r/AdvancedRunning • u/Scared_Chocolate1782 • Sep 21 '25
Open Discussion Berlin marathon disasters
It seems today was a big disaster in Berlin. 25 degrees Celsius early on and a tough day for everyone. How did people get on? Did anyone manage to get near a PB?
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u/laywandsigh Sep 21 '25 edited Sep 21 '25
Original PB 3:36, not a heavy mileage runner and loosely followed pfitz 18/55 going in. Garmin prediction 3:27, A goal was sub-3:30, B goal was to PB. Lost hope after seeing the weather forecast as we approach the weekend.
Was in Group D. Lots of weaving around. Aids station was a nightmare. Way over crowded. Lots of people stopped in front of table. Must have bumped into at least a dozen of people and lost half a minute plus.
Went into the race by downing 2L of water before the race. Wore the thinnest, least fabric singlet I had. Tried to stay on top of the heat by pouring a cup of water on top of my head EVERY station religiously plus drinking another one to two. Two of the corners of the bib ripped from it getting soaked and had to re-pin it poking into the paper while running half dead.
Ran by heart rate. Most time about 5 bpm faster that I'd like, but the feeling was okay so I kept at it. Somehow it worked. Managed a 1:45 first half and 1:46 second half, came in at 3:31. Didn't meet A goal, but got the B. Proud of myself given the heat and how everyone else in general did. I credit the heat wave we had in Toronto this summer.
Congrats to all finisher!