often come from the non-perfect training cycle. Being open to those lessons and responding wisely when things don’t go according to plan can be the difference between achieving goals and just missing them.

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