Mastering Endurance: Andrew Marmion’s Strategy for Success
When you are pursuing the 6 world majors, every heartbeat counts and every mile matters. For athletes, like Andrew Marmion, continually pushing your limits in the hopes of mastering endurance is paramount. Andrew shared his experiences and insights with his performance at the London Marathon. He discussed the challenges he’s faced since the race along with his strategic approach to the Berlin Marathon. One way he is changing his approach involves hiring coach, Matt Fox of Sweat Elite.
This conversation delves into Andrew’s training regimen, his mindset, and his evolving goals, providing a window into the life of an endurance athlete striving for excellence.
The Challenges of High Heart Rates
The conversation with Andrew started with checking in on Andrew’s progress since his last major race in London. Andrew candidly shared his struggles, particularly with his unusually high heart rates during exercise. “Not the best, to be honest,” he admitted. “My heart rate is running high, so I don’t really know what to do with that.”
This issue has been particularly frustrating for Andrew, as he knows his body well and understands the typical heart rate ranges for different paces. Despite his efforts to run at a controlled, easy pace, his heart rate remains alarmingly high. “I hit my highest heart rate ever that I’ve had,” Andrew said, reflecting on a recent run.
Andrew discussed understanding his body and what adjustments he will need to make in order to stay healthy during his training. This mindset reflects a continued pattern of flexibility with his training and mind. Andrew doesn’t concern himself with the thinking of others and solely on how his mind, body and performance are connected. He has mentioned it in prior conversations but remains steadfast in the idea that comparison is the thief of joy.
Adapting Training Strategies
With Berlin just four months away, Andrew is making adjustments to his training while trying to figure out the cause of his high heart rates. One significant change has been hiring a coach, Matt Fox, who brings elite-level experience and a scientific approach to training.
Andrew’s decision to hire Matt was driven by a need for expert guidance and someone to bounce ideas off. “I decided I’d get a coach,” he explained. “I started with a coach last week, it’s just been sort of easy running, in one session a week.” This approach allows Andrew to gauge his current capabilities and adjust his training accordingly.
The Importance of Goal Setting
For Andrew, setting achievable goals is crucial to his mastering endurance. His immediate goal for Berlin is realistic: “I don’t need to run sub-three. I need to run sub-3:10.” This adjustment is a strategic move, acknowledging his current physical state and focusing on qualifying for future races.
Andrew’s long-term goals are equally strategic. He plans to run the Berlin Marathon with a sub-3:10 target, which aligns with his age group qualifying time for Boston. Following Berlin, his sights are set on Chicago, where he aims for a sub-3:20, allowing him ample time to rest, recover, and build up for Boston in 2026. “You know, so just having some arbitrary time… doesn’t really matter,” Andrew emphasized. His focus is on continuous improvement and hitting realistic milestones.
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Reflecting on Past Races
Reflecting on his past experiences, Andrew acknowledges the lessons learned from each race. The London Marathon, for instance, was a mix of emotions. “There were aspects of London I just did not enjoy,” he admitted. The overwhelming crowds and noise were a stark contrast to the serene solitude of the Loch Ness Marathon, where he often found himself running alone, relishing the peace and quiet.
Despite the challenges, Andrew finds value in every race. “All these things are lessons,” he said, highlighting the importance of learning and adapting from each experience. His ability to take setbacks in stride and focus on the positives is a testament to his resilient mindset.
The Role of a Coach
Choosing the right coach was a pivotal decision for Andrew. He weighed the options between experience and elite performance, ultimately deciding on Matt Fox, a coach with both elite-level racing credentials and a roster of successful athletes. “This is someone who’s run at an elite level,” Andrew noted, adding that Matt’s experience and proven track record gave him confidence in the decision.
Matt’s coaching philosophy aligns well with Andrew’s approach. They focus on a minutes-based training mindset rather than miles, emphasizing the quality and intensity of each training session. This method allows Andrew to train effectively without overexerting himself, crucial given his current health concerns.
Navigating the Six World Majors
Andrew’s ultimate goal is to complete the six World Marathon Majors, but he approaches each race with a flexible mindset. He views some races as opportunities to set personal records, while others are more about enjoying the experience and the journey. “The only goal is to complete, isn’t it?” he said, underscoring the importance of finishing each race.
He recognizes the need for a balanced approach toward mastering endurance means not every race is about pushing to the limit. “Berlin’s meant to be a fast course,” he mused, expressing his hopes for a personal best. However, he remains realistic about his goals and the importance of listening to his body.
Looking Ahead
As Andrew looks to the future, he maintains a positive outlook despite the uncertainties. He plans to approach each race with a mix of strategic planning and flexibility, adapting his goals as needed based on his performance and health. His journey through the six World Marathon Majors is not just about the races themselves but the continuous process of self-improvement and personal growth.
In Andrew’s words, “You just keep that kind of optimism and hope to see where things go.” His story is a reminder that in mastering endurance, the journey is as important as the destination.
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