Andrew Gordon
Race: Berlin Marathon 2024
Race Goal: 3:10-3:20
As a 4x Marathon runner I wanted to make the leap from just getting round to committing to the distance. I started training with Jay in November of 2023 after getting round Berlin Marathon in the October in 04:02:00, originally setting a lofty goal of sub 3 for the year later. The 10 months that followed took me to a new chapter in my running journey and the support, guidance and patience of Jay made the normally gruelling training hours enjoyable and even fun (sometimes!).As we got closer to the race we honed in on a serious “A goal” based on metrics from the lead up. On race day I didn’t feel great from km 1 but I think this was down to a serious bout of illness in the last training week/first taper week combined with the sensible decision to propose to my girlfriend the night before – talk about unnecessary stress! Despite the lack of spring in my step, because of the tough session in the lead up and the realistic goal settings I knew that it was more of a mental game than a physical one and settled into a pace that I knew I could maintain and decided to review every 2km, coaches tip! A tricky 35-39km which I put down to a poor nutrition strategy was the biggest challenge of the day. I came through the banner in 3:17:48 – a 39 minute PB, I was made up. The continued dialog, encouragement & flexibility during the 10 months was a huge difference compared to normal “one size fits all” plans that I have used in the past. As a “international athlete” (a scouser that lives in Germany) Jay’s tolerance to my endless voice messages despite his own busy schedule is a reflection of him as a coach and human. I’m fortunate to be able to stick with Jay for another 6 months whilst we knuckle back down through the winter to chase that illustrious sub 3 hour at Vienna Marathon on 6th April 2025 Massive thanks to Jay and Prime Coaching – you’re Boss!
Race Result: 3:17:48
