ashley: Welcome to Running on Empty, the podcast with the goal to get you out the door and running, even when you're running on empty. I'm your host, Ashley Kahart.

kamile: And I'm your co host, Camilla Randall.

ashley: And this week is a great topic. I'm so excited to get into it, which is should I run a marathon?

kamile: Probably yes.

ashley: Yes. The reason that we wanted to do this topic now, because it's the middle of summer and people are going, well, it's not really marathon season, but a lot of the big marathons, you have to get ready a year ahead of time. You might have to go in for a lottery. There's lots of stuff that you're thinking about a lot earlier than when you actually start training for the marathon. So we thought it would be great time to talk about our experiences running our first marathons.

kamile: Running our first marathons because then if see something in there that sounds interesting and it motivates you, be planning to run your 2027 marathon. Yes, and then also ahead in the future we will

ashley: Because then if you see something in there that sounds interesting and it motivates you, you could be planning to run your twenty twenty seven marathon. then also ahead in the future we will

kamile: have episode about running your first 5K. But we're just starting with this because as Ashley said, it's a good time to think about the future. Also, we should make a calendar on our website of

ashley: First K. But we're just starting with this because

kamile: when to think about each marathon, you know, when to sign up because I myself I always miss the registration times of the big ones.

ashley: as Ashley said, it's a good time to think about the future. Also, we should make a calendar on our website of when to think about each marathon, you know, when to sign up because I myself I always miss the Yeah. Yeah, and it's really hard, especially with the European ones. Most marathons tend to be in the spring, so like March, April, May

kamile: So like March, April, May, or then they're in the fall, like September, October. But there are some ones that are like in December, like in Spain, Valencia's in December, for example. But yeah, you have to like kind of get ahead and be thinking about it early. Also too, you know, are you gonna travel for one? Are you gonna do one locally? Which are kind of things we're gonna talk about today. Mm-hmm. Awesome. Perfect. But first, maybe a little bit just about our week of running. So how was your running this week?

ashley: Or then they're in the fall, like September, October. But there are some ones that are like in December, like in Spain, Valencia's in December, for example. But yeah, you have to like kinda get ahead and be thinking about it early. Also too, you know, are you gonna travel for one? Are you gonna do one locally? Which are kind of things we're gonna talk about today. All right, perfect. But first, maybe a little bit just about our week of running. So how was your running this week, Camilla?

kamile: my running was fine. I it was cool thing happened at work that in September there's this Venus Marathon that

ashley: Mm-hmm.

kamile: has all these other distances and I'm running a five K there. And nice and

ashley: I'm running a half. Nice.

kamile: most of my team at work signed up for the five K. Yeah.

ashley: That's amazing.

kamile: most of them are doing a little bit of a competition against each other and they're they're doing different methods. One of them is just like

ashley: just like increasing the amount of he runs every day and that's days and he just does bit more is he running every single day? I don't know, I think so. Wow, okay. But he's also he's doing things like strength training and but like that's his method. Another one, we helped me another another colleague that I also advertised Rana to him, so we both are

kamile: Increasing the amount of minutes he runs every day. And that's the only thing he's tracking, the minutes. And he just does a little bit more every day. I don't know, I think so, maybe. But but but he's also he's doing also other things like strength training But like that's his method. Another one, we helped me and another another colleague that I also advertised Rana to him, so we both are

ashley: Rana advocates. And so we pushed the third one that also sounded

kamile: run the advocates. so we pushed the third one that also signed up for the five K to get Rana and registered. He used my code Rana if you hear us. still here. We love

ashley: Yeah, we're still here. We love you. Sponsor us. Hi.

kamile: you. Yeah, so he set up an account. He did like the run the first five K program and his initial goal was like, I'll do it at a five minutes per kilometer pace. wow ambitious mm now I think he slowed down a little bit

ashley: wow, ambitious. Mm-hmm. Now I think he slowed down a little bit.

kamile: but Like he did his first interval session and it was strong. I think he he might be able to do the five. Yeah. And then the third one is doing like completely unmeasured. Like everything is just like old school. Like running with He's just going for a run. And so they're all gonna compete. And there's more people that signed

ashley: first interval session and it was strong. I think he he might be able to nice. Yeah. And then the third one is doing like completely unmeasured. Like everything is just like Like he's just gone for a run. He's just going for a run. Nice. And so they're all gonna compete there's more people that signed up

kamile: up, but these are the three main characters and so it's

ashley: Uh-huh. And so it's quite interesting to see and it kinda like motivated me to run more as well. Yeah. It's fine, it's it's competitive and I'm not competing with them but it's still kinda cool. And the pro but so I started running a little bit more. I actually like I'm not

kamile: quite interesting to see and it kinda like motivated me to run more as well. It was like it it's fun, it's it's competitive and I'm not competing with them, but it's still kinda cool. And the pro but so I started running a little bit more. I actually like I'm not missing any of my runs anymore. The problem is my knee started hurting because I'm not missing any more of my runs. Because I also cycle and it just adds up. But

ashley: my knee started hurting because I'm not missing anymore when I take it off my cycle and it just adds up. But I know what it is, it has happened a year ago.

kamile: I know what it is. It has happened a year ago. It's just it's because my quad is too tense and I have been not very good at doing mobility and rolling after running. So I have to go back to that. Yeah, you know, 'cause like there's that dreaded thing that people always say when they can't

ashley: Just it's because my quad is to dance and I have been not very good at doing mobility and rolling after running. Yeah. Yeah, you know, 'cause like there's that dreaded thing that people always say when they can't run or they don't run rather, they go, my knees hurt and then you just want to scream at them and go, That's not true. Like it's your your knees hurt because of something else. Like if you just worked on whatever the other thing is, some people that's like quads or maybe their hips.

kamile: hurt and you just want to scream at them that's not true. It's your your knees hurt because of something else. Like if you just worked on whatever the other thing is, some people that's like quads or maybe their hips

ashley: Or even other things, you know. It's like it's that's why your knees hurt. Your

kamile: or other things, you know. It's like it's that's why your knees hurt.

ashley: knees don't hurt from running, your knees hurt because other things are not strong and your knees are taking over when they shouldn't be.

kamile: Yeah, there's some some kind of a disponse. For me it took a long time to find what the problem was. Like I had an MRI of the knee itself and then I had to go to a few different physics and I did this like running test in this orthopedic studio where you run barefoot on a treadmill and they scan your feet when you do it and then you run with your running shoes. And my problem was that my my

ashley: So wow and then I had to go to a few different videos and I did this like running test in this orthopedic studio where you run barefoot on a treadmill and they scan your feet and then you run with your running shoes. my problem was that my my

kamile: left glutes are quite weak, then my leg moves to the side more and then like the because the glute is weak, then the quad overcompensates and w whatever. But just like it took me a long time to figure out what the problem is, but yes, usually it is not the knee itself that is the problem. So you know what to on now and you can Yes. And how was your running

ashley: are quite weak, then my leg moves to the side more and then like the because the boot is weak then the quad overcompensates and or whatever. But just like it took me a long time to figure out what the problem is, but yes, usually it knee itself that is problem. So you know what to work on now and you can improve it. Yes. Yeah. And how is your

kamile: week?

ashley: Well, a bit difficult. Like, I'm in a training plan, so like basically, there's in most training plans what you'll have is you'll have like three weeks of hard work and then a fourth week where it's a little less like a deload week. and I find that as we're getting later into training programs, what I'm at that like third week before the deload, I can really struggle sometimes. it can get really difficult 'cause that

kamile: So like basically there's in most training plans what you'll have is you'll have like three weeks of hard work and then a fourth week where it's a little less like a delo week. and I find that as we're getting later into training programs, when I'm at that like third week before the deload, I can really struggle sometimes. it can get really difficult because that that means that I'm going for longer distances. It's the longest distances that I've gone for that week and say like two months.

ashley: That means that I'm going for longer distances. This is the longest distances that I've gone for that week and say like two months.

kamile: so it's been a struggle and then also with the weather like you know I've been talking about it's so on and off it's like 20, it's 30, it's 20, it's 30. I went for a tempo session the other day. So if someone doesn't know what a tempo session would be, I was doing over-unders, which means that you run 1K

ashley: so it's been a struggle. And then also with the weather, like, you know, I've been talking about it's so on and off. It's like 20, it's 30, it's 20, it's 30. and I went for a tempo session the other day. So if someone doesn't know what a tempo session would be, I was doing over unders, which means that you run one K

kamile: a little slower than your target pace for your race, and then you run 1K a bit faster than your target pace.

ashley: a little slower than your target pace for your race. And then you run one K a bit faster than your target pace. Without resting. Without resting. Yeah. You just go kind of like a fartlic. Yeah. You just go back and forth with this tempo. So I said, okay, so I had

kamile: Without resting, you just run and run which is a fart lick. Kind of like a fart lick, yeah. You just go back and forth with this tempo. So I said, Okay, so I had a

ashley: a warm up of like two and a half. I went and did that really I made sure I did it slow because I knew it was hot. And then also I knew that I was going to be working really hard. So when I know I'm going to work really hard, I really take the warm up easy. and I was looking at the paces it was giving me. And I have to say, Rana all the time will have paces it gives me. And I look at it and I go, In your dreams, there's no way. There's no way I'm doing what you said I'm

kamile: pieces it was giving me and I have to say Ronna all the time will have pieces it gives me and I look at it and I go in your dream I'm doing what you said

ashley: gonna do. I'm there's no way. And I always do it. I always manage to do it. I say always, but now I'm gonna say something that is not an always kind of feeling one. every rule has to have a exception. Yeah, yeah. So so I was doing the over unders and

kamile: I always managed to it. I say always, but now I'm gonna say something that is not at all. every rule has to have a exception. Yeah, yeah. So so I was doing the over unders and

ashley: I so I it was times three. So I would do six K of this. And I did the first one. I could barely hold on for the slower one.

kamile: I so it was times three. So I would do six K of this. And I did the first one. I could barely hold on for the slower one.

ashley: so I could barely hold on, but I was just managing it. And then I was supposed to run 30 seconds faster per kilometer for a kilometer.

kamile: So I could barely hold on, but I was just managing it. And then I was supposed to run 30 seconds faster per kilometer for a kilometer. And I just thought like, okay, let's go. Like, let's go. We're gonna do this. And I I put on like my, you know, confident runner's hat and I started going. it wasn't happening. Like my garment was beeping at me that I wasn't getting

ashley: And I just thought, like, okay, let's go. Like, let's go. We're gonna do this. And I I put on like my, you know, confident runner's hat, you know, and I started going. it wasn't happening. Like my garment was beeping at me that I wasn't getting there. And I usually just try to ignore that. Cause sometimes too, if you're like running through you know, in a woodsy area, it doesn't actually pick up your exact pace and stuff. It doesn't know. And then when I got to the end of the kilometer, it was ten seconds too slow. So then I went back to the other

kamile: Usually just try to ignore that 'cause sometimes too if you're like running through you know, in a woodsy area, pick up your pace and stuff it doesn't know. And then when I got to the end of the kilometer it was seconds too slow. So then I went back to the one.

ashley: one.

kamile: But ten seconds is allowed, right? Like ten seconds is still in the range because usually it's like if you have to do a five thirty pace, the actual guidance is from five ten to five thirty or something like that.

ashley: The actual guidance is from five ten to five thirty. Yeah, but it gives you like a a target number. So yeah, so if I'm supposed to do five fifteen, I want it to be five fifteen, not five twenty five or or whatever that you know, I'm just making up numbers. but it was ten seconds too slow. I said, it's okay, like it's hot. Just you know, go back to the slightly slower, you know.

kamile: Mm-hmm and you want to do that number. If I'm supposed to do five fifteen, I it to be five fifteen, not five twenty five. Yeah. Whatever then, you I'm just making up numbers. but it was ten seconds too slow. I said, Well it's okay, like it's hot, just you know, go back to the slightly slower. And so then you still had two more two full sets. Yeah. Yeah. So then I went into the I so I did the the over, right? The slower part. I did the next over.

ashley: Two full sets. Yeah. So then I went into the I so I did the the over, right? This lower part. I did the next over, and then I went to do the under and it was just there was no way. Like there was no way. I was like ten, fifteen, sometimes I was twenty seconds below. And and so I just thought like what am I gonna do?

kamile: to do the under and it was just there was no way like there was no way I was like 10 15 sometimes I was 20 seconds low and and so I just thought like what am I gonna do

ashley: What am I gonna do? just decided, like, look, we're not gonna give up. You're just gonna run.

kamile: I just decided, like, look, we're not gonna give up. You're just gonna run as fast as you can. Right? And it's not like that fast as you can, like when you're like trying to beat someone in a race. It's just like you're just gonna go as fast as you know you can for a kilometer. Just go as fast as you possibly can. Don't worry about beeping. If we go too fast, not that we will.

ashley: as fast as you can. Right? And it's not like that fast as you can like when you're like trying to beat someone in a race. It's just like you're just gonna go as fast as you know you can for a kilometer. Just go as fast as you possibly can. Don't worry about beeping. If we go too fast, not that we would,

kamile: You don't go too fast. That's amazing too. Just go as fast as you can. I tried again. I also was like ten, twelve seconds below I should have been. Did the third rep.

ashley: if we go too fast, that's amazing too. Just go as fast as you can. I tried again. I also was like ten, twelve seconds below what I should have been. Did the third rep.

kamile: Went about again. Again. Like fifteen seconds below. Couldn't do it at all. Ugh. So then and then I had my

ashley: What about again, again, like fifteen seconds below. Couldn't do it at all. So then and then I had my my walk, my lovely one hundred and fifty second I like how they write it like that. A hundred and fifty second break. And then I took like a slow you

kamile: fifty second I probably rated like a a hundred and fifty second break. And then I took like a slow

ashley: know, run home. And so then when I went on my Strava, I called it my Timu Tempo. Like because it didn't feel like

kamile: And so when I went on my Strava, I called it my Timo Temple because it didn't feel like

ashley: a real tempo. It's just it's from Timu.

kamile: But it was, it was. Sometimes I I love run out but sometimes it gives you a bit of a like it's it gives you a problem because oftentimes when you train tempo runs or whatever, you train heart rate zones or you train your perceived effort. With run out it's exact paces, which is sometimes easier because you push for that pace, but then if you can't do it because of all these multiple conditions that are in your environment and your body. Yeah, you can.

ashley: gives you a problem when you train runs or whatever, you train heart rate zones or you train your perceived effort. But you run on it's exact basis, which is sometimes easier because you push for that pace, but then if you can't do it because of all these multiple conditions that are in the Yeah. But you can switch it to RPE. Yeah you can. You can switch it to RPE. So I think mentally I switched it to RPE. I just went to like run as fast as you can

kamile: So I think mentally I switched it to R P E. Yeah. I just went to like run as fast as you can, which at that pace would be

ashley: Which at that pace would be probably in my mind like an eight out of ten. Yeah. You know? So I like, All right, let's just go as fast as we can, you know, and just y get through

kamile: Yeah. You know, so I was like, All right, let's just go as fast as we can, you know, and just get through

ashley: it. But in the end I'm like, Okay, went out and did it. Yeah, you still did it and you still did a great I even screenshotted your run and I sent

kamile: You still went out and did it. Yeah, you still did it and you still did great. I even screenshotted your run and I sent it to you and was like, Great job, you did it

ashley: Actually when you sent me that screenshot I didn't know it was my own splits. I was like, Is that mine? Is she sending me hers and telling me she did a great job or she's sending me mine? 'Cause our paces on speedy sessions are kind of similar and

kamile: You thought like be her? She did a great job, but it's gonna be mine. Because our paces on speedy sessions are kind of similar. Yeah.

ashley: I was like, Wait a minute, is this is is she saying she did a good job and she's proud of herself or sh I did a good job? So I had to go on to Strava and check to see what what it was 'cause I honestly couldn't remember.

kamile: She did a good job and she proud of herself or she I did a good job. So I had to on Strava and check to see what it honestly couldn't remember. Yeah, so your faces were a lot better than you thought.

ashley: Yeah, so I don't know. But you know what? It's about getting the run done and pushing through and it's not pain, you know, like we've talked in

kamile: It's not pain, you know, like we've talked

ashley: previous episodes about like what is pain when you're running. It's not actual pain, it's like discomfort. And that's the whole point, right? Is that like you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because that's how you get better and how it brings so many other gains to your life. Like that episode we just did about secret gains that we got from running.

kamile: not actual pain, it's like discomfort. And that's the whole point, right? Is that like you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable because that's how you get better and how it brings so many other gains to your life. Like that episode we just did about secret gains that we got from running. So I don't know. I think it's okay.

ashley: So I don't know, I think it's okay.

kamile: I agree. So we wanna talk about running your first marathon.

ashley: So we wanna talk about running your first marathon.

kamile: Boom boom boom. Wow. You know.

ashley: I'm out. Wow. You know, I don't know about you, but if you said to me even two years ago that I would have run two marathons now, I would have thought you were totally insane.

kamile: If you said to me even two years ago that I would have run two marathons I would have thought you were totally insane. Well, how long ago did you do your first one? I did my first marathon in October of twenty twenty four.

ashley: I did my first marathon in October of twenty twenty four.

kamile: Mm-hmm. And then your second one you did was May of this year, so May twenty twenty six. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, so a couple of years ago, three years ago, seemed like a dream. I mean, I just I

ashley: was May of this year, so May twenty twenty six. Yeah. Yeah, so a couple of years ago, three years ago, seemed like a dream. I mean, I just I honestly I would say up until three years ago I wouldn't even see how I could run a half marathon. Like and now I run a half marathon any other Saturday. So

kamile: Yeah, whilst training for the marathon. Yeah, like when you train for the marathon, you do a half marathon every week at least. At least. At least. But we don't want to scare people. We don't want to scare people. But so we thought that we would today kind of just talk about our stories of running our first marathons and how that went. So but first so I mentioned when mine was. Well when was your marathon?

ashley: At least. At least. But we don't wanna scare people. We don't wanna scare people. But so we thought that we would today kind of just talk about our stories of running our first marathons and how that went. So but first so I mentioned when mine was. Well when was your marathon?

kamile: Yeah, so I've run one so far and I did it in this April twenty twenty six,

ashley: I remember actually because I remember like in the fall of last year asking you I didn't say where your marathon was, I said when was your marathon? And you told me and I thought you were running London. And then you said no, actually. It's CONUS Lithuania. But what made you decide

kamile: Yeah, I guess it's the same weekend. No. It's Connors.

ashley: to run CONUS Marathon in the first place?

kamile: Well, I didn't wanna do my first marathon away from home in general. Like I didn't wanna travel anywhere because I just I don't know, like I didn't wanna not sleep in my own bed, not be in my own country because a marathon in itself is so stressful. So adding all these other extra things that come with travel and then being in a different country, you walk more, these conditions I didn't wanna go away. I wanted it to be in Lithuania. I didn't want to do it in Vilnius because Vilnius is too hilly and there's this infamous hill, Toro Hill, that everyone has to go on it and I was just like, no, thank you. And then I listened to this other podcast in Lithuanian about running, and they talked about how great Konos Marathon is, that it's almost as good as the international marit like not really, but close enough to international marathons and their track is quite flat and they they did they had a good persistent beforehand.

ashley: No thank you. And then I listened to this other podcast in Lithuanian about running and they talked about how great the last marathon is that it's almost as good as the international marathon like not really, but close enough to international marathons and their track is quite flat and they they did they had a good persistent beforehand. So I was like, Okay, so if I have to do one close to home, Colonel is one hundred kilometers away from Vilnos and I was like, Okay, I'll just do that and what

kamile: So I was like, okay, so if I have to do one close to home, Conos is one hundred kilometers away from Vilnos. And I was like, Okay, I'll just do that. And what made me sign up is that I was walking I remember very well that I was walking from the dentist and I turned on Instagram and then Instagram gave me a ad of Conos Marathon being ten euros off the registration. It was last September. Yeah, I was just like, Okay,

ashley: made me sign up is that I was walking I remember very well that I was walking from the dentist and I turned on Instagram and Insta the Instagram gave me a ad of Holmes Marathon being ten euros off. It's a sign, it's a deal.

kamile: I gotta sign up and I just did and it was Yeah, I signed up in September, so it was more than twenty six weeks away. Yes, you're a while away. Yeah. Yeah. So so you want

ashley: Yes, you had a while away. Yeah, so okay, so you wanted to have a comfortable experience, right? Like close to home, no

kamile: Experience. Experience, right? Like close to home. Yeah.

ashley: wild variables, nothing out of the ordinary.

kamile: No travel, no jet lag. Like I just wanted it to be as little change as possible because the marathon itself is already such a big stressor. But you did it very differently, didn't you? Not very

ashley: just wanted it to be as little change as possible. Yeah. The verified itself was already such a big stressor. Yeah. You did it very differently, didn't you? Not very differently. I did like you go, hmm, where's flat? I need to run somewhere

kamile: I need to run some

ashley: flat. You know where's flat? The Netherlands. The Netherlands are nice and flat. So I ran Eindhoven twenty twenty four and it

kamile: So I ran Eindhoven twenty twenty four and it

ashley: was the fortieth anniversary one So it was a big one and they had forty thousand runners, but that included people who ran five Ks, ten Ks, half marathons, also like a kids mini marathon. So it wasn't forty thousand marathon runners. But I decided to do that one because yeah, kind of I wanted the excitement of it. I wanted to be somewhere where it implied that there would be lots of cheering. That was really important for me.

kamile: So it was a big one and they had forty thousand runners. But that included people who ran five K, ten K's, half marathons, also like a kids mini marathon. So it wasn't forty thousand marathon runners. But I decided to do that one because yeah, kind of I wanted the excitement of it. I wanted to be somewhere where it implied that there would be lots of cheering. That was really important for me. Yeah, I did not think about that and I kind of regret that a little bit.

ashley: Yeah, like I I wanted

kamile: Yeah, like I I

ashley: there to be lots of people. I wanted the energy, like I wanted a kind of Instagram-y experience in that respect. because I just didn't know what what to expect from myself, you know. But I also I had so I went with friends because they had used to live there. And so we actually had a free place to stay. but the place we were gonna stay, they we would be cat sitting while we were there.

kamile: Instagrammy experience in that respect. because I just didn't know what what to expect from myself. You know, but I also I had so I went with friends because they had used to live there and so we actually had a free place to stay. but the place we were gonna stay, they we would be cat sitting while we were there. I'm allergic to cats. No, I was really nervous. So what I did was

ashley: I'm allergic cats. So I was really nervous. So what I did was I booked a hotel for marathon night just in case. Just in case. And I had one that I could cancel. so if I

kamile: Separately. Just in case. And I have one that I can cancel. so if

ashley: was having problems with the cat, I knew marathon night I could just leave them all and go stay at the hotel. Which my friend was like totally like, Yeah, that's understandable. Like I would I don't blame you for it at all. Turns out it was fine. everything was okay.

kamile: Stay at the hotel. Which my friend was like totally like, Yeah, that's understandable. Like, I I don't blame you for it at all. Turns out it was fine. everything was okay, but we just made sure the cat didn't go in the driver. but I I I was set up with some people and I like had had a plan. I signed up for mine also in I wanna say, hmm, the summer. I think mine was a really long way.

ashley: But we just made sure the cat didn't go into my room. Like, but I I I was set up with some people and I like had had a plan. I signed up for mine also in I wanna say, hm, the summer. I think mine was a really long way away as well. Like

kamile: booked it maybe in like August. prior thinking like, okay, yeah, let's go for it. You know what's a little bit funny? That you have told me that you've ran Aid Homan multiple times before. Every single time you said it I had I heard in my head Edinburgh and only now that you explicitly said the Netherlands I was like

ashley: Every single time you said it I had I heard in my head and umbrella. And only now that you explicitly said the Netherlands, I was like,

kamile: it's not Edinburgh

ashley: No, no, definitely was not there. It was it was in in the Netherlands. so okay, so you had a good amount

kamile: No, definitely was not there. It was it was in in another So okay, so you had a good

ashley: of time before it. what was your training plan like? So was that did you use Runna for that as well?

kamile: So was that did you use Rana for that at all? I did use Rana and I wanted to start training right away after signing up, but Rana didn't allow me. They were like,

ashley: Yeah.

kamile: This is too long of a plan. You'll get fatigued, like it's too much, so you'll you'll you'll push too hard. So then you ha I

ashley: Get fatigued, like it's too much.

kamile: had to wait I had to wait three weeks, I think, until I could do it. And then that was your plan? I don't remember. I think it's you were twenty week?

ashley: How long was your plan? I don't remember. I think Did you do a twenty week?

kamile: I think it was more, I think it was twenty three weeks. I don't remember exactly the numbers unfortunately, but it ended up quite fine because I needed to get teeth surgery and then I couldn't work out for two weeks anyway. So then I rested for the two weeks and after the two weeks were gone I could work out again and then my run up plan could start. And that's how I did it. I I think I started training beginning of October something like that. Yeah. Yeah, because the average person's narrow

ashley: I I think I started training beginning of October, something like that. Yeah. Yeah, because the average person's marathon training plan, it really depends on your base before that. If you've been running

kamile: If you've been running

ashley: for a while, you could do a plan at the minimum twelve weeks. I think sixteen weeks is the most common marathon training plan for people. However, if you are a bit newer to running,

kamile: You could do a plan at the minimum twelve weeks. I think sixteen weeks is the most common marathon training plan for people. However, if you are a bit newer to running, it's totally normal to do like a twenty week plan. You could even do like a twenty four week plan if you really wanted to. But yeah, like Camilla, you're right, like, you don't wanna

ashley: it's totally normal to do like a twenty week plan. You could even do like a twenty-four week plan if you really wanted to. But yeah, like Camilla, you're right, like you don't wanna be pushing yourself too much in in the build up to that. So maybe, you know, just keeping your runs going, you know, maybe slowly, slowly increasing your mileage before the plan starts. My plan was a twenty week plan. no, I'm sorry.

kamile: be pushing yourself too much in in the build up to that. So maybe, you know, just keeping your runs going, you know, maybe slowly, slowly increasing your mileage before the plan starts. My plan was a twenty week plan. no, I'm sorry. No, this one was a sixteen week plan. My my second marathon was a twenty week plan. And the reason I'll mention that is because it was January first was like the first week and I just thought, yeah, why not? Let's

ashley: No, this one was a sixteen week plan. My my second marathon was a twenty week plan. And the reason I'll mention that is because it was January first, was like the first week, and I just thought, yeah, why not? Let's just get started. Like, you know, I mean yeah, like I'll just I'll just

kamile: Very symbolic.

ashley: go for it. But like doing sixteen weeks is probably the norm for most people.

kamile: I guess you don't get as much fatigued from all the training. Although you do need some base because

ashley: Yeah.

kamile: I when I signed up for my marathon I have just finished the half marathon. Like I wa I was already running quite a lot and then I had a little bit of a break and then I did the marathon training beginning. Yeah, I was the same. I

ashley: Yeah, I was the same. I ran I ran the Vilnius half marathon. it was my first official like race anything before in yeah in Lithuania. It was my first one here in Lithuania. Prior to that in the States, I had

kamile: official like race anything before half marathon, the first half marathon. It was my first one here. I didn't know that. Prior to that in the States I had

ashley: run I had run an eight K and I had run Yeah, and

kamile: Yeah. What a weird distance.

ashley: I ran Broad Street. Broad Street is a Philadelphia run where you run from the top north Most point of Broad Street, which goes through the center of the city. It's like it would be like 14th Street if you were going in the numbers. so you go from the top to the bottom and it's 10 miles, so 16 kilometers. so those were the only things that I had run prior to running the half in Vilnius. And then I

kamile: It's like it would be like fourteenth Street, according to the numbers. so you go from the top to the bottom and it's ten miles, so sixteen kilometers. so those were the only things that I had run prior to running the half and Vilnius and then I

ashley: thought, yeah, like it kind of it kind of gave me that feeling like maybe I could run a marathon. So I went for it. I also use Runna on mine. I like

kamile: I also use Rana on mine. I like

ashley: that you can dial back like how hard you want to. push. Also it asks you like what's your what are your estimated times for things right now. So I thought that was really helpful too, so it can help you kind of build build a plan that's sensible. And then also like if it becomes too hard you can kind of dial it back. Yeah I one thing

kamile: Yeah. Also it asks you like what's your what are your estimated times for things right now. So I thought that was really helpful too, so it can help you kind of build build a plan that's sensible. Yeah. And also like if it becomes too hard you can kind of dial it down. Yeah, I one thing that I was allowed to do that I probably shouldn't have been allowed to do with customizing my plan was that so when I started running I

ashley: shouldn't have been allowed to do customizing a plan was that so when I started running I look so I didn't run for two weeks and then I went back into running and I didn't want to get

kamile: Look so I didn't run for two weeks and then I went back into running and I didn't want to get injured and prior when I started running too many times a week too soon, I got injured. So I was like, Okay, I'll start with just two runs a week because also I was still cycling at the time, it was still early autumn and then I never dialed back to more than two runs a week. I did my whole marathon training with two runs a week. So it would be like

ashley: Too many times a week too soon I got injured. So I was like, okay, I'll start with just two runs a week because also I was still cycling at the time, it was still early autumn,

kamile: a s a tempo seven on Wednesday and twenty nine on Saturday.

ashley: and then I never dialed back to more than two runs a week. Wow. So would you say that that was the hardest part is actually only running twice a week?

kamile: I mean, it wasn't hard in the training because, you know, my my legs weren't that tired. Most of the time I would get two or three days of rest before one run or the other run. the problem was that I still think that you need a lot more mileage to prepare for the marathon completely. And I do wonder how my marathon would have gone if I prepared as you are supposed to and not as I did. Yeah, I would say that

ashley: you're supposed to and not as I did. Yeah, I would say that most people, from what I hear, most people that are training for a marathon run three days, maybe four. Like I think those are the most common amounts. Like I think a l

kamile: Three days, maybe four. those are the most common amounts. Like Yeah, you do a easy run, you do a speed run, and you do a long run. Yeah, exactly.

ashley: Yeah, exactly. Like you get them all in. 'cause you ha one hundred percent have to have a long run every week. One hundred percent. And the speedy thing is really where you kind of build up for that pace that you're gonna one wanna run the marathon at. So you do need it. So I think a lot

kamile: So you do need it.

ashley: of people three or four. Would you if you had looked back, would you have wanted to run three or four days?

kamile: Yeah, I would have definitely wanted wanted to do like at least three, probably four. I kinda did three sometimes. Like sometimes I would go when I go to the gym I would go on the treadmill for fifteen minutes because I used to run with like Run Club app and I used to love because every Monday it would give you it was a recovery run, there was always fifteen minutes. It's just like a wake up the week. Yeah, like just get out the door, like do a little run, come back home.

ashley: sometimes like sometimes I would go when I go to the gym I would go on the trend for fifteen minutes because I used to run with my crunch and I used to love because every Monday it would give you it was a recovery run, it was always fifteen minutes. Yeah, it was like a wake up the week kind of thing, right? Do a little run yeah at home.

kamile: And I loved it. Like it used to me make me feel so good and motivated to run because it would get you out, it would give you dendrophins, but it wouldn't exhaust you. And I just kinda incorporated

ashley: And I loved it. Like it used to make me feel and motivated to would get you out, it would give you dender friends, but it wouldn't exhaust you. And I just kinda in

kamile: it into my life. And I whenever I would go to the gym after if I had the time, I would go on the treadmill and run for fifteen minutes.

ashley: Yeah, I think if we if there's anybody we love more than runner as Coach Bennett. yeah, like motiv the motivation, right, that comes with it. Yeah, I think

kamile: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Biggest fans.

ashley: that's really nice. Like I I run five days a week, which I did at that time as well. My D load weeks maybe would put me at four days a week. So it's

kamile: Mm-hmm. So it's

ashley: not very often. but I I found, yeah, that like I I would sometimes struggle with it. Over time I've learned that a really important skill for myself anyway, with long distance running like on a race, is really building up a mileage in my weeks. So when I ran Eindhoven, I really and we'll talk about it in a minute, like we'll actually talk about the race itself. I had struggles that I think maybe I wouldn't have had if I had still been able to build my mileage up even more.

kamile: race is really building up a mileage in my weeks. So when I ran Eindhoven, I really and we'll talk about it in a minute, like we'll actually talk about the race itself. I had struggles that I think maybe I wouldn't have had if I had still been able to build my mileage up even more. That's

ashley: Now that's staying with running five days a week. So I was probably

kamile: saying with running five days a week. What was your mileage at the time? I was

ashley: running like forty, forty-five K a week.

kamile: Hmm.

ashley: while now if I was gonna do a marathon training, I'd probably run sixty or seventy. I mean, this is because I've

kamile: I mean, this is because I

ashley: gotten I've built up my strength over years. I don't want anyone to think that they're expected to run any kind of those distances. I think if you run like you said, if you run like 30K a week, which is like one long run and one speed session, I also think that's like totally doable. it just is down to like what kind of goal you're trying to achieve with the race. Like are you trying to get a certain time? but if you're just there to like for the vibes, which I think honestly you should be doing on your first marathon anyway, like you should just go for it.

kamile: any kind of those distances. I think if you run like you said, if you run like thirty K a week, which is like one long run and one speed session, I also think that's like totally doable. it just is down to like what kind of goal you're trying to achieve with the race. Like are you trying to get a certain time? but if you're just there to like for the vibes I think honestly you should be doing on your first marathon anyway. Like that was that was also one of the reasons why I decided to do a marathon because I I have just done the half one and I felt quite disappointed with my pace and it made sense because I didn't prepare for it well and it was real hot on the day and many many excuses but I just kind of felt disappointed and I then felt disappointed that I felt disappointed because that's not the point of running. It's the you you just enjoy yourself. You do this fun thing, you do this hard thing. And I still did my I did a half marathon PR on that disappointed

ashley: But I just kinda felt disappointed and I then felt disappointed that I felt disappointed because that's not the point of running. It's the y you just enjoy yourself, you do this fun thing, you do this hard thing. And I still did my I did a half marathon PR on that disappointed race. Yeah. And I still was like, you know, this is bad.

kamile: race and I still was like, no, this is bad. So then that's why I wanted to do a marathon in general, so that it would be like no expectations. So I I would just the goal would be just to do it. And of course my brain still kinda got goals that I built up in my brain. But still the main thing was like I have never done this before. I don't know what to expect. I have

ashley: So then I that's why I wanted to do a marathon in general, so that it would be like I would just the goal would be just to do it. Yeah. And of course my brain still kinda got goals that I built up in my brain. But still the main thing was like I have never done before. I don't know what to expect. I

kamile: to just enjoy this.

ashley: have to just enjoy this. Yeah, and it is one hundred percent guaranteed it will be hard. It will

kamile: Mm-hmm.

ashley: be hard. you will survive but

kamile: Yeah.

ashley: it will be hard and for some people it will be the hardest thing you've ever done in your life and that's not a bad thing it really isn't it can really it can really take a lot out

kamile: It will be the hardest thing you've ever done in your life. And that's not a bad thing. It really isn't. it can really it can really take a lot of

ashley: of you you know which we'll talk about that again too in a minute but let's let's kind of move forward a little bit going into race week How are you planning? Like, how did you feel going into race week? You know, the last two weeks before a marathon, you go into the taper, which means that you significantly cut back on the amount of running you were doing. So imagine that, you know, I don't know, on the first of the month you ran 32 kilometers for your last big hurrah of of a push before, and then suddenly the next weekend you go for a long run and it's

kamile: And it's twelve or it's eight. You know, and

ashley: twelve or it's eight, you know, and it's like nothing in comparison and you don't know what to do with yourself.

kamile: it's like nothing in comparison and you don't know what to do with yourself. Yeah, I remember very well that yeah, so I had the thirty three or whatever run and then the next week it was the beginning of the deload, but the beginning of the deload isn't yet twelve, it's twenty one. The first week after, the biggest one is a half marathon and I remember thinking, Pfft, just a half marathon? Easy yourself and the leader of nothing just

ashley: Yeah, you gaslight yourself into thinking that these are nothing distances.

kamile: It wasn't like it was at that point it was such a relief to do a half marathon only, you know? I think in general that my body is mostly like fit for a half marathon, but it was just it was such a relief to do these small air quote air quotes weeks. The problem for me was that I got sick. I got sick a week, I think a

ashley: relief to do a half marathon only. Yeah. Yeah. I think in general but my body is mostly like fit for a half marathon. But it was just it was such a relief to do these small quote air quote tweets. The problem for me was that I got sick and a week I think

kamile: week and a half. before my marathon and I when it came actually to the marathon I was still sick, like kinda recovering but still like a little bit foggy and stuff. So that was not fun and a little disappointing, but we survived.

ashley: So that was not fun and a little disappointing, but I I worried about that too with travel. Yeah. Like

kamile: Yeah.

ashley: because I we arrived there on Wednesday and the race was Sunday. You know, and I was thinking to

kamile: Mm.

ashley: myself, like on the airplane, like no no no no no no

kamile: I don't want to get sick from any of these people on this airplane and like I'm thinking, Well, what's the incubation period? Maybe it'll be five Maybe I won't get sick 'til the day after the erase, it'll be fine. But it's stuff you think about too and like, you know

ashley: I don't want to get sick from any of these people on this airplane. And I kept thinking, Well, what's the incubation period? Maybe it'll be fine. Like maybe I won't get sick till the day after the race. It'll be fine. But it's stuff you think about too. And like, you know, who you're around, what you're doing, you know, who are you meeting, you know. what about like diet? What were you doing? Were you car bloating that week?

kamile: Yeah, I was carbloading quite intensely and I was also dialing down on fiber. I have a very sensitive stomach, so because of that

ashley: So because of that

kamile: I had to think about what I eat very, very carefully because I didn't want to have any accidents on the marathon. And I'm also lactose intolerant. So I think three days before the marathon itself I started reading every single label. Apparently even crisps like chips, potato chips have milk in them, some kind of lactose.

ashley: So I think three days before the marathon itself I started reading every single label. Apparently even crisps like chips, potato chips have milk in them. So I was my nutrition was very limited and the night before we went for pasta we went out for pasta and I looked up w to a pasta restaurant that had twenty different types of pasta. I looked through the menu, I could have one specific didn't have any of the th any of the things that could like make in trouble.

kamile: So I was my nutrition was very limited and the night before we went for pasta we went out for pasta and I looked at we to a pasta restaurant that had twenty different types of pasta. I looked through the menu, I could have one specific pasta that didn't have any of the th n any of the things that could like make me in in trouble.

ashley: Yeah, no, I I I actually for my first marathon week I don't think I carb loaded enough. I think I didn't think that big of a deal of it. And then so when the second one came around I was doing it a lot more. Which isn't that you're eating a lot more food. It's just that you're basically eating carbs for everything. if you normally would have breakfast you'd have like kind of a balanced meal. No, you're gonna have a bunch of toast or you're gonna have, you know, porridge or something like that. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're gonna eat something boring. Yeah,

kamile: Meal. No, you're gonna have a bunch of toasts. Or semolina, yeah. Semolina was my go to.

ashley: and you're gonna have for dinner, you're gonna have a tiny piece of chicken and a big bowl of rice, you know, and so you Yeah, you kinda like

kamile: Yeah. Yeah, you limit your protein and your fats and you

ashley: play around with it. so I think I learned that it was difficult. Also it's just kind of strange too, 'cause you're thinking like If you have that imposter syndrome about running a marathon, like, maybe I shouldn't carbo load, like I'm not good enough to carbo load. I'm a little bit ashamed to like say

kamile: Yeah. Yeah, like I'm a little bit ashamed to like say out loud that I'm carbloading because who am I to carbload, right? Yeah. So okay, so you

ashley: Yeah. But it really it really does help, you know. So okay, so you wanted to be local. So that you did you did you drive to the race in the morning or what did you do?

kamile: No, we ended up renting a a little apartment next to the race because the race was starting at eight, I think, in the morning and so to drive there it would still be an hour. So we decided still to sleep over somewhere. And it was not too bad, but like yeah, still not my own bed. But I took melatonin before bed, I took magnesium, some sleepy tea. So I slept fine.

ashley: decided still to sleep over somewhere and was not too bad, but like yeah, still not my own bed. But I I took melatonium before bed, I took magnesium, some sleepy tea, so I slept fine.

kamile: I just had a stuffy nose, so that was making me not sleep so well.

ashley: I just had a stuffy know, so that was making me not sleep so well. Yeah. But you know they say like, just assume you will not sleep well the night before. Like all of the sleep that you got the weeks before, that's the sleep that you've built on. And that night, like, if you get some sleep, that's good, and if not, it's fine. I was kind of similar, so 'cause I was sleeping on an air mattress which was very comfortable actually for an air mattress, I'm not complaining, but it wasn't mine.

kamile: Because of the sickness. Well, you know, they say, like, just assume you will not sleep well the night before. Yeah. Like all of the sleep that you got the weeks before, that's the sleep that you've built on. Yeah. And that night, like, if you get some sleep, that's good. And if not, it's fine. I was kind of similar, so because I was sleeping on an air mattress, which was very comfortable actually for an air mattress, I'm not complaining, but it wasn't mine. Yeah. It was somewhere else. So it was a bit strange, you know, and then when

ashley: And it was somewhere else. So it was a bit strange, you know. And then when I woke up in the morning I had to leave early, you know, and get an Uber over near the race and you know, my friends weren't up yet and you know, so it was a bit kind of like quiet and me just going off to the race myself.

kamile: race and you know my friends weren't up yet and you know so it was a bit kind of like quiet and me just going off to the race myself. man, I wish they woke up with you. That would have been nicer.

ashley: I felt kinda guilty because they were gonna have to follow me around at the race the whole day. so I I didn't

kamile: so I I

ashley: want to, but even when you get there, you have to get there so early to these races. and you need to be prepared. So and I felt underdressed. I wish I'd had more clothing. 'Cause they recommend, you know, something that you're willing to throw away, like a sweatshirt or something like that. I thought better on my second marathon and I brought a sweater.

kamile: So early to these races. Yeah. and you need to be prepared. So and I felt underdressed. I wish I'd had more clothing because they recommend, you know, something that you're willing to throw away, like a sweatshirt or something like that. I thought better on my second marathon and I brought a sweater. but the first one I only had like a really thin shirt and I was freezing and I was hiding between cars that were like part next to the start entrance. And a lot of

ashley: but the first one I only had like a really thin shirt and I was freezing and I was hiding between cars that were like parked in a lot next to the start entrance. And a lot of people were doing that 'cause we were all so cold.

kamile: Yeah, yeah. I well I'm very grateful that my husband went with me and he like of course we stayed over together and so he woke up

ashley: And so he woke up.

kamile: with me in the morning and he went to me to the start line and he just had this thick jacket for me, so I wore it because it was I think minus two degrees in the morning. It was very cold and I my running outfit was shorts and a long sleeve shirt but nothing underneath the long sleeve shirt. So I was freezing. but

ashley: And he just had this big jacket for me, so I wore it because it was I think minus two degrees. It was very cold and I my running outfit was shorts and a long sleeve shirt, but nothing underneath, long sleeve shirt. So I was freezing. Yeah. but I I think also like the adrenaline for

kamile: I I think also like the adrenaline for like the the scaries for the race, it also wore me up a little bit too.

ashley: scary for the race, it also warmed me up a little bit too. Yeah, for sure. I mean there's a lot going on. But yeah, it is cold and like yeah, 'cause you're dressed for running forty two K, not for standing around.

kamile: Mm mm. And but you get to stand around quite a lot.

ashley: So once it got started, how how was the course for you? you mentioned that there weren't a lot of people cheering.

kamile: So

ashley: Describe the full course like in a couple of words, how you felt.

kamile: mentioned that there weren't a lot of people cheering. Describe the full course like in a couple words. How you felt. Because I was promised a good course and then I think like a week or something before

ashley: 'cause I am because I was promised a good course. Yeah. And I think like a week or something

kamile: the marathon they emailed us of like because of the road reconstructions in the city, we have changed the course and

ashley: C D we have changed the course and the

kamile: the course It really sucked and it objectively sucked. Not I'm not just being like, my my time isn't as I expected it to be and that's why it sucked. No, like I've heard multiple people say that it was the worst track Conus has ever offered. So it was it was flat most of the time, but then there were multiple parts where you had to go past like roadworks and it had gravel and sand and all these other

ashley: It really sucked and it objectively sucked, not I'm not just being like, my my time isn't as I expected it to be and that's why I suck. No, like I've heard multiple people say that it was the worst track Gonas has ever offered. So it was it was flat most of the time, but then there were multiple parts where you had to go past like roadworks and it had gravel and sand and all these other unstable surfaces for quite some time.

kamile: unstable surfaces for quite some time. At one point it was this like beach sand kinda distance next to on one side it's a gr like a grassy field and on the other one it's a construction fence. So you don't have anywhere to escape from it. And I was running with road shoes. Most people everyone was running with road shoes. So you your ankles kinda slip to the sides. You don't have any grip. So that was exhausting. And then it went into this city park that was

ashley: At one point was this like beach sand kinda next next to on one side it's a grass like a grassy field and on the other one it's a construction fence. So you don't have anywhere escape from it. And I was running with roadshoes, most people everyone was running with road shoes, so you your ankles kinda slip to the sides, you don't have any grip, so that was exhausting. And then it went into this city park that was an older kind of city park, so it was concrete back.

kamile: an older kind of city park, so it was concrete paths

ashley: Most of the time, some of them were like off-road paths. There were some of that up very little. But then because it's an old park, so first of all, it's a little bit like hilly goes up up and down, up and down, up and down, and it was around at 30 kilometers when you're already talking and but also like you couldn't just like relax and run because it had

kamile: most of the time. Some of them were like off road paths. There were some of that, but very little. But then because it's a old park, so first of all it's a little bit like hilly. It goes up up and down, up and down, up and down, and it was around at thirty kilometers when you're already ti tired. And but also like you couldn't just like relax and run because it had tree roots go growing through the concrete. So it had these like bumps and sticks on it and it just it it wasn't a place where

ashley: tree roots go growing through the concrete, so it had these like bumps and sticks on it, and it just it it wasn't a place where

kamile: you can relax whilst running. This is where it started to snow. no it started to snow before that. So yes, that is also something

ashley: You can relax this morning. Is this where it started to snow? no, it started to snow before that.

kamile: I wanna complain about. It is not the fault of the organizers there. So this is a different category of beeps. But yes, it the weather was insane. When we started it was sunny and then so as soon as I started running I was warm enough and I

ashley: But yes, it the weather was insane. When we started it was sunny and then so as soon as it started running, I was warm enough and I I was even like a little hot, so it was fine. And then I think I think maybe thirteen, fourteen kilometers in, it started to snow a little and then it started to be a blizzard and there was a little bit of hail. At one point I remember one segment that was running.

kamile: I was even like a little hot, so it was fine. And then I think I think maybe thirteen, fourteen kilometers in, it started to snow a little and then it started to be a blizzard and then there was a little bit of hail. At one point I remember one segment that was running and there was this because there were there were security guards all over and the security guard was

ashley: there was this because there were there were security guards all over and the security guard was holding the fence with his body for wow to not blow it away. And I was the only one running past him because at that point like everyone has like it wasn't a big gray, so a lot of the time I was just by myself and I was running by myself and he just looked at me and he tipped on his hat. Yeah, so there was a blizzard which was awful. There was a lot of rain and then the sun came back, then it was really windy, then it was a blizzard again, so the weather was not

kamile: Holding the fence with his body for wind to not blow it away. And I was the only one running past him because at that point, like everyone has like it wasn't a big grace, so a lot of the time I was just by myself. And I was running by myself and he just looked at me and he tipped up his hat. like respect lady. So yeah, so there was a blizzard which was awful. There was a lot of rain. Then the sun came back, then it was really windy, then it was a blizzard again. So the weather was not great. The track wasn't very nice. And then also

ashley: Great, that the track wasn't very nice, and then also my biggest beef is that they didn't have enough toilets or water stations. the toilets were every six kilometers, around six kilometers, which I think is not often enough, and then it would be like one toilet. Yeah. And then if you gotta go then, then you have to wait in line. So overall two out ten.

kamile: My biggest beef is that they didn't have enough toilets or water stations. the toilets were every six kilometers, around six kilometers, which I think is not often enough, and then it would be like one toilet. And then if you gotta go then, then you have to wait in line. So overall two out of ten.

ashley: So it was a small race. Do you know how many people ran it?

kamile: no, I don't remember. yeah, and then yes, the cheering part. I also want people to cheer and that was not the case. Like in the beginning there were people there like when you started running, but then as soon as you leave the start line, no one is there. From from time to time you get little islands of people that are there to cheer, but the islands are cheering specifically for the people that they are

ashley: I also want people to cheer and that was not the case. Like in the beginning there were people there like when we started running, but then as soon as you leave the start line, no one is there. Yeah. From from time to time you get little islands of people that are there to cheer, but the silence are cheering specifically for the people

kamile: Cheering for like like they're waiting for some person, yeah, they're not cheering for you when you run past.

ashley: that they are cheering for. Yeah, like that they know for you when you run.

kamile: And that was constant. Like you would run past people and they would just look at you and that's it. Like so funny because as a spectator because I was there for you, yeah. I felt the opposite. I felt so guilty. I cheered I would be waiting at some landmark for you.

ashley: People and they would just look at you and that's it. That's so funny because as a spectator, because I was there for you, I felt the opposite. I felt so guilty. I shared for everybody. And I would be waiting at some landmark for you, and I don't know exactly when you're coming, and I'm just clapping for every person for like twenty minutes, like because I just felt so bad that I didn't want people because yeah, it was

kamile: Yeah, but that's that's nice.

ashley: kind of quiet. But if that's your thing.

kamile: your thing, you know, a small marathon might be for you. Yeah. Some people actually do like that kind of reflective quiet. You also said too that you were kind of alone a lot

ashley: you know, a small marathon might be for you. 'Cause some people actually do like that kind of reflective, quiet. 'Cause you also said too that you were kind of alone a lot of the time. How was that?

kamile: I did the legal thing and I listened to music, so I really didn't care about that too much.

ashley: So we didn't care about that too much. okay, because your race you were you were able to listen to music.

kamile: I mean, officially no officially in the rules it said no headphones, but the race is so small, so most of the time you're by yourself. Why you know, like I just listened to the music and I didn't mind. I mean I

ashley: yourself why you know like I just listened to the music and I didn't mind. I mean I

kamile: ran my last half marathon in a crowd of people. Like my pace was exactly as everyone else's. So I was just like always in this huge crowd and I didn't love it. Like I was just I felt like claustrophobic a little bit at times when they were were bottlenecks.

ashley: was exactly as everyone else's. Yeah. Just like always in this huge crowd. And I didn't love it. Like I was just I felt like claustrophobic bit at Here I was by myself all the time, which I would have

kamile: Here I was by myself all the time, which I would have preferred some people, you know, from time time. And I would catch up to some people, especially the last three kilometers. I started catching all these people that were walking. But yeah, like I prefer a little bit more.

ashley: preferred some people, you know, from time to and especially the last three kilometers. I was sorry catching all like I'd prefer a little bit more. Yeah in Einhoven there was a good amount of people. so you kind of leave the center of the city

kamile: Yeah. so you kinda leave the center of the city

ashley: and you go running out and we had I I felt like I was among other people for most of the race. I tried sticking with a pace group. There was one section where you did this kind of funny little loop where you you know, around 30 or 31K you went in and did this loop through this like area that there wasn't really a lot back there. and it was very quiet. So like not amazing. I did have music. You were allowed to listen to headphones. So I did have that. But

kamile: people for most of the race. I tried sticking with a pace group. There was one section where you did this kind of funny little loop where you you know, around thirty or thirty one K you went in and did this loop through this like area that there wasn't really a lot back there. and it was very quiet. So like not amazing. I did have music, you were allowed to listen to headphones. So I did have that, but I had other problems at that point, which we can talk about in a minute with what it

ashley: I had other problems at that point, which we can talk about in a minute with what it comes

kamile: with like gels and yeah and nutrition and things but we had a decent amount of people throughout it which I thought was really nice to have. And I for me it motivated me. I I wanted to be around people. Yeah.

ashley: with like gels and and nutrition and things. But we had a decent amount of people throughout it, which I thought was really nice to have. And I for me it motivated me. I I wanted to be around people.

kamile: And how was the weather? The weather was trying because it was ten degrees, which is normally optimal running weather. Yeah it's great. but the problem was that we had

ashley: The weather was trying because it was ten degrees, which is normally optimal running weather. but the problem was that we had really, really heavy winds. So you would be running and it would be fine because it would be against your back. And a lot of this race was like one direction turn, one direction turn. So you'd suddenly turn and you'd feel like you're in a wind tunnel for 2K.

kamile: So you would be running and it would be fine because it would be against your back and a lot of this race was like one direction turn. One direction turn. So you'd suddenly turn and you'd feel like you're in a wind tunnel for two K. And I wore shorts and I wore a long sleeve top and it wasn't enough at times. So I was actually really cold. Which I was surprised by because I don't really I'm a pretty hot runner, like I don't get cold very often.

ashley: And I wore shorts and I wore a long sleeve top. And it wasn't enough at times. So I was actually really cold, which I was surprised by because I don't really I'm a pretty hot runner. Like I don't get cold very often.

kamile: It's the wind.

ashley: and I yeah, I struggled with it. It was it was difficult. but it was cloudy the whole time, which is actually also nice running weather. Like you want it to be sunny because you want it to be beautiful and look really nice.

kamile: But it was cloudy the whole time. Which is actually nice running weather. Like you want it to be sunny because you want it to be beautiful and look really nice,

ashley: But at the same time you kinda want it to be cloudy because the sun is intense, you know? Yeah, yeah. I guess if it's then

kamile: but at the same time you kinda want it to be cloudy because the sun is intense. Yeah, yeah. I guess if it's ten degrees and windy, sun is fine, but yeah, sun oftentimes on my on my marathon, the sun was too hot when the sun was out.

ashley: Hm.

kamile: Which was ironic because when it was a blizzard it was too cold.

ashley: Yeah. Well yeah. I mean you had you had very unique well let's just say very very unique conditions unless you're Lithuanian and then you would be like, sounds like a regular Sunday to me Yeah, like

kamile: just say very very good conditions unless you're Lithuanian. Then you would be like sounds like a regular spring to me. Sounds like spring.

ashley: you know it's fine. But if you were from other places, yeah, you would think it was a bit it was a bit crazy.

kamile: I am from Lithuania and I think it was a little bit crazy too. A little bit too too many different scenarios happening at once.

ashley: Many different scenarios happening at once. So now let's talk about the end. Like

kamile: Mm-hmm.

ashley: the last couple K, right? You've run forty kilometers now. How are you feeling? Like were your gels and things working for you? How was it with the approach to that that end and knowing you're gonna finish?

kamile: Yeah. So I had a bit of an issue with gels. I half of the race I took Morton's and then the second I went to Never Seconds and the Never Seconds started to upsell my stomach. So when it was coming to the last couple of kilometers I needed to do a gel. Ugh, I don't know, like

ashley: bit of an issue with gels. I half of the race I took Morten's and the second I went to nervous seconds and the nervous seconds started to upset my stomach. So when it was coming to the last couple of kilometers I needed to do a gel. I don't know like

kamile: maybe three or four kilometers until the end and I I just decided not to because every single time I took the Never Second I had to go to the bathroom immediately after that and I like I just don't wanna do this. I'll just I'll run on empty. And

ashley: maybe three or four kilometers until the end and I've I just decided not to because every single time I took the never second I had to go to the bathroom after that and I was like I just don't wanna do this. I'll just I'll run on empty. Trade back now. But so the last two or three kilometers it was a straight in the city and you could see for a long time. The problem was it was really, really windy

kamile: But so the last two or three kilometers it was a straight in the city and you could see for a long time. The problem was it was really really windy. but because you could see far away, I could start I started seeing all these people that I was catching on to, and a lot of them were walking because of the wind. So I got this second wind because I was like, it's just two kilometers and all

ashley: because you could see far away I started I started seeing all these people that I was to and a lot of because of the wind. So I got this second wind because I long. The wind gave you a second wind

kamile: these ones. And I my the thing in my head that pushed me was I will never have to do this again.

ashley: Yeah.

kamile: I have to just do this two kilometers and then I'm done and I will never do this again. Which now I think different, but at that point that was what was Yeah. And so

ashley: Yeah I can't wait to talk about after the race. Yeah.

kamile: my strategy was I'll run to the person that's like the next one.

ashley: That's like the next one.

kamile: I run to them. I run a little bit behind them to rest from the wind. Then I will overtake and I run to the next one.

ashley: use them as like a drag to block it.

kamile: Yeah, but just like for a little bit because like none of them were most of them were walking, you know, so it was hard to like you couldn't just like run behind someone. And I just kinda like I felt energized. I took someone by the hand, like some guy and was

ashley: Someone by the hand like some guy.

kamile: like, No, let's go, let's do it I just got motivated. And then two hundred meters I think till the finish, there was the infamous ramp of horrible. So for people that are not

ashley: yeah, this is horrible.

kamile: from Lithuania, everyone from Lithuania will understand, but for people that are not from Lithuania Konas is a city that loves its cars. And even in a marathon setting, in a celebration of sports, they do not want to close the the the road because, you know, the cars won't be able to go. So instead of closing the road, they do this solution two hundred meters till the finish after you run forty two kilometers, to do a ramp where you have to go very steep up, then across the road, like above the road, and then steep down.

ashley: city that loves its cars. And marathon setting, in a celebration of sports, they do not want to close the the the road because you know the cars won't be able to go. So instead of closing the road, they do this solution two hundred meters till the finish after you run forty two kilometers, to do a ramp where you have to go very steep up, then across the road, like above the road and then steep down. Yeah, you went up like a ramp up to like a second level of a car park. Yep.

kamile: Yep. And then down and because this is not only this year's solution. I've heard about this being there before. People have told stories of when it's wet the ram gets really slippery. Apparently this year they use some kind of we talked about it beforehand. You were really nervous that when it was snowing and what would it be like? Yeah.

ashley: because this is not only this there before. People have told stories of when it's wet the ram gets really slippery. Apparently this year used some kind of like a thing on the Yeah, there was like a grit on it. Because yeah, we talked about it beforehand. You were really nervous that what if it was raining with and especially if when it was snowing and things, what would it be like? Yeah.

kamile: And then also people have been shown to fall down on the down part because

ashley: Yeah, for

kamile: like their muscles are so tired so they just like get speed sp like speed up going down and then

ashley: So you love going down and then

kamile: lose it when they have to go back to straight. So I was quite nervous. But what really helped me is you because you you met me at the ramp and you ran with me on the ramp telling me heels are easy for you. Hills are easy for you. And we just ran up together and there was this guy that most of my run I later looked at the videos that Jeremy took of whilst running Jeremy's my husband and that guy was around me the whole whole race. Apparently we ran together without realizing. So he was going up

ashley: And that guy was around me the whole race. Yeah. So he was going up.

kamile: the ramp when you met me and he was struggling and then you started yelling at me. Hills are easy for you. And he just got also motivated. So he also sped up when we both sped up up the ramp and then we you left me on the ramp. I went down he went down with me in front of me. He started sprinting then I was like hell no so nothing motivates me more than

ashley: Me and he was struggling and then he started yelling at me, heels are easy for you and he just got also motivated, so he also sped up and we both sped up off the ramp and then we you left me on the ramp and went down, he went down with me in front of me, he started sprinting, then I was like, Hell no. Nothing motivates me more than overtaking

kamile: overtaking a man in any race bike or or or or running.

ashley: a man in any race or running.

kamile: And so I overtook him and I flew past him and then I finished quite strong. So the last

ashley: So the death

kamile: two kilometers were actually the best two kilometers of the race, even though it was quite hard. But you know, like the same I get the same with the bike racing. Like at the end

ashley: Wow. The same with bike Like at the end I can

kamile: I can Like I realize I still have some energy and then I use all of it. Yeah. Exactly. You just to push the last bit out. Yeah. I was really struggling. I s I hit the wall at thirty K.

ashley: like I realize I still have some energy and then I use all of it. Yeah. Exactly. You just have to push the last bit out. I was really struggling. I s I hit the wall at thirty K right when we went into that loop and and I really struggled. I know now that I I was under fueling and I was using a certain type of gel.

kamile: And I was using a certain type of gel

ashley: And it just wasn't really giving me what I needed. that's when you hit the wall because of that. You've been under fueling. And fueling is super important to your training plan and it's something you should not ignore. We've already talked a little bit about gels in some other episodes. Yeah, for

kamile: and it just wasn't really giving me what I needed. that's when you hit the wall because of that you've been under fueling and fueling is super important to your training plan and it's something you should not ignore. We've already talked a little bit about gels in some other episodes. And we will talk about it more.

ashley: sure. and I just knew that

kamile: I just knew that

ashley: that I was struggling. And so I started doing a lot of walking and then I would run and I would walk. And I had a similar thing. A woman, she'd always kind of been around, and I know she was Dutch. She was wearing an orange shirt. and at some point I was walking and I don't know what she said to me, but she looked at me in in Dutch she was saying, which I ass

kamile: that I was struggling. And so I started doing a lot of walking and then I would run and I would walk. And I had a similar thing, a woman, she'd always kind of been around, and I know she was Dutch, she was wearing an orange shirt and at some point I was walking and I don't know what she said to me, but she looked at me in in Dutch, she was saying She looked at me in Dutch

ashley: In Dutch. And whatever she was saying, I knew it was something like, Come on, you can do this, like, let's do it together, kind of a thing. So I ended up running two K with her. and then I just couldn't hold on again and I and I fell apart. But then, the last two kilometers you go back right into the center of the city. And so Eindhoven Marathon has a lot of spectators and a lot of them are drinking.

kamile: And a lot of them are drinking and you kind of loop through the center part of the city and I was later.

ashley: And you kind of loop through the center part of the city. And I was later, I was hitting the five hour mark, because of all the walking I needed to do. And the crowds of drinking were getting larger and larger, which meant that the pathway for the runners was getting narrower and narrower. it was only about a meter

kamile: it was only about a meeting.

ashley: and a half wide at one point. Also, I didn't mention, but this is important to know, is my name was on my bib, which I did not want. because I people were shouting my name all the time, which when you when I was in a bad state of mind,

kamile: because I people were shouting my name all the time, which when you when I was in a bad state of mind

ashley: they were saying, Come on, Ashley, you can do it. And I was hearing like, You're an idiot, Ashley, like you can't do this. Because I was in this bad state of mind. No one was saying those things to me, but I was just so negative when I hit the wall that I was thinking that.

kamile: They were saying, Come on, Ashley, you can do it. And I was hearing, like, you're an idiot, Ashley, like you can't do this. Because I was in this bad state of mind. No one was saying those things to me. But I was just so negative when I hit the wall that I was thinking that.

ashley: so it was really difficult for me. But so we're getting closer, we're getting towards the end. and now it's like one kilometer left, and I was like, you, I had this sudden burst of energy. So I looked at the I looked at the end,

kamile: so it was really difficult for me. But so we're getting closer, we're getting towards the end. and now it's like one kilometer left, and I was like, You, I had a sudden burst of energy. So I looked at the I looked at the end.

ashley: my splits, which is the kilometer per kilometer that you're going, towards the end of the race, like the last five K, I was running them at around seven minutes thirty seconds per kilometer. My last kilometer I ran at five minutes thirty five seconds.

kamile: splits which is the kilometer per kilometer that you're going towards the end of the race like the last 5k I was running them at around seven minutes 30 seconds per kilometer my last kilometer I ran at five minutes

ashley: I took off. I was at the speed of heat. I was flying. And all

kamile: I took off I was at the speed of heat I was flying and all

ashley: of these drunk people are within a meter of me going, Ashley, Ashley, Ashley. And I felt like I was in a movie and I couldn't

kamile: Ashley. And I felt like I was in a movie

ashley: believe what was going on. There's crowds of people screaming my name because also it's like post five hours. There's not a lot of people still running. Everyone that's running is struggling. And I'm just flying as fast as I can. And I see the curve and I think that we've reached the end. And I look and it's not there. And I s and I shouted out loud, Where the F is it? Looking for the end. I c

kamile: Is it?

ashley: and I just was running as hard as I possibly could. I just never thought I was gonna make it. And then finally I crossed the line and I have

kamile: I just never thought I was gonna make it. And then finally I crossed the line and I had

ashley: we should post it on our Instagram. I have an amazing video my friend took of me eating a post run banana.

kamile: Eating a post run banana.

ashley: with just nothing left in my bones.

kamile: In my bones.

ashley: but I I finished.

kamile: Yeah.

ashley: I finished it in five hours and seventeen minutes. It was around forty five minutes slower than I thought

kamile: around forty five minutes slower than I thought.

ashley: that that's I guess it's quite

kamile: But that's I guess it's quite a common thing with marathons that it you don't know how it's gonna be. 'cause I was even talking to someone who also ran Coleman's marathon and

ashley: You have no idea how it's gonna go. You really don't. I mean, I think because I was even talking to someone who also ran Coldness Marathon and I follow him on Strava and his average pace for all of his runs begins with a five. I mean, he's a speedy guy, and his marathon pace or his marathon time is not that far off of what my second marathon time is.

kamile: a speedy guy and his marathon pace or his marathon time is not that far off of what my second marathon time is.

ashley: And we were talking and the thing he said to me was, I felt amazing like at fifteen K I was going along.

kamile: And we were talking and the thing he said to me was, I felt amazing like at fifteen K I was going along

ashley: He's like, I had no idea what happens after thirty kilometers.

kamile: Yeah. Because all of your training runs go to thirty three and that's it. And then that's the dead zone.

ashley: Thirty-three and that's it. And then that's the dead zone. It's it. and he was like the mental and emotional change was something he was not prepared for at all. I think that's such an interesting thing to factor in because if you're gonna choose to run a marathon, like I said, it's gonna be hard. And the mental and the emotional portion of the run are the hardest part of all because you just do not know. what is gonna happen to you. A marathon is also it is

kamile: Amerathon is also it is a athletic thing that you do, but it's

ashley: But

kamile: a lot more psychological than athletic.

ashley: Yeah. Absolutely. Like and I think because we're mostly talking about running our first race, but I wanted to mention a couple things from running Cape Town as my second race. I also want to mention too before that, so the minute that the race finished, for Camellia, I gave her a flapjack and I said, Eat this and she said,

kamile: I also want to mention too before that, so the minute that the race finished for Camellia, I gave her a flapjack and said, eat this.

ashley: I don't want it, and I said, I don't care, eat it.

kamile: I found that it's really good with you, I just tell you what to do. Yeah, I just listen. I'm very good with authority.

ashley: I found that it's really good with you. I just tell you what to do. Because I knew you were because I knew because I had said the same thing to my friends. I had said, look, when the marathon is over, take me to eat. Do not ask me where I want to go. Do not ask me if I have an opinion. Take me somewhere. And that's it. I remember when I finished someone.

kamile: Yeah. That's it. I remember when I finished y someone asked me what I wanna do and I said I would like to lay down here

ashley: Yeah.

kamile: and then you're like, No, you gotta go. Yeah, and I gave you that bar and I was just like, just eat it. I hated that bar, but it was so good that I ate it.

ashley: We're not gonna go No, we're gonna go we're gonna go into the mall and get you a hot chocolate. Yeah, and I gave you that bar and I was just like, just eat it. I hated that bar, but that's so good I hated. You know, but that's the thing because you can't even like you can't even think and you just have to do. But then so she's standing there eating

kamile: Yeah. But then so she's standing there even

ashley: that bar and she said, I'm never doing this again. And I looked at

kamile: Yeah. The whole run in my head, I only have to do it once. Just this time. Never again.

ashley: I only have to do it once. And she's goes, I'm never gonna do it again. And I looked at her husband and I went, We'll see. You know?

kamile: You know?

ashley: And then two hours later, we were driving home and I sat up I sat up front with your husband and you sat in the back stretched out and then you said, You know, next time I'm gonna such and such.

kamile: Saying, you know, next time such and such.

ashley: And I just elbowed him a little and we looked at each other. It was two hours, two hours later, you said next time.

kamile: It's like, you know, when p when women say that they forget the pregnancy not the pregnancy, the childbirth pains. I feel it's similar. Next time I'm gonna do that again. Apparently

ashley: No childbirth. Two hours later. Next time I'm gonna do this. Next time we're gonna do that.

kamile: the first time I ran a half marathon, I have also said it. I don't even remember saying that I will never do a half marathon again. Apparently I did. Jeremy says I did. No memory of it.

ashley: Well, you know, during Cape Town, because I was talking to a woman afterwards 'cause I I wanted to mention it because of the things that I kinda learned from it. Well, one of them was somewhere in the middle, I was telling this woman the story after. I said, Yeah, why am I doing this? I'm just gonna run half marathons from now on. And she goes, my god, I said the same thing. So we all have the same exact

kamile: We all have the same

ashley: thoughts while we're doing it. but like so differences then going into Cape Town, one, I'd been running longer. as I'd been running for I cause there was like a year and a half almost between my two runs. so I realized that I wasn't as prepared as I could have been. but I still had problems. So I felt a lot stronger. I had gel problems the second time

kamile: So I realized that I wasn't as prepared as I could have been. but I still had problems. So I felt a lot stronger. I had gel problems the second time.

ashley: as well that I had to break through. and it was a hillier course. So I had to be more prepared in that respect. So there were there were things I had to do

kamile: and it was a hillier course, so I had to be more prepared in that respect. So there were there were things I had to do that I think were really important. The gels again, I because I wanted to mention like how important gels really are, 'cause my gels on Cape Town marathons, and I'll just kind of talk about it for a few minutes. I used the same gels that I had used at Eindhoven.

ashley: That I think were really important. The gels again, I because I wanted to mention like how important gels really are. Cause my gels on Cape Town Marathons, and I'll just kind of talk about it for a few minutes. I used the same gels that I had used in Eindhoven. That's

kamile: That's what was used to. I continued to use them. I understood that I needed to eat more of them than I had been. and I think I mentioned this in another episode where

ashley: what I was used to. I continued to use them. I understood that I needed to eat more of them than I had been. and I think I mentioned this in another episode where

kamile: somewhere in the middle of the run I decided that these were the worst things I'd ever eaten in my I was another one ever again. Mid mid-run. Mid-run. And I didn't know what to do. So I don't when some people

ashley: Somewhere in the middle of the run I decided that these were the worst things I'd ever eaten in my life and I was never gonna eat another one ever again. Mid run. Mid run. And I didn't know what to do. So I don't when some people have like you know, toilet issues, in the middle of a marathon. I don't get that. Anytime that I don't feel well, I feel nauseous.

kamile: Hm.

ashley: So I was running along just feeling nauseous and I thought to myself, like, okay, I need to change it up. What can I do? need to find it another way. And the only thing I knew was that they were serving Coca-Cola at all of the rest stops, the drink stops. So I did the opposite of what you're supposed to do, which is nothing new on race day. And I decided to switch to Coca-Cola. so at the next I've never had Coca Cola. I never

kamile: serving Coca Cola at all of the rest stops, the drink stops. So I did the opposite of what you're supposed to do, which is nothing new on race day. And I decided to switch to so at the And you have never had Coca Cola in your ends. I've never

ashley: drank Coca-Cola on a run. I actually thought before the marathon that it was such a weird thing. Why would they have Coca-Cola?

kamile: I I find it very, very good on my rides. Like if I have a coke before my ride or mid my ride, I feel like I get wings. Like I just feel so much better because of the caffeine and the sugar. But

ashley: better because of the caffeine and the sugar. Yeah.

kamile: I have never tried on running because my stomach is so sensitive already. So like putting caffeine and bubbles in I think would be a suicide.

ashley: I mean, that's what I thought, and I thought it was mental, but I was like, I have to go with it. So that's what I did for 15 kilometers. Every three kilometers, I drank 200 milliliters of Coke. I drank two shots of coke and maybe

kamile: Okay, you're

ashley: a water. and that's what I did for the rest of the run. And and I was okay. And people thought I would be buzzing from all the caffeine.

kamile: And how did you feel? And I was okay. Hmm. And people thought I would be buzzing from all the cabinets. But

ashley: But I wasn't because I think I just burned it off. I mean, that's not scientific. I just think I just burned it

kamile: I wasn't because I think I just burned it off. Yeah. That's not scientific. I just think I just burned it.

ashley: all off. It was just gone. But on the second time when I had those struggles and I did have to walk a little bit, I was able to now say to myself, like, Why are we walking? Like out loud, why are we walking? Like your body is capable of doing this. What is the problem? Like, let's let's troubleshoot, let's find the problem, let's solve the problem and move on.

kamile: Your body is capable of doing this. What is the problem? Like let's let's troubleshoot, let's find the problem, let's solve the problem and move on. And I was able to do that. So like one time I was like, It's hot. I like the sun is beating down on me. I just got passed by a guy juggling. You know? That happens out there.

ashley: And I was able to do that. So like one time I was like, It's hot. I like the sun is beating down on me. I just got passed by a guy juggling. You know? That happens out there.

kamile: At least he wasn't wearing a fridge suit. Yeah, I was recording the fridge, which is the guy the guy coming

ashley: Yeah, at least he wasn't wearing the fridge, which is the guy the guy from England, which is, I mean, unbelievably amazing and admirable, but you know, soul crushing for the other people.

kamile: Yeah. for the other people. Every single race I've done so far in my life, I c I am not lying, every single race, whenever I'm struggling, there's an old, old man that always overtakes me.

ashley: There's an old old man that always overtakes me.

kamile: This happened now in that park at like 35 kilometers. I was struggling, but I was like, I'm still doing it, and this grey-haired, humped back old man overtook me and I'm like, for God's sake

ashley: doing it and this gray haired pumped back old man over me and I'm like, For God's sake. Yeah, and then it happens. Yeah, so a guy juggling, a guy juggling past me on the marathon. Everyone was screaming and shouting. I didn't understand what was happening. And then from the corner of my eye I saw him approach. He was juggling and just going

kamile: He was juggling.

ashley: right along. Fine. Okay, great. So I had those problems, you know, but I I persevered through it. People towards the end were there was another part of it where it was very difficult. they call it the loop of death, which is that as you approach the beach,

kamile: Mm-hmm. Which is that at the heard.

ashley: you have to run five kilometers down and turn around and run back. So you watch all of these people on the other side as they pass you, then you have like another one to two kilometers to finish the race.

kamile: Is it that part where you start hearing the finish line but you still have seven kilometers to go?

ashley: Yeah. You hear it. You can hear it. And you're like, no, I'm going the opposite direction of that. I'm running this way, not that way. Also, Cape Town

kamile: I'm running this way, not that way.

ashley: was a no-headphones policy, which I did follow because it was I'd heard a lot on like Reddit that people would get disqualified and I didn't want to deal with that. but you had to go down the loop of death and then turn back around and then run

kamile: And then run.

ashley: to the end. And the end this time was so different than Eindhoven and that's why I wanted to talk about it because you'd think that it would have another similar ending to the previous one, you know, where I just sped up and I flew at this amazing pace and I crushed it. I fell apart at the last two K at Cape Town and I was really, really struggling and I was doing a bit of Jeffing, walking and running, and I couldn't do it. And I was down to one kilometer.

kamile: you'd think that it would have another similar ending to the previous one, you know, where I just sped up and I flew at this amazing pace and I crushed it. I fell apart at the last two K at Cape Town. And I was really, really struggling and I was doing a bit of Jeffing, walking and running. and I couldn't do it, and I was down to one

ashley: left. And I just couldn't do it. And I started walking again and I said out loud, like, what are we doing? Like why are what is the problem? You have one kilometer to go. You've run one kilometer thousands and thousands of times. You've run one kilometer

kamile: just couldn't do it and I started walking again and I said out loud like what are we doing? Like why are what is the problem? You have one kilometer to go. You've run one kilometer thousands and thousands of times. You've run one kilometer

ashley: thousands and thousands of times. If you if I look at my strave I run over two thousand kilometers a year roughly. So I thought to myself,

kamile: kilometers a year roughly. So I thought to myself, one kilometer, you've run one kilometer thousands and thousands of times. And that's what I started saying out loud. And I was running along and every few seconds I would say you can do this. You run one kilometer before. You run one kilometer thousands and thousands of times. Thousands

ashley: One kilometer, you've run one kilometer thousands and thousands of times. And that's what I started saying out loud. And I was running along, and every few seconds I would say, You can do this. You run one kilometer before. You run one kilometer thousands and thousands of times. Thousands and thousands of times. And I just kept saying that until I got to the end. You've run one kilometer and thousands and thousands of times and I pushed myself through to get there and when I got to the end I cried this time. I couldn't believe it. Last time I had the banana, which I'll share. This time I was crying my eyes out. And

kamile: And I pushed myself through to get there and when I got to the end I cried this time. I couldn't believe it. Last time I had the banana, which I'll share. This time I was crying my eyes out. And

ashley: and then I found out later that day that two minutes before me, Elliot Kipchogi, the greatest marathon runner of all time, his wife, finished the marathon, her first marathon

kamile: Two minutes before me, Elliot Kipchogee, the greatest marathon runner of all time, his wife finished the marathon, her first marathon, and he was with her on the on the finish line, and I missed them by two minutes. Aw man So

ashley: And he was with her on the on the finish line and I missed them by two minutes.

kamile: that was the end of that.

ashley: Well that was the end of that.

kamile: No, but I guess it's It's also interesting, you know, because you would expect, okay, I've run a marathon, so the second time I know what to expect, I know how it will look like. I get tired at thirty kilometers and then the last two I get energized again because that's usually how I go in races. And then you're you're a perfect example of how you don't know. You don't know. You really don't fall apart

ashley: You don't know. You really don't. Like

kamile: in all these weirdest places and you were mentally prepared. You knew you knew what to expect. You were a lot better prepared, mileage wise and it's just you just

ashley: It's just you just yeah, you you go and you find out things about yourself.

kamile: Yeah, you you go and you find out things about yourself.

ashley: Yeah, yeah, absolutely. Like and so I actually took I finished the second one at four thirty one.

kamile: Good job.

ashley: So I took forty seven minutes off my time, something like that. Yeah.

kamile: Which is like that? Pretty insane. Yeah.

ashley: so I it was okay, you know. But yeah, they were completely different experiences. And they were both hard, but they were Both unique and I learned stuff from both of them. And they're things that you can build into other races and just into your running in general over time. So I hope that this helps people kind of maybe I'm hoping get motivated, learning that you gotta find the right gels and make sure there's enough bathrooms.

kamile: So I hope that this helps people kind of maybe I'm hoping get motivated learning that you've gotta find the right gels and make sure there's enough bathrooms. Yeah, Google the marathon beforehand and check how many bathrooms you have.

ashley: And see like if it's the kind of thing that you want. If it's you know, if you want a race that's gonna have lots and lots of people, like you need to find that kind of race. But maybe you're the type that wants to be a bit more introspective and, you know, do a race in the forest, then find that. You need to find the right thing for you that's gonna make you the most comfortable. Yeah.

kamile: Yeah, like there's even trail marathons if that's your thing and you prefer running in nature and a little bit like less concentrated on the pace, more concentrated on the experience itself, because trail marathons, w who cares about the pace there?

ashley: more concentrated on the experience itself because trail marathons who cares about the place there. Yeah, exactly. Like, you know, there's there's something for everyone. So we hope that we helped. And you know, if anyone has any questions, please reach out to us. You can get in touch with us on our Instagram at running on empty underscore pod, or you could email us at hello.running on empty at gmail dot com. we'd love to talk more about our marathon experiences.

kamile: And thank you so much for listening. We hope you will rate, review, and subscribe to help get the word out. We'll be back next week with a new episode. You can find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts. dot com for the latest news and episode info. Okay, love

ashley: Bye.