Marathon Words of Wisdom?

ninav1980

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!!

AllanMisner

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_

Don't wear anything new on the day, don't eat anything that you haven't eaten before, relax and ENJOY!

rybo

Don't go out too fast.
Don't go out too fast.
Don't set a strict time goal.

Klynn2e

Ditto the don't set a strict time goal advice. Finishing is an accomplishment in itself! Try to enjoy the experience.

lporter229

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

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

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

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

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

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

ninav1980

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

Agreeing with all of the above, especially the "nothing new" advice. Good luck next week!

PoundChaser2

You got this !

ThickMcRunFast

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

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!