Should I announce my plan to go sub-3?

When you tell people you’re running a marathon, many have no idea what that really means. Some confuse it with a fun run. Others know it’s 26.2 miles, but don’t realise how fast you’re aiming to go. Then there are those who do get it. They understand that sub-3 is a serious benchmark – the kind of time that puts you in the top 2.65% of finishers. And when you say you’re aiming for that, they’re impressed. But also sceptical. And now you’ve said it out loud.

That’s the dilemma. Publicly committing to sub-3 can be a brilliant motivator. But it also adds weight. People won’t just expect you to finish – they’ll expect you to do it fast. You’ll feel that pressure in training, when niggles appear and especially in the final 10km of the race.

So, should you announce it? Here are five tips on what to say, who to say it to and how to manage the psychology of a sub-3 goal.

1. Tell someone – but choose wisely
You need a confidante. Whether it’s your coach, your clubmate, a trusted friend or even an AI assistant like ChatGPT, having someone to share the goal with matters. They can help you visualise what sub-3 looks like, spot any unrealistic expectations and keep you grounded during setbacks. You don’t need a fan club – you need a sounding board.

2. Don’t go fully public unless you’re ready for the heat
If you shout about your sub-3 goal on social media, be prepared for scrutiny. Some people will be supportive, others quietly sceptical – and a few might start needling you for updates. There’s also the fear of public failure, especially if things unravel close to race day. But most runners aren’t watching as closely as you think, and those who are usually admire the ambition more than the outcome. Still, if you’re prone to overthinking or self-doubt, keep the goal private until you’ve got the splits to back it up.

3. Use layered goals when talking to others
People often ask, “What time are you aiming for?” You don’t always need to hand them the full story. Have three goals in your head:

• A solid time that's highly achievable
• A realistic goal you’d be happy with
• A stretch goal (the sub-3)

When someone asks, pick one of the first two. Keep the stretch goal in your back pocket. There’s power in quietly exceeding expectations.

4. Be strategic with charity or club commitments
In a previous year, I made things harder by committing to two sub-3s in a year for charity. It gave me a good fundraising hook – but when one training block turned rocky and jet lag hit hard, the weight of that promise started to drag. If you’re doing it for others, make sure you’ve got wiggle room. Sub-3 is hard enough without guilt and obligation layered on top.

5. Let your running do the talking
There’s no shame in staying quiet. Some of the best runners in your club are often the most understated. You’ll earn more respect running a 2:59 with no fanfare than announcing a sub-3 and running 3:12. As Hemingway put it, “A writer should write what he has to say and not speak it.” Runners, too, should let their legs do the talking.

Conclusion
In the end, going sub-3 is personal. For some, it’s a private mountain to climb. For others, it helps to be cheered on. There’s no right way to share your goal – just make sure the sharing serves you, not the other way round. And if in doubt? Let your legs do the talking.