I ran 2:52:53 in my first marathon at age 36—over 7 minutes faster than my sub-3:00 goal. This is the complete race breakdown from the 2026 Houston Marathon: mile-by-mile splits, what worked, what didn't, and the lessons that can help you run YOUR fastest marathon.
🏃♂️ MY RACE STATS:
Time: 2:52:53
Age: 36 years old
First marathon ever
Goal: Sub-3:00 (6:50/mile pace)
Actual: 6:36/mile average pace
Boston Qualifier: BQ-7:07 (7 minutes under standard)
Course: Houston Marathon (92% flat, Gold Label IAAF)
📊 SPLIT BREAKDOWN:
5K: 19:51 (6:24 pace) - Controlled start
10K: 39:46 (6:25 pace) - Locked in rhythm
15K: 59:41 (6:25 pace) - Banking time
20K: 1:19:57 (6:32 pace) - Slight slowdown
Half: 1:24:28 (6:38 pace) - 4 min cushion
25K: 1:40:29 (6:37 pace) - Holding steady
30K: 2:01:00 (6:37 pace) - The grind begins
35K: 2:22:06 (6:48 pace) - Wall zone
40K: 2:43:46 (6:59 pace) - Hardest 5K
Finish: 2:52:53 (6:41 pace final 2.2K) - NEGATIVE SPLIT KICK
🎯 WHAT WORKED:
✅ Smart pacing: Aggressive but controlled start, banked 75 seconds by 15K
✅ Nutrition: 3-day carb load, race morning bagels, gels every 5K, zero GI issues
✅ Mental toughness: F3 training prepared me for suffering (4:45 AM workouts in the cold)
✅ Course knowledge: Houston's flat profile, only one hill at Mile 12.7
✅ The kick: Negative split final 2.2K despite complete exhaustion
💪 TRAINING CONTEXT:
22-week structured training plan
Peak mileage: 60 miles/week
Balanced with full-time job
F3 Nantan regional leadership (leading 5 AM functional fitness workouts)
Running Victory Code (Coding)
Raising 2 kids with my fiancée 🧑🧑🧒🧒
Proof you don't need unlimited time—you need the right SYSTEM
🔥 HOUSTON MARATHON COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:
7:09 AM start (pre-dawn, 45°F perfect weather)
Combined start with half marathon (9,000 runners, electric energy)
Course split at Mile 7.6 (half marathoners diverge, gets quiet)
Southwest Freeway overpass at Mile 12.7 (only real hill, 4.69% grade)
Memorial Drive straightaway Miles 18-23 (5 miles dead straight, mental test)
Memorial Park Land Bridge tunnels at Mile 22 (DJ, lights, pure energy)
Allen Parkway rollers Miles 23-25 (small hills, feel huge on tired legs)
Downtown finish on Lamar Street (full circle back to start)
📥 RESOURCES:
🎯 Download my exact 22-week training plan: [LINK - coming soon]
📺 NEXT VIDEO: Complete training plan breakdown (subscribe so you don't miss it!)
🔗 CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: @victoryfitness.co
📍 ABOUT VICTORY FITNESS:
I help professionals achieve elite marathon performance while balancing work, family, and life. Through proven systems and real-world experience, I show you what's possible when you have the right approach—not unlimited time.
My mission: Prove that world-class results don't require perfect circumstances. You just need discipline, a system, and the willingness to do the work.
🏆 WHAT'S NEXT:
Boston Marathon 2027 (qualified by 7+ minutes)
Chasing 2:50 (or faster)
Helping YOU run your fastest marathon
💬 DROP A COMMENT:
What's YOUR marathon goal time? Are you training for your first? Chasing a PR? Going for Boston? Let me know below! 👇
📌 TAGS:
#marathon #running #sub3marathon #firstmarathon #marathontraining #bostonmarathon #houstonmarathon #runningmotivation #marathoner #sub3 #marathonpacing #runnersofyoutube #marathonrunning #runningtips #fitness
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DISCLAIMER: I'm sharing my personal experience and what worked for me. This is not professional coaching advice. Always consult a physician before starting a new training program. Results may vary based on individual fitness, genetics, and training history.
Special thanks to my fiancée, kids, F3 brothers, and everyone who supported this journey. This finish line was years in the making.
Victory Fitness - Elite Performance, Real Life.
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