Marathon Words of Wisdom?

ninav1980
ninav1980 Posts: 514 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Running my first marathon next week, woohoo!!

To all the marathon veterans out there..... got any advice to offer up??

Any tidbits and secrets are appreciated!!

Replies

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and enjoy!

    Allan Misner
    NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
    Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast
  • _runnerbean_
    _runnerbean_ Posts: 640 Member
    Don't wear anything new on the day, don't eat anything that you haven't eaten before, relax and ENJOY!
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't set a strict time goal.
  • Klynn2e
    Klynn2e Posts: 1 Member
    Ditto the don't set a strict time goal advice. Finishing is an accomplishment in itself! Try to enjoy the experience.
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    edited January 2016
    Yep. Number one bit of advice: Don't go out too fast. Those last 6 miles are going to hurt, prepare yourself for that. Save up that energy for when you really need it. If you are not still feeling strong and energized by mile 14, you are probably going too fast.

    Also, make sure you fuel every 45 minutes or so. Don't wait until you feel like you need it...by then it's probably too late.

    Most importantly, as others have said, relax and enjoy. Resist the urge to worry about a time goal. Your first marathon will always be your most memorable because of the accomplishment. You can worry about pace on your next one. Good luck!!
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    rybo wrote: »
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't set a strict time goal.

    ^^^This. If you feel like you're going too slow, you are probably at the right pace. Good luck!
  • yusaku02
    yusaku02 Posts: 3,472 Member
    Don't go out to fast.... or too slow. I was constantly passing people and worried that I was starting too fast and that I'd hit a wall early. Turns out my first 3 miles were slower than the following 10.

    Supporters are usually handing out food and it's fine to take some but don't touch anything bready. There was a 10ish year old kid who had doughnut holes and no one was taking them from him (for good reason) and I felt bad so I took one. I couldn't chew the thing because my mouth was dry and nearly ended up choking on it. Stick to things like sliced bananas sections.

    Also actually stop at the water stations. Shaving the extra 3 seconds it takes to drink the water isn't worth choking over. I learned that after my first water station.
  • Rachel0778
    Rachel0778 Posts: 1,701 Member
    LeanButNotMean44 wrote: »
    rybo wrote: »
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't set a strict time goal.

    ^^^This. If you feel like you're going too slow, you are probably at the right pace. Good luck!

    Definitely this! I kept slow and steady and didn't worry about the time. That way I could enjoy my first marathon and the crowds without hitting the dreaded torture wall. Trust your training plan, you've got this!
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    rybo wrote: »
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't go out too fast.
    Don't set a strict time goal.

    Agreed, and I probably would have gone crazy had I not bought something with to much on from time to time.....and jolly ranchers.
  • Whittedo
    Whittedo Posts: 352 Member
    Sunblock. My marathon started out cool and cloudy. By the time I got to the 1/4 distance I had shed the outer layer and by kilometer 30 I was quite burned. You don't want to look like this at the end:
  • Whittedo
    Whittedo Posts: 352 Member
    fx3lxtmzzdzh.jpg
  • ninav1980
    ninav1980 Posts: 514 Member
    thanks everyone!!!!! I'm excited, scared, emotional, lol. Cant wait to get my medal (and possibly boohoo) and finally have my bragging rights as a marathon runner!!! Come hell or high water, Ill cross that finish line even if I am crawling!

    favorite all time running quote....

    "There is Magic in Misery, Just ask any Runner"
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    Agreeing with all of the above, especially the "nothing new" advice. Good luck next week!
  • PoundChaser2
    PoundChaser2 Posts: 241 Member
    You got this !
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
    Nothing new on race day
    Don't go out too fast (if they have pace teams at your race, it might be worth it to start with one running about your pace, so you don't get overwhelmed with adrenaline)
    Also, if there is a race expo, go on Friday instead of Saturday (if the race is Sunday). There's a lot of walking around and sampling of fitness "food" and whatnot. Best to not shock your system with it the day before the race.


    Oh, and 'carb loading' the night before is a mistake (and too late). If you want to up your carbs, do it 2-3 days before, then eat normally the day before, avoiding fatty, greasy things. You don't want last night's pasta sitting like a brick in your stomach when the gun goes off.
  • iruninva
    iruninva Posts: 99 Member
    This just makes me want to run one...did my first half last year and doing the same one coming up this March...Good Luck!

Categories