A marathon for little ol me?
Replies
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Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !3 -
Check out Hal Higdon Novice 1 or 2 programs. Super low stress, but super reliable and on-point. I've used Hal's plans for every race I've done and he's yet to fail me.1
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BruinsGal_91 wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »MeanderingMammal wrote: »Duck_Puddle wrote: »I know a few established runners who have done marathons without following a plan and it hasn’t been a positive experience for them.
I've done 15, including some ultras and back to backs (Saturday and Sunday). I'd avoid winging it.
Solid advice. These people do a fair amount of weekly mileage, and did pack in some long runs, but they all fell apart at about mile 16 in the race.
The last race I decided to wing it I almost got beat by a half naked dude wearing angel wings, a multicolored tutu and a turkey as a hat.
Never again.
Ten years ago I was beaten in a 5k race by a girl dressed as a taco. I'm still not over it.
There's a dude in is 80's who reliably beats me at every 10k we're in together.0 -
Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Practice eating on your runs. Don't save anything new for race day. Don't go longer than an hour-ish without putting in some fuel. I like to eat things like Lara bars and Kind bars. On anything longer than 13 miles, I'll have a snack about an hour in, and then every 30-45 minutes after that. It takes practice to dial that all in, so start fueling on your longer runs now.3 -
fitoverfortymom wrote: »Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Practice eating on your runs. Don't save anything new for race day. Don't go longer than an hour-ish without putting in some fuel. I like to eat things like Lara bars and Kind bars. On anything longer than 13 miles, I'll have a snack about an hour in, and then every 30-45 minutes after that. It takes practice to dial that all in, so start fueling on your longer runs now.
Thank you
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Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Fwiw it's best to experiment yourself in terms of nutrition. If you're doing more than 16 miles is worth trying something to see how it goes.
I now carry tailwind, in a race vest. For my races I carry first aid kit, spare base layer, phone and fresh socks so it's quite straightforward. I'm the past I've used SIS Gels and Honey Stinger gels and HS chews. They've all got advantages and disadvantages, depending on the race.
If you're going to use the aid stations, it's worth finding out what they'll supply. I'll eat flapjack, cake, sweets, fruit, crisps, beer, flat coke at aid stations and I've never had any distress.1 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Fwiw it's best to experiment yourself in terms of nutrition. If you're doing more than 16 miles is worth trying something to see how it goes.
I now carry tailwind, in a race vest. For my races I carry first aid kit, spare base layer, phone and fresh socks so it's quite straightforward. I'm the past I've used SIS Gels and Honey Stinger gels and HS chews. They've all got advantages and disadvantages, depending on the race.
If you're going to use the aid stations, it's worth finding out what they'll supply. I'll eat flapjack, cake, sweets, fruit, crisps, beer, flat coke at aid stations and I've never had any distress.
Thanks for all the info! What brand of vest do you use? Do you also need to carry water for the actual race? I plan all my training routes around water fountains.0 -
MeanderingMammal wrote: »Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Fwiw it's best to experiment yourself in terms of nutrition. If you're doing more than 16 miles is worth trying something to see how it goes.
I now carry tailwind, in a race vest. For my races I carry first aid kit, spare base layer, phone and fresh socks so it's quite straightforward. I'm the past I've used SIS Gels and Honey Stinger gels and HS chews. They've all got advantages and disadvantages, depending on the race.
If you're going to use the aid stations, it's worth finding out what they'll supply. I'll eat flapjack, cake, sweets, fruit, crisps, beer, flat coke at aid stations and I've never had any distress.
Thanks for all the info! What brand of vest do you use? Do you also need to carry water for the actual race? I plan all my training routes around water fountains.
Most marathons have regularly spaced hydration stations (usually with water and some kind of electrolyte drink). You don't have to carry your own unless it is your preference. I never take water to a marathon because I don't want the extra weight. The marathon websites I've seen will usually specify what kind of drink they're going to offer -- that gives you the opportunity to try it during your longer runs so you can be sure that you'll tolerate it well on race day.
I do bring my own Gu packs. The marathons I've run do offer some kind of gel, but the brand can vary and it's usually not until after 20 miles or so (and I like to have some before then).1 -
Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
It's a good idea to practice on your long runs so you know which fuels your body can tolerate. Do it on a regular basis - every 45 minutes or so on runs over 10 miles - because if you wait until you are really tired your body won't digest the sugar well. I found that some gels taste good, some taste awful. I like ones with caffeine, but some people can't tolerate it when running. Some my stomach is happy with, some gave me bad cramps and sent me running to the nearest bathroom. I like the shot bloks, but they are hard to chew, especially when running uphill, so I cut them in smaller pieces if I'm using those. If your race will have Gatorade or Powerade, practice with that as well. (I alternate water and Gatorade at water tables.) Some people can't handle the sugar, even though it is usually watered down on race day. If your race has water every two miles, practice that as well.
As to pace - have you run a HM or 10k recently? If not, run one so you know what your current level of fitness is. Usually I take the time of a recent HM (or one I run during marathon training), double it and add 10-20 minutes. There are pace converters like McMillan and Daniels, but they assume you're running 70 mpw and have run marathons before. During training you'll do most of your runs easy. Some plans have you practice at marathon pace for some of the runs, but not usually at a novice level. I think the assumption there is that you will run your marathon at your easy long run pace. On race day, the first half should feel really really easy. It will get progressively harder as you get more tired. Having experienced fatigue during your long runs, you will know how it feels to try to hold the pace. That is more feasible if you start with a pace that feels easy.
It's good that you have more time to build your base before starting training. You might be able to use an intermediate plan with higher overall mileage instead of a novice plan. That will make a difference on race day.1 -
definitely practice fueling and hydrating on your runs. don't leave anything to chance on marathon day. if you know what kind of gels they will have, it might behoove you to try those and see if you can use those too.
as for the dog. my dog has done 17 miles. and she was still ready to go more. other people's dogs don't want to go more than a half mile. listen to your dog. i was doing a trail run and one of mine just plopped down and wouldn't budge till i asked her if she wanted to go to the car. then she turned and bee-lined.she has done 17 when she was 9 years, now we only do 10ks with her at 11years
this speed demon is her distance replacement. we've done 7 so far. 8-10 on deck this weekend. trying to teach her pacing
(this is her questioning her life choices. 6 miles heavy rain run)
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Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Definitely try things in training. I use my long runs as tests for everything (as well as for the actual training piece). Like I learned that despite being all the same brand/model, I have one sports bra that does terrible things after 14 miles. I have a pair of headphones that starts with an infuriating “low battery” warning that repeats every minute after 3.5 hours. I have one pair of shoes that seems to turn hard as a rock after 12 miles (same brand/model as others). I would not want to make those discoveries during a race.
I also test clothing for comfort and chafing (although this isn’t quite as beneficial since it’s about 40 degrees warmer now than it will be for the race - and I’m not the same size as I was the last time the weather was cooler).
As for fuel, I can’t tolerate any gels. It’s just too much sugar at once for me. I use a combo of honey stinger gels and tailwind (because I just get tired of chewing after 15 or so miles). There are tons of options. You’ll definitely want to try them out ahead of time - while you’re running. After you’ve been running for a couple of hours, your body starts to digest differently (or more slowly or something) than if you’re sitting on the couch. So you need to test it in action.
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definitely practice fueling and hydrating on your runs. don't leave anything to chance on marathon day. if you know what kind of gels they will have, it might behoove you to try those and see if you can use those too.
as for the dog. my dog has done 17 miles. and she was still ready to go more. other people's dogs don't want to go more than a half mile. listen to your dog. i was doing a trail run and one of mine just plopped down and wouldn't budge till i asked her if she wanted to go to the car. then she turned and bee-lined.she has done 17 when she was 9 years, now we only do 10ks with her at 11years
this speed demon is her distance replacement. we've done 7 so far. 8-10 on deck this weekend. trying to teach her pacing
(this is her questioning her life choices. 6 miles heavy rain run)
Thank you all for your help!!! Such great information!!!!
Your dogs are beautiful!!! Mine is unfortunately not a distance runner, I'll bring him along on the short 3 mile days but he's staying home on the long runs, probably chilling on the couch sleeping lol. He did his job and got me motivated back running again 😊.3 -
the hounds i fostered were usually done after a 5k. heck, the old lady was done after a half block
thank you 1 -
For fueling I'm partial to Clif Shot Bloks (cherry is my favorite flavor)--I start eating one block at 60 minutes in and then one every 15 minutes after--I'm kind of regimented like that... I was using a hand-strap bottle for half marathons because I can't stand running with a dry mouth/lips--I also wash the Shot Bloks down with a bit of water. It is kind of annoying to carry it--switching hands, it's a little heavy when full--so I will probably invest in a fuel belt when I get my distance back up again. Definitely experiment with fuel and gear--including fuel belts, socks, shirts, etc. before race day--you don't want to get surprised by accidental rubbing. Don't wear brand new shoes for your race--but don't wear worn out shoes either.1
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MeanderingMammal wrote: »Thanks again yall for the great advice!
Do you take gels and fruit on your long training runs as well? Or just during the actual race? And for a newbie what pace would you expect to hold during the race? Also just went to register and they were all sold out for the race!!!! So we are doing one in Janurary instead, phew I've got more time !
Fwiw it's best to experiment yourself in terms of nutrition. If you're doing more than 16 miles is worth trying something to see how it goes.
I now carry tailwind, in a race vest. For my races I carry first aid kit, spare base layer, phone and fresh socks so it's quite straightforward. I'm the past I've used SIS Gels and Honey Stinger gels and HS chews. They've all got advantages and disadvantages, depending on the race.
If you're going to use the aid stations, it's worth finding out what they'll supply. I'll eat flapjack, cake, sweets, fruit, crisps, beer, flat coke at aid stations and I've never had any distress.
Thanks for all the info! What brand of vest do you use? Do you also need to carry water for the actual race? I plan all my training routes around water fountains.
Mine is Inov-8, it can take two 500ml bottles and a 2litre bladder. Normally I just carry the bottles and refill as required at aid stations. Salomon and UD are both very good as well. I have a Camelbak hand held that I use for lapped events, with a 600ml bottle.
Probably worth a health warning inasmuch as I'm a trail runner, so we tend to be more willing to carry kit in case things go wrong. I have had to patch people up on the route tbh.2 -
How necessary are those "rest days"? Today is my first one according to the schedule and I'm going nuts... it feels weird not going for a run every day!!!!0
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How necessary are those "rest days"? Today is my first one according to the schedule and I'm going nuts... it feels weird not going for a run every day!!!!
Remember...running is cumulative abuse. Check back with us on those rest days when you're regularly hitting 35-40 miles per week for an easy schedule!5 -
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How necessary are those "rest days"? Today is my first one according to the schedule and I'm going nuts... it feels weird not going for a run every day!!!!
Remember...running is cumulative abuse. Check back with us on those rest days when you're regularly hitting 35-40 miles per week for an easy schedule!
I am in a cutback week so I’ve only got 38 miles on the plan. Since it’s a light week, I thought about doing a weight workout on my rest day. I thought about it for about 18 seconds. Rest day won. That was a good choice. I can’t wait for my next one.
Rest day is sacred.1 -
Duck_Puddle wrote: »How necessary are those "rest days"? Today is my first one according to the schedule and I'm going nuts... it feels weird not going for a run every day!!!!
Remember...running is cumulative abuse. Check back with us on those rest days when you're regularly hitting 35-40 miles per week for an easy schedule!
I am in a cutback week so I’ve only got 38 miles on the plan. Since it’s a light week, I thought about doing a weight workout on my rest day. I thought about it for about 18 seconds. Rest day won. That was a good choice. I can’t wait for my next one.
Rest day is sacred.
Absolutely. Once I crossed 35 mpw on the regular, the need to be active on a rest day quickly went by the wayside. Cross training happens on cross training day, not just because I don't have a run scheduled.1 -
Duck_Puddle wrote: »How necessary are those "rest days"? Today is my first one according to the schedule and I'm going nuts... it feels weird not going for a run every day!!!!
Remember...running is cumulative abuse. Check back with us on those rest days when you're regularly hitting 35-40 miles per week for an easy schedule!
I am in a cutback week so I’ve only got 38 miles on the plan. Since it’s a light week, I thought about doing a weight workout on my rest day. I thought about it for about 18 seconds. Rest day won. That was a good choice. I can’t wait for my next one.
Rest day is sacred.
Absolutely. Once I crossed 35 mpw on the regular, the need to be active on a rest day quickly went by the wayside. Cross training happens on cross training day, not just because I don't have a run scheduled.
This is my experience too. When I'm not training for a longer race and getting under 35 miles a week, I like to run daily. When I'm doing marathon training, my body quickly reminds me that things are different and I need at least one day a week without running. It's mandatory for me.1 -
If I have a lot of energy, I do cross training on my rest day. If I am feeling stiff and sore and tired, I usually do nothing, or I'll just do some yoga. Often rest day means I mow the lawn or clean the house. My plan has 5 days a week of running. Usually that means one rest day is active and one is less so. (I always walk the dog 2-3 miles, rest day or not.)1
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If you don't need the rest day, you aren't doing it right! Don't try to race your training. Follow the plan. You might not feel like you need rest if you are only running 20 miles a week, but they will be essential for success in your longer runs and the marathon itself. Like, if you "just had to" run 5 miles the day before your 20 miler, and then you stopped at 18, and had to take several long breaks, you missed out on training your body to go those longer distances.2
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If you don't need the rest day, you aren't doing it right! Don't try to race your training. Follow the plan. You might not feel like you need rest if you are only running 20 miles a week, but they will be essential for success in your longer runs and the marathon itself. Like, if you "just had to" run 5 miles the day before your 20 miler, and then you stopped at 18, and had to take several long breaks, you missed out on training your body to go those longer distances.
One thing that helped me a lot was to "flip" how I thought of rest days. I wasn't recovering from previous runs, I was resting so I could do better on my upcoming long run.5 -
@mbaker566 do you fuel your dogs for running too? Give them anything special like higher fat & protein diet?0
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Have you done a half?
The biggest thing I noticed with long runs is everything starts to suck lol things rub, feet hurt, blisters, skin rubbing off (get some good glide lol). I have my first Marathon in September...and questioning my choices lol
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antennachick wrote: »Have you done a half?
The biggest thing I noticed with long runs is everything starts to suck lol things rub, feet hurt, blisters, skin rubbing off (get some good glide lol). I have my first Marathon in September...and questioning my choices lol
I was planning on doing a half during the middle of training (half way point). Let us know how yours goes!!! 0
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