Marathon Training Academy How to Run the Perfect Race: Interview with Matt Fitzgerald
Mar 1, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Matt Fitzgerald, an endurance sports coach and author of 'How to Run the Perfect Race', shares insights into the art of race pacing. He explains common struggles runners face with pacing and delves into fascinating concepts like the central governor theory of fatigue. Conversations also highlight the interplay between nutrition and performance, especially with slow-release carbohydrates. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and balance in running, blending psychological tactics with practical training advice.
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Moderate-Intensity Rut
- Runners often get stuck in a moderate-intensity rut, gravitating towards a perceived exertion of 5 out of 10.
- This isn't driven by physiological efficiency, but a compromise between wanting to finish quickly and avoid excessive suffering.
The Difficulty of Pacing
- Pacing a marathon is intrinsically difficult, requiring precise effort regulation over thousands of steps.
- Every race is unique, demanding runners adapt their pacing strategy to the specific circumstances.
Fitzgerald's Pacing Journey
- Matt Fitzgerald, despite experience, struggled with pacing in his early marathons and ultras.
- He learned that hubris and inadequate endurance contributed to his poor pacing.
Matt Fitzgerald is a coach, nutritionist, and author of books on endurance sports including Pain & Performance, 80/20 Running, How Bad do you Want it and his most recent book “How to Run the Perfect Race- Better Racing Through Better Pacing.” He is cofounder of 80/20 Endurance and a lifelong endurance athlete.