2 questions from a newbie

[laughinplace199]

There are so many wise, experienced runners and walkers here, so I have come to you for advice. Thanks in advance for reading this.

1. Is 20 miles really a long enough run when training for the full? My training plan has a 20 miler as the longest run. I did it yesterday and survived, but I honestly don't think I could have done 6.2 more miles. I'm very nervous that I won't be able to finish.


2. Is how I felt yesterday and today - after running 20 miles - any indication of how I'll feel after 26.2 miles? Or does that extra 6.2 miles make the recovery that much worse? I felt pretty good yesterday and today. A little sore, but not as bad as I was expecting. I guess I'm just wondering what to expect for the day of and after the marathon. It would be great if I felt good enough to enjoy the parks.

Thanks for any help you can give me!

 

[momof2minnies]

Julie,
I am from western Ma and am wondering how in the world you did 20 miles yesterday in the blizzard? Treadmill- wow kudos to you if you did.I am due for my 20 miles tomorrow with more snow on the way.It may not be possible to get it in this week.I do know people who have run marathons on no more than a 19 mile long run.I have done my 18 and asked someone who has been there before and she said that last year her longest run was 16, so it is doable.

Linda

 

[hockeygirl]

Last year for my first full, I didn't do longer than 16 miles due to some IT band issues I was having right before the race. And, I was able to do 26.2 and I was fine. Adrenaline will carry you that day, and the excitement of the race! If you got your 20 miler in you will be fine, especially if your goal is just to finish the race.

As for enjoying the parks afterwards...the best thing you can do is get out and walk around after the race. Last year, I went back to the hotel, took an ice bath and headed out to AK. I was a little sore but not nearly as bad as I thought. The next day, I felt great with only a little soreness. So, you may have to take it slow at the parks, but definetely do it...it is cool walking around with your medal on...everyone congratulates you!!

 

[laughinplace199]

Julie,
I am from western Ma and am wondering how in the world you did 20 miles yesterday in the blizzard? Treadmill- wow kudos to you if you did.I am due for my 20 miles tomorrow with more snow on the way.It may not be possible to get it in this week.I do know people who have run marathons on no more than a 19 mile long run.I have done my 18 and asked someone who has been there before and she said that last year her longest run was 16, so it is doable.

Linda

Luckily, DH & I got our 20 miles in yesterday morning before the storm hit. We usually do our long runs on Sat, but we knew that wouldn't work this weekend. Obviously, Sun wouldn't work either so we were really lucky that we could fit it in on Fri.

It is encouraging to hear that 16-19 mile runs are enough to prepare to the marathon. I guess I'm just so nervous since this is my first marathon.

I hope that you're somehow able to get your run in, although it sounds like you'll be fine even if you can't run since you've already done 18.

 

[laughinplace199]

Last year for my first full, I didn't do longer than 16 miles due to some IT band issues I was having right before the race. And, I was able to do 26.2 and I was fine. Adrenaline will carry you that day, and the excitement of the race! If you got your 20 miler in you will be fine, especially if your goal is just to finish the race.

As for enjoying the parks afterwards...the best thing you can do is get out and walk around after the race. Last year, I went back to the hotel, took an ice bath and headed out to AK. I was a little sore but not nearly as bad as I thought. The next day, I felt great with only a little soreness. So, you may have to take it slow at the parks, but definetely do it...it is cool walking around with your medal on...everyone congratulates you!!

Thank you for these encouraging words! I had been having some IT band issues for the past few weeks, but I went to a physical therapist and after a week of doing the exercises she suggested, I had a great run. I was just really worried because I don't think I could have run much more than 20 yesterday. 26.2 seems so far... As you said, I'll hope that adrenaline and the excitement of the race will get me to the end. I just want to cross that finish line!

I haven't been brave enough to try an ice bath. Do you feel that it really helps? I'm willing to try anything if it will help me to feel good enough to enjoy the parks after the race.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Julie, you will do fine. The excitement of the event will get you through those last miles. You and DH will get each other there if you are planning to go the same pace. If not, then the support of the other participants will get you there. You will be amazed at the encouragement offered amongst participants and those on the sidelines cheering you along.

Picture yourself wearing the medal through the parks after and nothing can stop you.

I did my first event after doing 22 miles, the next ones I realized it was not necessary to do this.

Enjoy the excitement and the taper madness!

 

[laughinplace199]

Julie, you will do fine. The excitement of the event will get you through those last miles. You and DH will get each other there if you are planning to go the same pace. If not, then the support of the other participants will get you there. You will be amazed at the encouragement offered amongst participants and those on the sidelines cheering you along.

Picture yourself wearing the medal through the parks after and nothing can stop you.

I did my first event after doing 22 miles, the next ones I realized it was not necessary to do this.

Enjoy the excitement and the taper madness!

Thank you! I like the idea of picturing myself wearing the medal. That should help me get to the finish line.

 

[TnTsParty]

I am a little nervous myself. Last week I did the 18 miler and I worried about being able to keep it up for the next 9 miles. My goal is to finish but of course I have a time in mind that I would like to be better than. I have done one half marathon and think I might end up sticking with that distance in the future. I definately wanted the Mickey medal as my first marathon medal though. I love my 3 other Disney medals and I loved wearing them around the parks. I am sure I will be even prouder to be wearing that Mickey!!

I am going to deviate from the training schedule and put my 20 miler off till next weekend. I just don't have time this weekend with Christmas coming up. I also need to get a new pair of shoes before I get my 20 miler in and I am hoping for some $ for Christmas. Since I have done 3 longer distance races I know that I am better to not take too much of a taper before the race. I am not the best about getting all my during the week runs in so I feel I don't want to slack too much. I am also using my notes from my training prior to my half marathon (which I finished 6 minutes quicker then the time I anticipated) so I think I will be fine doing the 20 miler next weekend. YIKES I can't believe this thing will be here in 3 weeks!!!

Good luck everyone!!

 

[Cruella de mom]

2. Is how I felt yesterday and today - after running 20 miles - any indication of how I'll feel after 26.2 miles?

First off, NOTHING can compare to race day. I promise that you CAN finish.
Relax and know that you have trained and you are prepared.

As for how you feel after, it depends on a million factors. I felt miserable after my 20 mile run last year but I was dancing at the end of the marathon.

1. You have 2 weeks of taper that is going to do wonders for how you feel.
2. You will probably be more careful about what you eat before the week before the marathon so you will come into it well fueled.
2. The same with hydration. You will be well hydrated for days before the marathon and this helps the body perform and recover.
3. The weather, which is out of our control, will also play a factor.
4. There is a HUGE crowd of people cheering you in to the finish. This completely dissolves any pain or discomfort as you cruise into the finish line. Its like taking a serious painkiller - the kind that make you feel slightly buzzed and happy too. You have a few moments to feel like king of the earth.
5. You are at Disney World
6. There are 22000 other people hurting as much or more than you. Plus that heavy medal hanging around your neck says "you did it!"

Race day is different than training. And something about it keeps us coming back for more.

 

[laughinplace199]

First off, NOTHING can compare to race day. I promise that you CAN finish.
Relax and know that you have trained and you are prepared.

As for how you feel after, it depends on a million factors. I felt miserable after my 20 mile run last year but I was dancing at the end of the marathon.

1. You have 2 weeks of taper that is going to do wonders for how you feel.
2. You will probably be more careful about what you eat before the week before the marathon so you will come into it well fueled.
2. The same with hydration. You will be well hydrated for days before the marathon and this helps the body perform and recover.
3. The weather, which is out of our control, will also play a factor.
4. There is a HUGE crowd of people cheering you in to the finish. This completely dissolves any pain or discomfort as you cruise into the finish line. Its like taking a serious painkiller - the kind that make you feel slightly buzzed and happy too. You have a few moments to feel like king of the earth.
5. You are at Disney World
6. There are 22000 other people hurting as much or more than you. Plus that heavy medal hanging around your neck says "you did it!"

Race day is different than training. And something about it keeps us coming back for more.

Thank you for this post - it really made me feel a lot better! I'm definitely still nervous, but less so. I'll just plan on being as prepared as I can be and giving it my best shot.

 

[smileyk8]

Thank you for these encouraging words! I had been having some IT band issues for the past few weeks, but I went to a physical therapist and after a week of doing the exercises she suggested, I had a great run. I was just really worried because I don't think I could have run much more than 20 yesterday. 26.2 seems so far... As you said, I'll hope that adrenaline and the excitement of the race will get me to the end. I just want to cross that finish line!

I haven't been brave enough to try an ice bath. Do you feel that it really helps? I'm willing to try anything if it will help me to feel good enough to enjoy the parks after the race.

so sorry but i'm about hijack thread.

Before that- great to read the advice, just about to start marathon training for boston (with sports tour package- not a fast runner!) and my longest scheduled run is also 20miles so must be fairly standard.

Right- i was wondering what the exercises your PT had you doing for such a massive improvement in ITB in 1 week. I'm having major issues, despite doing my exercises!!!! Thanks (and sorry )

 

[laughinplace199]

so sorry but i'm about hijack thread.

Before that- great to read the advice, just about to start marathon training for boston (with sports tour package- not a fast runner!) and my longest scheduled run is also 20miles so must be fairly standard.

Right- i was wondering what the exercises your PT had you doing for such a massive improvement in ITB in 1 week. I'm having major issues, despite doing my exercises!!!! Thanks (and sorry )

No worries about hijacking - I'm happy to help if I can. Here is a list of the exercises that I do (at least twice a day):

ITB Stretch I
Piriformis Stretch
Illiotibial Band Stretch
Hip Abduction, Sidelying
Gluteus Medius, Level One
Terminal Knee Ext, Supine
SLR, Flexion, Supine
Hip Abduction w/elastic
IT band (outer thigh) massage w/roller

My issues were mostly with my knee. I would be fine for 8 or 9 miles, then the pain would start. It turns out my IT band is weak on my left side, so that was causing my knee issues. I was not expecting to feel so great after only a week. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Have your seen a Dr or PT? Prior to my visit to the PT, I was doing lots of stretches and some yoga. But, apparently, they weren't the correct stretches for my issue. One visit to the PT and a new list of stretches and I am so much happier! I am going back for 3 more visits before the marathon, just to make sure I'm staying on the right track. Plus, my PT is a runner who has done many marathons, so she has lots of great advice to give.

Good luck with your ITB issues and good luck with Boston!

 

[smileyk8]

Julie thank you so much for that list- i've looked them all up on youtube (that site does have some uses!) and will add a couple to my routine. You're a star!

 

[laughinplace199]

Julie thank you so much for that list- i've looked them all up on youtube (that site does have some uses!) and will add a couple to my routine. You're a star!

I'm glad I could help, Kate. I hope your ITB issues are resolved soon.

 

[momof2minnies]

Julie,
It seems there are alot of people who have tons of good advice.I am glad you started this thread, it helps to see the experience of others to help us through.

We are in the middle of another blizzard.

I made a decision yesterday to completely forego my 20 miles, 18 is my longest and I will taper from there.I can't afford to get sick now, just getting over that virus.I hope adrenaline pulls me through- now all I have to worry about is not having it be TOM for me- Oh so much to think about!!!!!!!!

Linda

 

[laughinplace199]

Julie,
It seems there are alot of people who have tons of good advice.I am glad you started this thread, it helps to see the experience of others to help us through.

We are in the middle of another blizzard.

I made a decision yesterday to completely forego my 20 miles, 18 is my longest and I will taper from there.I can't afford to get sick now, just getting over that virus.I hope adrenaline pulls me through- now all I have to worry about is not having it be TOM for me- Oh so much to think about!!!!!!!!

Linda

We're getting the snow here right now. Although I think it's only supposed to be a few inches, it's been snowing all morning and it looks like we may get more than predicted. I usually like snow (up until the end of Dec, then I hate it), but we're really getting clobbered this week.

From what everyone says, your 18 miler is enough to get you across that finish line. As far as TOM, I'm not even thinking about that. I wonder if there's some TOM pixie dust out there for the female racers?

 

[momof2minnies]

Yeah I am the 2 inches is enough snow person and once xmas is over I want palm trees and Jimmy Buffet, a little tough here in western Ma., I feel I am a Floridian at heart.

I just read the program from cover to cover and took notes- yeah crazy I know but I can't print the thing for some reason.

I was wondering, what pace do you plan on trying to keep throughout the race? What is your number? Maybe if we run at the same pace there is a chance I can find you- in a crowd of 22,000!

Linda

 

[laughinplace199]

Yeah I am the 2 inches is enough snow person and once xmas is over I want palm trees and Jimmy Buffet, a little tough here in western Ma., I feel I am a Floridian at heart.

I just read the program from cover to cover and took notes- yeah crazy I know but I can't print the thing for some reason.

I was wondering, what pace do you plan on trying to keep throughout the race? What is your number? Maybe if we run at the same pace there is a chance I can find you- in a crowd of 22,000!Linda

My bib# is 11590. I'm a slow-ish runner. I usually do an 11 or 11.5 min/mile. My DH is faster, but he'll run at my pace for the race. How about you? It would be great to meet in real life. I'll be wearing my lime green WISH hat, but I'm sure tons of others will be too, so that might not help distinguish me from the pack.

 

[laughinplace199]

Linda, I just noticed your signature with your times from the halfs (halves?) you've run. You're way faster than me! I've run one half and my time was 2:30.

 

[momof2minnies]

Julie,
Just did my 14 miles-wow is it freezing out there.About 10 degrees.I did decide to drop the 20 miler and not make myself sick or insane!So now I taper-Yeah!

I would not say I was way faster it was only by 13 minutes or so.My bib number is 14191.I am in the F corral- red zone.It must be exciting to be doing this with your husband.

Linda