{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Marathon Handbook Podcast","title":"Sub-3 Marathon Attempts, Boston Qualifying & What Marathon Pace Really Means | Winter 2026 Mailbag","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/318ba3b3\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":5481,"description":"In this Winter 2026 Mailbag, the Marathon Handbook crew answers listener questions on some of the toughest — and most misunderstood — topics in marathon running.\nFrom runners who missed sub-3 by seconds, to first-time marathoners chasing Boston, to athletes sidelined by injury, this episode dives deep into both the physical and mental side of training.\nSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS:We love Wahoo’s KICKR RUN treadmill – go to https://⁠wahoofitness.com⁠ and use promo code MHRUN to get a free $319 KICKR Headwind Fan with your treadmill order.\nLagoon pillows help us sleep better, so we run better. Want to try? You can save 15% with code MARATHON. Go to https://LagoonSleep.com/marathonhandbook and take the 2-minute sleep quiz to find your match.\nRocket Money saves you money by cancelling unwanted subscriptions, hassle-free: https://rocketmoney.com/gorun\nWe cover:\nWhether to repeat a sub-3 training block or hire a coach\nHow much marathon pace should actually hurt\nLong runs vs. overall volume — what matters more?\nShoes for mid-pack marathoners: super shoes or not?\nTraining in extreme heat for cold-weather marathons\nInjury, identity, and staying motivated when running is taken away\nAlcohol during marathon training: moderation vs. abstinence\nFine-tuning pace by seconds per kilometer\nThis is a must-listen for anyone training for a marathon — whether you’re chasing Boston, your first finish, or a big personal breakthrough.\nInterview with Pete Pfitzinger, co-author of Advanced Marathoning: https://youtu.be/pw9edKx9Mws?si=1bQ_KYd_dRLdUGUm\n📩 Questions about training, race previews, or to send us your hot takes? Email us at podcast@marathonhandbook.com.\n🎤 Leave us a voice memo for our mailbag episodes: marathonhandbook.com/podcast\n📸 Instagram: @marathon.handbook\n📰 Join 265,000+ runners getting our daily newsletter: marathonhandbook.com/newsletter\n🎙 New episodes weekly from Marathon Handbook","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/a3NORpFIoIUQrTnE2xXScFo8HEhxH6G0foNOPSlAx7c/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kMWVh/ZTE1YzI3MDk3ODJm/NDFmYmIzNWRkNGM0/NDc0Ny5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}