First Marathon to Sub-3 | Running Tales Podcast Guest: Studney Kirby

Every runner starts somewhere. For Studney Kirby, it all began in his school years before taking a long break. His return to running led him to his first marathon attempt at the 1998 London Marathon, a stepping stone to a lifelong passion for endurance racing. Over the years, Studney has completed some of the most iconic marathons, including New York, Chicago, and London, with New York standing out as his favorite. In this conversation with Craig Lewis on the Running Tales podcast, Studney shares his story of how he has gone from his first marathon to attempting to run sub-3 at others. Hint: It has not been a smooth path.

Taking on the Toughest Race: Marathon des Sables

In 2004, Studney challenged himself beyond the pavement by tackling the Marathon des Sables (MdS)—one of the hardest ultra-marathons on the planet. With limited information available at the time, preparing for this multi-day desert race was an uphill battle. His experience highlights the importance of adaptability, grit, and mental toughness in long-distance running.

Building Strength Through the Running Community

Beyond the major marathons, Studney found strength in the Parkrun community, completing an incredible 486 runs. These weekly 5Ks not sharpened his fitness as well as provided a supportive network of fellow runners. Community plays a crucial role in endurance sports especially as athletes go from their first marathon to attempting a sub-3.

The Science of Smarter Training

Studney’s current training focuses on Zone 2 heart rate training, a method that improves endurance by prioritizing efficiency over speed. His approach includes:

Slow, long runs to build aerobic capacity
Strength training for injury prevention
Fueling properly for sustained performance

Chasing the Sub-3 Dream

With eyes on breaking the elusive 3-hour marathon barrier, Studney is working towards qualifying for the Boston Marathon. He is also putting in the effort to improve his time at the Valencia Marathon. His journey is a testament to how consistency and mindset can lead to major breakthroughs in running.

What’s Your Big Running Goal?

Whether you’re training for your first marathon or aiming for a new PR, Studney’s journey proves that running is about growth, perseverance, and community. What’s your dream race? Let us know in the comments!

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