I’ve now run two marathons. It was the same marathon, one year apart, almost identical routes, same time of year, similar weather (this year’s weather might’ve been slightly more challenging) – and yet two completely different experiences.

Last year’s was the more difficult run of the two. I was still very inexperienced then and I cramped for at least the last third of that marathon. But I enjoyed the experience and the vibe of the event, and will always treasure it. Afterwards, I took what felt like forever to recover. I kept trying to get back into running but couldn’t seem to figure it out.

This year’s run was much more enjoyable and easier. I didn’t cramp, but I did run out of stamina towards the end. I suspect I dehydrated or I overexerted myself running against the wind during the initial ten kilometres. My recovery seems easier this time around. I am giving myself more grace, but I also feel better supported in recovering with more structured training and less having to figure things out on my own.

With my eye on next year’s marathon, wanting to learn from my mistakes and wanting to build on what went well, I’ve been reflecting on both my marathon runs – especially on why it is that this year’s run felt like the better experience. These are the reasons I believe this year’s run went better:

• My expectations were more realistic. I had a better understanding of what I was capable of doing and what paces I could realistically achieve for what distances. I’ve become better at pacing myself.
• My race nutrition was a thousand times better this time around. I am so happy that I took the time to experiment with such a variety of nutrition options for nearly a year beforehand.
• With five sessions every week, strength training was a priority and each session focused on my weaknesses and not on strength in general.
• Interval track training was the biggest change to my weekly running training routine. I was not too fond of track when I started, but I very quickly fell in love with it. I enjoy pushing myself over those short intervals to see what pace I can reach and am elated when I manage to spend a decent amount of time in my fastest zone.
• None of my long runs was longer than half marathon length. This might surprise most experienced marathon runners, but I found this to work so well for me. Because I didn’t have any of those 25, 28, 32 or 35 km runs this time around, I felt fresher and less exhausted on race day.
• Even though my long runs were shorter, my weekly mileage was more. I had longer mid-week runs than last year.
• I felt better supported this year than last year. I never realised how much I needed that until I experienced what it was like to have it. And I know now that come next year it is going to be even better and stronger.

Have you ever done the same thing twice? Can you compare your experiences and learn from the differences?