The 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials was an epic story of grit, determination, and confidence. For the runners and running fans who watched the races, these marathon Trials were an invaluable masterclass in endurance—both physical and mental.
Here are three pivotal lessons from the Trials that are not just for the elite athletes but for every runner looking to push their personal limits and power through their next race…
1. Pacing: It Can Make or Break Your Race
One of the most instructive takeaways from the Trials was about pacing…
The Lesson: It is better to run at an even pace throughout an endurance race than to run too fast or too slow at different stages of the race.
The winners of the Men’s and Women’s races, Conner Mantz and Fiona O’Keefe respectively, both ran pretty even split times. At the halfway mark, Conner ran a 1:04:08 and finished in 2:09:05, a less than one-minute difference. Fiona ran a 1:11:43 half and finished in 2:22:10, a nearly perfect even split.
The male and female athletes that were in first place at the halfway point of the race, Zachery Panning and Keira D’Amato, ended up with much slower second half times. Zachery ran the second half of the race more than two minutes slower, finishing in 6th place. And Keira did not finish, dropping out at mile 20.
Again, even if you are not an elite runner that’s trying to win a race, I have found that in most cases, you’ll get better finish times when you run an even pace throughout a race than when you have a bunch of erratic paces.
2. Trust in Your Training
The athletes at the marathon trials relied on years of rigorous training and preparation to carry them through the intense challenge of the race. It was a reminder, particularly for those who might question their readiness, that their journey isn’t isolated to the race day but a cumulative effect of consistent effort and stamina building in the days, months, and years leading up to the starting line.
The Trials reinforced the notion that race day nerves are common, but with strategic preparation, rest, and injury management, a runner’s body is capable of far more than they might immediately believe. So trust in your training, and let it carry you forward when you need it most.
3. No Regrets: Commit to the Race
The Trials also reinforced the idea of having no regrets after your race. The elite competitors truly left it all on the course—some to earn a spot in the Olympics, and some to set personal bests that they could be proud of for the rest of their lives.
Even if you’re not aiming for the Olympic stage, every finish line crossed deserves a victory lap if you’ve committed fully to it. Give every race your best effort, so that when you reflect, win, lose, or draw, you are fully content with the effort you put forth.
Overall, the legacy of the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials isn’t just about who won or lost, but the undercurrent of stories about commitment, strategic thinking, and unyielding perseverance. These lessons resonate beyond the tracks, streets, and trails—carrying us through our own personal marathons in life. Run with them, embody them, and it’s not just the finish line you’ll cross, but the new goals you’ll set and conquer.
Cheers to your Olympic spirit,
Martise ; )
P.S. – If you are inspired by the Olympic spirit, and would like personal support on your running growth journey, contact me today.