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8 Olympic Marathon Take-Aways for Your Own Running Journey

8 Olympic Marathon Take-Aways for Your Own Running Journey

August 14th, 2024

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In today’s newsletter, Letty Lundquist shares 8 take-aways from the Olympic Marathon. Letty is the host of the Marathon Running Podcast. She is constantly searching for answers on how to make the marathon experience better.

The Olympic marathon is always an incredible display of athleticism, endurance, and sheer determination. Both the men's and women's races were awe-inspiring, offering plenty of lessons for us to incorporate into our own training.

If you're looking for a more in-depth exploration of these lessons, I've created a video on YouTube that breaks down each point in detail. It's time-stamped, so you can easily find the sections that interest you the most. Check out the video here: 8 Olympic Marathon Take-Aways for Your Own Running Journey.

Now, let's dive into the 8 key takeaways from the recent Olympic Marathon in Paris that can help enhance your running journey:

1. The Power of Consistency in Marathon Success

Consistency separates the good from the great. Benson Kipruto's journey from 2016 to 2024 is a masterclass in how steady, persistent effort leads to success. From victories in Prague and Boston (back then, running a 2:10 and 2:09) to his latest win in Tokyo at 2:02, Kipruto proves that unwavering consistency is the key to long-term success in marathon running.

2. Tailor Your Approach: Adapt Training to Your Goal

Every marathon is unique, and success lies in adapting your training to meet the specific demands of each race. American runners Conner Mantz and Clayton Young exemplified this by tailoring their training to the challenging Olympic course, coming close to matching their Chicago PRs despite the tougher conditions. Their success highlights the importance of a customized approach to marathon preparation.

3. Believe in Yourself: The Cornerstone of Overcoming Challenges

Confidence is crucial in marathon running. Whether you're facing doubt from others or overcoming personal challenges, self-belief is the foundation of success. Athletes like Tamirat Tola and Hassan Sifan showed us that believing in yourself, even when the odds are against you, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

4. Dedication Yields Personal Fulfillment: Invest Your Effort

Success in marathon running isn't just about winning; it's about giving your best effort. Emily Sisson quoting on Instagram “The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well” teaches us that, whether at peak performance or not, personal fulfillment comes from knowing you've done your best. Dedication, even in challenging circumstances, leads to a deep sense of personal accomplishment.

5. Focus on What You Can Control: Let Go of the Rest

In both running and life, focusing on what you can control while letting go of what you can't is essential for success. Weather, course difficulty, and other unforeseen challenges are part of the marathon journey. Concentrating on your preparation and mindset will set you up for success, no matter the conditions.

6. Bad Days Are Part of Life: One Race Doesn't Define You

Eliud Kipchoge, a marathon legend who ended up not finishing the Olympic Marathon this year, reminds us that one race doesn’t define your career—it's the overall journey that counts. Setbacks, whether due to injury or aging, are inevitable. What truly matters is your consistent effort over time and the legacy you build.

7. Be Present in the Moment: Savor the Journey

As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Today is a gift. That’s why we call it ‘The Present.'" In marathon running, being present and enjoying the journey is just as important as the outcome. Clayton Young and Conner Mantz both emphasize the importance of savoring each moment, whether in training or on race day.

8. Practice Gratitude: Remember the Support That Got You Here

Marathon success is a team effort. From cheering crowds to the support of coaches, friends, and family, gratitude for the support you receive enriches your experience as an athlete. Remember, every victory is sweeter when you acknowledge the team that helped you get there.

Watch Olympic Marathon Take-Aways for Your Run Journey

Remember, if you want to dive deeper into any of these points, head over to my YouTube video where each takeaway is explained in more detail with timestamps. Watch it here.