This week on Idiots Go Running, it’s the last Chasing Nick episode before Belfast Marathon — and somehow, we’ve made it to taper week without fully falling apart.

In this episode, we chat with Nick — the running coach about the full marathon training process, what a proper training block should look like, and what happens when the hard work is done and the taper begins.

🏃‍♂️ Marathon training blocks

What actually happens during a marathon build, why the weeks are structured the way they are, and how the body adapts over time.

🧠 Taper week explained

What tapering is, why runners suddenly feel weird, tired, heavy, emotional or convinced they’ve lost all fitness overnight.

🍝 What to eat during taper week

How to fuel properly before a marathon, what to avoid, and why this is not the week to suddenly become a brand-new person with brand-new food ideas.

🎒 Marathon prep

Race kit, pacing, gels, hydration, logistics, nerves, sleep, toilet panic, and all the tiny details that suddenly feel life-or-death three days before race day.

☕ Marathon morning breakfast

What to eat before the marathon, when to eat it, how to keep it simple, and why your stomach deserves a calm morning, not a surprise buffet.

This is a proper marathon episode for anyone training for a marathon, chasing a PB, aiming for sub-3, preparing for Belfast Marathon, or just wondering why taper week makes runners act completely unhinged.

Part of the Chasing Nick series with Nick — the running coach, following the build-up to marathon day.

Hosted and produced by Colin Goodman.

Listen anywhere you get your podcasts.

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📱 Follow us: @IdiotsGoRunning

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