The Stablemaster Speaks - The Art of the Marathon Sub3 and Sub 230 marathons ft. Mark O Mahony
Apr 10, 2024
Mark O Mahony, a running coach and former Muay Thai fighter, shares his incredible journey from a 3:22 marathon to targeting a sub-2:30 finish within a year. He delves into his early life, the gritty world of Muay Thai training in Thailand, and the tough lessons he learned through early fights. After a career-changing injury, he impulsively shifted to ultrarunning, recounting his harrowing first 100-mile race. Mark also discusses his coaching philosophy, focusing on athlete communication and tailored training plans as he guides others toward their marathon goals.
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Rapid Transform From 3:22 To Sub‑2:30
- Mark went from a 3:22 marathon PB to targeting sub‑2:30 within a year after changing focus and training.
- He rebuilt life, coaching and family while transforming his running performance.
Don't Always Go Hard
- Avoid a go‑hard‑always mentality; it helps short‑term progress but increases injury risk.
- Learn to control intensity and back off easy runs to prevent breakdowns.
Seven‑Week 100‑Mile Gamble
- Mark signed up to a 100‑mile race on impulse with seven weeks' training and finished in 27 hours despite torn calves.
- He learned hard lessons about overconfidence, minimal preparation and blister management.