Marathon in less than 2 weeks
dee_thurman
Posts: 240 Member
Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/advice for a guy entering his first marathon. I have followed a training schedule exactly and ran what it is said to do (maybe a little bit more.) I ran 12 miles yesterday and felt pretty good. I am not a runner. I have trained the majority of my long runs in between 9 minute and 10 minute miles. My goal is to enjoy the race and finish without any problems. Any advice?
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Ideally you should have done a couple of 18-20 mile runs by now. Either that training schedule was for a half marathon or they took your money and ran....0
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dee_thurman wrote: »Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/advice for a guy entering his first marathon. I have followed a training schedule exactly and ran what it is said to do (maybe a little bit more.) I ran 12 miles yesterday and felt pretty good. I am not a runner. I have trained the majority of my long runs in between 9 minute and 10 minute miles. My goal is to enjoy the race and finish without any problems. Any advice?
You shouldn't be doing anything apart from tapering now. And you shouldn't be doing anything in the race you haven't done in training - clothes/shoes/pre race nutrition.0 -
To clarify - you mean a full marathon as in 42km (26 miles) right?
I've seen some people refer to other race distances as a marathon on here, so just wanted to clarify.0 -
Begin loading up on carbs and stretching daily--roll out on a foam roller, if possible. Start hydrating NOW. Experiment with pre-workout drinks and/or energy "Gu" NOW, if that interests you. Don't begin using those things on the day of the marathon. Take probiotic supplements to keep your digestive system regular and healthy. Slowly start gathering everything you'll need for the marathon as a way to stay organized and mentally prepare for the race. Closely monitor the predicted weather conditions at your race site. Purchase band-aids and an anti-chafting cream/bar: band-aids for your nipples (trust me) and anti-chafting medicine for anything that could POSSIBLY rub together on your body. Buy a new race outfit (look good, feel good!), but WASH IT before your marathon to soften it up a little bit. Feel free to add me for more tips and tricks!
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Ideally you should have done a couple of 18-20 mile runs by now. Either that training schedule was for a half marathon or they took your money and ran....
Where do you see that he has not done this? He just says he ran 12 miles yesterday not what he's done other days. He notes his speed on his longer runs, but not what the distance of his longer runs is. If he's talking of a real marathon, surely it's occurred to him to actually try something close to that distance at some point by now.0 -
CindyFooWho wrote: »Ideally you should have done a couple of 18-20 mile runs by now. Either that training schedule was for a half marathon or they took your money and ran....
Where do you see that he has not done this? He just says he ran 12 miles yesterday not what he's done other days. He notes his speed on his longer runs, but not what the distance of his longer runs is. If he's talking of a real marathon, surely it's occurred to him to actually try something close to that distance at some point by now.
Where do you see that he has done it? No, me neither....0 -
of course you are a runner, don't be silly.
Many training plans peak mileage wise at around 2 weeks prior to race. It is a fair guess to assume the race is actually a half marathon or long runs are too short to be able enjoy the race and finish without any problems.0 -
I apologize that my first post was unclear of my training program and I appreciate all of the responses. I have ran 20 miles 2 different times in my training. I have tried gu during one of my 20 mile runs and I will probably use the gu, however I am not a big drinker or I don't like to eat a whole lot during my runs. For example on my 12 mile run, I don't eat or drink anything. I have practiced drinking a little and taking 100 calories of gu every 5 miles and that seemed to work well with my last 20 mile run. The conditions look like a small chance for light rain with a high of 60 degrees but the race is at 7:30 in the morning so most of the race will be around 50 degree weather if I am guessing. Both of 20 mile runs I have started off slow and felt great at the end. It felt like I could run 26 miles.0
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TavistockToad wrote: »You shouldn't be doing anything apart from tapering now. And you shouldn't be doing anything in the race you haven't done in training - clothes/shoes/pre race nutrition.
This.0 -
I've done 94 marathons and 3 ironmans, and have had fun at most of them. (The one where I had food poisoning, and the one with pouring rain, 33 degree temps and gale force winds, not so much)
Here's my most important tips:
1) Wear moisture wicking clothing, socks etc. (I'm hoping you've already done this and have trained your 20 milers in what you are planning to wear)
2) Liberally use body glide for any areas that might chafe (feet and naughty bits, for example) and/or use round band-aids as nipple protection. You might be surprised by areas that are ok at 20 miles, but are not at 26.
3) Make having fun your main goal. Any time goal should be a far second priority for your first marathon.
4) Stick to your easy pace for the first half of the race!! It is SO easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and run much faster at the start. DON'T DO IT! You will pay for it in the last 6 miles. If you are of a personality type that you question your ability to exert self-control in this area (which is most runners), I suggest sticking with the pace group a bit slower than any time goal (which if you are expecting to run 9 to 10 mile pace average the whole way would probably be 415 or 430 groups). If your race doesn't have pace groups, keep an eye out for older marathon maniacs or 50 states marathon club people (most wear shirts identifying them as such). Chat them up in the starting corral, see what their expected pace is. If it is in keeping with your pace, ask if you can stick with them for the first several miles. Most of these people are marathon veterans and would be more than happy to help a marathon virgin. I've made many a friend chatting up a stranger during a marathon.
5) Thank the volunteers. Joke around with spectators. Think about how grateful you are to be able to do what you are doing right now. Being in a good mental place makes the physical trial more bearable.
You put the training in. You got this! Good luck!
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SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »To clarify - you mean a full marathon as in 42km (26 miles) right?
I've seen some people refer to other race distances as a marathon on here, so just wanted to clarify.
26.2 but let's not get picky about this.
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dee_thurman wrote: »I apologize that my first post was unclear of my training program and I appreciate all of the responses. I have ran 20 miles 2 different times in my training. I have tried gu during one of my 20 mile runs and I will probably use the gu, however I am not a big drinker or I don't like to eat a whole lot during my runs. For example on my 12 mile run, I don't eat or drink anything. I have practiced drinking a little and taking 100 calories of gu every 5 miles and that seemed to work well with my last 20 mile run. The conditions look like a small chance for light rain with a high of 60 degrees but the race is at 7:30 in the morning so most of the race will be around 50 degree weather if I am guessing. Both of 20 mile runs I have started off slow and felt great at the end. It felt like I could run 26 miles.
Do this. Do exactly all of this that you've been doing and change nothing. Don't even get rid of that one sock that has a hole in the big toe. Keep it. Pretend you're going on a practice 20 mile run and just do an extra 10k when you're done. Good luck and most of all have fun.0 -
SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage wrote: »To clarify - you mean a full marathon as in 42km (26 miles) right?
I've seen some people refer to other race distances as a marathon on here, so just wanted to clarify.
26.2 but let's not get picky about this.
42.2.0 -
My best tips to enjoy your first marathon:
1) Nothing new: don't wear the race shirt, don't try out new socks, etc. etc.
2) Start slow and build up faster later, if you want to. Start too fast and you'll regret it halfway through. (Trust me!)
3) BRING EXTRAS. Race check bag: extra socks (nothing like dry socks after running 26.2 in sweaty ones!), extra clothes. Extra gels/fuel with you during the race if you're bringing your own; at one marathon, I knew I'd take 4 gels but brought one extra... and good thing I did, because one of them wouldn't open! Without the extra, I'd have been screwed.0 -
marathon_44 wrote: »I've done 94 marathons and 3 ironmans, and have had fun at most of them. (The one where I had food poisoning, and the one with pouring rain, 33 degree temps and gale force winds, not so much)
Here's my most important tips:
1) Wear moisture wicking clothing, socks etc. (I'm hoping you've already done this and have trained your 20 milers in what you are planning to wear)
2) Liberally use body glide for any areas that might chafe (feet and naughty bits, for example) and/or use round band-aids as nipple protection. You might be surprised by areas that are ok at 20 miles, but are not at 26.
3) Make having fun your main goal. Any time goal should be a far second priority for your first marathon.
4) Stick to your easy pace for the first half of the race!! It is SO easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and run much faster at the start. DON'T DO IT! You will pay for it in the last 6 miles. If you are of a personality type that you question your ability to exert self-control in this area (which is most runners), I suggest sticking with the pace group a bit slower than any time goal (which if you are expecting to run 9 to 10 mile pace average the whole way would probably be 415 or 430 groups). If your race doesn't have pace groups, keep an eye out for older marathon maniacs or 50 states marathon club people (most wear shirts identifying them as such). Chat them up in the starting corral, see what their expected pace is. If it is in keeping with your pace, ask if you can stick with them for the first several miles. Most of these people are marathon veterans and would be more than happy to help a marathon virgin. I've made many a friend chatting up a stranger during a marathon.
5) Thank the volunteers. Joke around with spectators. Think about how grateful you are to be able to do what you are doing right now. Being in a good mental place makes the physical trial more bearable.
You put the training in. You got this! Good luck!
AAAH, yes! The bolded part: this!! Body glide, Vaseline, whatever. I use it on my toes inside my socks and other chafe-y places. Works like a charm.0 -
Watch this several times. Learn it so you can refer to it in your head near the end.
And don't pants your poop.
https://youtu.be/NsMw10KVVCk
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I ran one the month before I turned 50. If I could do it you can do it! The secret-just keep going!0
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i appreciate all of the tips.
I never thought of
bringing extra clothes after the race...
The idea of bringing an extra gel ...
Wearing body glide...
Do you put the glide in between your toes? I haven't had any problems with this or blisters (knock on wood)... Should i wear it anyway?
I was planning on trying to run around a 9:00 - 9:30 pace which I normally do on my runs without even thinking about it. Towards the end see how I feel and go from there. With the number one goal to enjoy the race and try to stay as healthy as I can.
The last thing I worry about is the tapering... I felt pretty good running my 20 mile run without tapering. I was used to the feeling of the long run. Since my last 20, I have ran on Sunday 12 miles, and the following week 12 miles and this Sunday i have an 8 mile run and then on Saturday i have the marathon. The week leading up to the marathon I am supposed to take Monday off. Run Tuesday for 3 or 4 miles. Wed off, thur off and friday run 2 miles. I am afraid of tapering that much. I feel like i could gain a couple of pounds during that time (which I don't won't to feel different/heavy during the run) I feel like i will feel sluggish... I have played basketball in the past at a decent level of competition and did not like the end of the season practices and the feeling of tapering towards the end of the season. I know there is science behind tapering and letting your body rest before your race... I just don't know for me if that is the best thing. My plan right now is to do exactly what the training says to do. I feel like i should just run a light 4 or 5 miles every day with a day off the day before and then run the marathon. I have no experience of running a marathon and I am smart enough to know that I probably don't know what I am doing. So I will just follow the training plan and see what happens.
I normally do a light lift 3 days a week for about 50 minutes. Everything I read says not to lift the week of the marathon as well. I plan on taking those days off... To be honest, it doesn't feel right not doing anything for such a long time.
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Bodyglide is your friend. I use it liberally where my short's jock contact my legs, inner thighs, and of course my nipples. Lots on the nipples! Of course if you have not needed any of that so far on your 20 milers - you probably are fine. Don't change anything other than what you are used to.
Sounds like your plan has you tapering properly. Maybe a 3 mile JOG (10:30 - 11:00) pace on Wed if you want.
Start around Wed also eating a bit more complex carbs and less spice and grease.
Sounds like you will be fine and the race day adrenaline will carry you through. But yes resist going out too strong. Start real slow.. if your goal pace it 9:30 - shoot for 9:45 your first mile and then gradually speed up.
There is a big difference (for me) in a 20 mile run and 26.2. That last 6 miles is brutal. My wall is around the 18 mile mark .. even in training. That last mile is stupid long for some reason. That last .2 is easy though!
Have fun!
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100% agree with the tips already said:
- Bodyglide between and round your toes, and under the arms, round where your chest strap goes if you're using a HRM.
- Go out SLOWER than your training runs, be strict with yourself on this, at half way if you feel good pick it up just a little, still feeling good at 21m? Pick it up again, you'll storm past others who are by that time walking having hit the wall. You'll achieve the coveted negative split and feel great, enjoying the race. I didn't believe I could do this but took a leap of faith in the advice given to me. It worked, I ran those last few miles like they were a 5k.
- Loo roll - take some for the start and some for during the race, you never know when you'll need it.
- Eat what you normally do for breaky beforehand but preferably avoid high fibre.
- Make sure you remember to drink & eat regularly, don't forget because the race atmosphere distracts you.
- Take lots of photos before and after to savour one of the best days of your life0 -
Marathon is tomorrow! I appreciate all of your thoughts and help.1
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enjoy your run! Smile . Have fun. Finish strong.0
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Tapering is not optional. You've been working your body on the 20 mile runs, and tapering gives your body a chance to fully heal and grow the muscles you've been working on. I know it's hard to give yourself permission to do it. I'm really bad about "well, is 12 is okay, 15 must be better!", but don't do the extra. It will be fine.dee_thurman wrote: »I am afraid of tapering that much. I feel like i could gain a couple of pounds during that time (which I don't won't to feel different/heavy during the run) I feel like i will feel sluggish... I have played basketball in the past at a decent level of competition and did not like the end of the season practices and the feeling of tapering towards the end of the season. I know there is science behind tapering and letting your body rest before your race... I just don't know for me if that is the best thing.
You gain pounds in the kitchen, so just watch your intake. Make sure you get enough protein and carbs, but don't go over maintenance these two weeks. You won't gain and you won't feel sluggish.
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finished my marathon today - I loved the experience. It was a great time (maybe minus the last 3 miles.) I ran a 3:56. I appreciate all of your thoughts and info that all of you gave me heading into my first marathon. It was unforgettable.1
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1 0:08:51 1.00 8'50"
11%
2 0:08:36 1.00 8'37"
5%
3 0:08:48 1.00 8'45"
9%
4 0:08:30 1.00 8'32"
3%
5 0:08:39 1.00 8'37"
5%
6 0:08:39 1.00 8'41"
7%
7 0:08:42 1.00 8'39"
6%
8 0:08:27 1.00 8'28"
1%
9 0:08:45 1.00 8'45"
8%
10 0:08:36 1.00 8'36"
5%
11 0:08:36 1.00 8'35"
4%
12 0:08:33 1.00 8'33"
3%
13 0:08:33 1.00 8'32"
3%
14 0:08:27 1.00 8'26"
1%
15 0:08:24 1.00 8'25"
0%
16 0:08:45 1.00 8'43"
8%
17 0:09:00 1.00 8'58"
14%
18 0:08:54 1.00 8'54"
12%
19 0:08:54 1.00 8'55"
13%
20 0:08:42 1.00 8'42"
7%
21 0:08:57 1.00 8'57"
13%
22 0:08:57 1.00 8'55"
13%
23 0:09:09 1.00 9'08"
18%
24 0:09:48 1.00 9'47"
35%
25 0:11:12 1.00 11'12"
70%
26 0:11:18 1.00 11'17"
72%
27 0:05:08 0.41 12'24"1 -
Mile 23 I started feeling a little different and I cramped up the last 3 miles. If I could have avoided cramping It would have been a different feeling running the last 3 miles. I ran on the hottest day of the year (not even close) in my area. Even with all of that, I had a blast doing it and I hope to do it again!1
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Good job! Now for your next marathon consider running over 20 miles at least once before the race and do taper.0
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Very cool! Congrats!0
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Congrats!!0
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meritage4, I agree that I need to train over 20 miles. My body felt great for 23 miles. After the race I was really dehydrated. I think that had an effect on me as well. I do think that running over 20 miles in training would help me personally.0
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