Part 2 - Can I run 5 Marathons in 5 Days? Pushing Limits. Running Challenge. Out of My Comfort Zone! - Nicola Runs

Aug 13, 2025

Intro: This is a quick summary of Part 2 – Can I run 5 Marathons in 5 Days? from Nicola Runs. It’s a great watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the workout today. Be sure to check out the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Chunk the marathon – Nicola treats each marathon as a series of short loops (≈5 mi per lap) and focuses on one lap at a time rather than the whole 26.2 mi.
Adapt on the fly – When marshals or weather change the route, she adds extra laps or switches shoes (road → trail) to stay safe and comfortable.
Fuel & hydration – Regular carbs (potatoes, jam‑sandwiches, fudge) and plenty of water keep energy up; a quick snack every 4–5 mi works well.
Mental tricks – Positive self‑talk, a supportive crew, and the mantra “one day at a time” keep morale high during tough hills and high winds.

Workout Example (runable today with your own paces)

Warm‑up: ½ mi easy jog.
Loop: Find a ~5‑mile loop (or a local park circuit). Run 5–6 laps at your planned marathon pace or a comfortable easy‑pace* (e.g., 10 min / mi if you’re aiming for a 4 hr marathon). Adjust the number of laps to hit 26.2 mi.
Every lap, take a quick 30‑second walk break if needed for hydration or to check gear.
After each lap, refuel with a small carb snack (a banana, a few dates, or a jam‑sandwich).
Finish with a ½ mi cool‑down walk.

Practical Tips

Start early (≈8 am) to avoid heat and give yourself a mental win.
Carry a small pole or trekking stick for steep, windy sections.
If conditions get muddy or windy, switch to trail shoes for extra grip.
Keep a “lap count” board or app note so you can see progress visually.

Closing Note: Give this lap‑by‑lap marathon a try, and feel free to customize the distance and pace in the Pacing app to match your own goals. The challenge is yours—run it your way and keep pushing your limits! 🚀