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The Marathon Pacing Strategy That Actually Beats the Negative Split

September 10, 2026 · 16 min

Show notes

The golden rule of marathon pacing is the negative split. Start conservative, finish faster.

But is that really the ideal way to pace? Maybe not.

You'll learn:

  • Why the negative split might not be the best way to pace a marathon,

  • How the course itself, flat or hilly, can trick you into pacing mistakes

  • How to use your effort with your watch to know if you should push or hang on

If you’ve never run the second half faster than the first, like me, or if you always have, this is the episode for you.

Welcome to the Planted Runner. I’m Coach Claire Bartholic and my mission is to help you improve your running, your mindset, and your life with science-backed training and plant-based nutrition.

If you need more help, you can order my book The Planted Runner: Running Your Best With Plant-Based Nutrition wherever you get books or request a copy from your local library.

Don’t forget to stay tuned all the way to the end of the episode for another Mental Strength Minute. Fortify your mind in 60 seconds or less.


LINKS:

If you’d like help directly from me, you can check out my freebies, personal coaching, and sign up for my PR Team at https://www.theplantedrunner.com/link.

For my recommendations of at-home equipment and other running products I recommend, check out my curated list on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/theplantedrunner

LIQUID IV:

Just one stick of LIquid IV + 16 oz. of water hydrates better than water alone. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid I.V. when you go to https://www.liquid-iv.com/ and use code PLANTED at checkout.


RECENT REVIEWS:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Master's Runner/ Assistant Collegiate XC/Track Coach

Coach Claire has provided a simple tool for our athletes that I have shared with some of our runners that need the reset! I have coached hs XC/track since 2004 and this is a wonderful free resource that I have shared with a number of our runners in our first one on one meetings this year. I am an avid listener of the planted runner podcast and would love for Coach Claire to take me on for Boston 2027. That will be marathon number 77 and would love to break 3 hrs again as a 50 year old grand masters runner!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Informative, Inspiring, and Fun!

Always able to pick up a few pieces of info that's relevant and I can quickly put to use. Super helpful always!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Helpful, Different than all the others

I found Claire by searching "best podcasts for runners" and nearly immediately discovered that this was a much different show than the rest. Her ability to include ways to improve your cognitive skills in a way that improves your running is fantastic in that she doesn't simply explain the subject she provides the tools. I signed up for her Begin With Ten program as well specifically to work on this though the simple "readiness reset" will be enough to get started for most. Thank You, Claire.

Get the Readiness Reset here: https://www.theplantedrunner.com/reset


Music Credits:

Music from Uppbeat

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