Five weeks out from race day, and training's going well on paper, so why won't the doubt quit? This week on The Runna Podcast, Coach Anya sat down with Carson, known online as CrustbyCarson, a baker on his fourth marathon, to talk about the gap between what your training log says and what your head says.
Why Does Self-Doubt Kick In Even When Training's Going Well?
Carson's training has been going fine. That hasn't stopped the doubt from creeping in anyway, and as Anya points out, that's not a Carson problem, it's a marathon training problem.
"My head's telling me I'm a little behind, but in my heart of hearts, I think I'm right on track."
It's a mindset shift that applies whether you're five weeks from your first marathon or your fourth: fitness isn't linear, and the gap between the training log and what your head is telling you is completely normal.
What Went Wrong During Carson's Last Marathon in New York?
This isn't Carson's first time racing New York. Last year's race got away from him: too many high-fives, not enough pacing, and a finish that came down to grit rather than plan.
"I did some pushups, some cartwheels, and cramped at the halfway mark and limped across the finish line."
This time round, he's chasing fun over a fast time, and trying to learn from what went wrong the first time.
Why Is Carson Running This Marathon for His Grandad?
Behind the funny disaster stories is something more personal. Carson is running this marathon in New York in memory of his grandad, and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Association along the way.
What's Carson Actually Eating on the Run?
Forget gels: Carson's approach to marathon fuelling leans more towards the bakery counter than the sports nutrition aisle - raisins, cookies, whatever he’s been cooking up!
Is It Normal to Still Be Scared Before Your Fourth Marathon?
Four marathons in, and Carson still gets nervous every single time. Rather than trying to talk himself out of the fear, he's learned to see it differently.
"Yes, I'm scared, but it's a healthy fear. You should push yourself to do things that you're scared to do."
It's the line Anya kept coming back to afterwards: fear doesn't mean something's wrong. It might just mean you're doing something that matters.
What's the Pre-Race Routine Nobody Talks About?
Not every part of race week makes it into the highlight reel. Carson's honest about the less glamorous side of nerves, including one very specific pre-race ritual.
"I went to the port-a-potty seventeen times before the race."
It's the kind of detail that doesn't show up in a training plan, but will feel familiar to anyone who's stood at a start line.
Anya's Coaching Takeaway
Looking back on the conversation, Anya's advice for anyone in the same five-weeks-out spot as Carson comes down to two things: one bad run doesn't make or break a training block, and getting to the start line is as much about training the mind as it is training the legs.
Watch or Listen to the Full Episode
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Watch on YouTube.