Marathon training panic!!

gorple76

I'm just over 7 weeks away from my first marathon and the panic is starting to set in. My training has been good but not great (the odd low mileage week, but no complete breaks or injuries). I'm doing my first of 2 or 3 20 mile long runs this weekend and dreading it. The last long run (a week and a half ago) of 18 miles felt hard and not enjoyable even though it was a beautiful route in a place I don't know (which I usually would love). Not sure why I'm posting - think I'm looking for reassurance (or maybe a get out.....?!)
Anyway, any advice, reassurances, warnings etc - I would be grateful for them all!

STrooper

Just remember these long runs just the training for being on your feet. It will feel hard as you move up to the next mileage level. That is normal. If you do this long enough, there will be days when you just don't feel like doing the long mileage or it just doesn't feel good. There will be other days when a 20-miler is just a walk in the park.

litsy3

STrooper wrote: »

Just remember these long runs just the training for being on your feet.

This - so make sure you run it nice and slowly. That'll make it both easier to do (because slow) and better training (because closer to the amount of time you will spend running the actual race).

GraemeMcC

At 7 weeks away you are in a great place if you are up to 20 miles! (compared to me anyway)

Try and appreciate that there'll be ups and downs in your mood during training and on the day and take pride in how you overcome the downs and enjoy the ups.

All the best in the event and I hope you enjoy your training.

(My marathon is in 7 weeks, and the furthest I have run is 15K! - I'm fairly confident that I will not be anywhere near prepared, but I am trying to prepare as best I can and have an expectation and plan that I can adhere to).

pondee629

I can sympathize. I'm 6 weeks away from my first Half marathon, the longest I will have ever run. All I can say is training is hard. I think it is supposed to be so that the race isn't. There are times you just gotta do what has to get done. Then there are times when it's fun. WE made a decision to do something and the work has to be put in. Self doubts, panic, dreads et al. are all part of the game. If it was easy, everyone would be running Marathons, Half Marathons 10K and what have you.

Success is in the training. It shows it's self in the race, but it is born and raised in the training. Keep going.

gorple76

all great responses, thank you @GraemeMcC and @pondee629 - Good luck! It's nice to know others are in the same boat. @STrooper - I hadn't thought about how going slower meant more time on my feet, and therefore preparation for running for longer on the day. I've always felt really anxious about going slow on long runs (tbh my easy and fast pace aren't much different anyway but there you go!). Think about it that way will help me relax a bit more and take my time. Again, thanks everyone - feel a bit more positive and less daunted now.

kristinegift

1. Nerves are normal. It took a cycle or two of marathon training to look forward to the 18-20 miles runs and not dread them. That said, it's going to be hot and humid here, so I'm am definitely dreading my long weekend miles this Sat/Sun. Yuck!

2. It may not be enjoyable because summer running < fall running. Hopefully come race day, you'll have some beautiful weather to make the experience much more enjoyable! In the mean time, just focus on getting the time/miles in and don't worry too much about what comes in 7 weeks. That's what Taper Crazies are for.

Good luck!

Wendy98

Besides the physical training, the long run is essential mental training. After you conquer that 20 miler, you will be in a good place mentally.

I have done many marathons and can say I still don't jump up and down with excitement when I have to do a long run.

Stoshew71

Hopefully you got some good mileage in during the week as well. When you do it for real come race time, you will be going the full distance with a 2-3 week taper period. By then you will feel much stronger. Good luck!

Vladimirnapkin

I must be weird, because I enjoy the long runs and dread the hard workouts! Most of the time, I can run with a group for the long runs, and that makes them go quickly and painlessly.