How is it possible?

[Suzy Mouse]

I FINALLY got in my 20 miler today ! As I stopped I felt as if there was no way I could run another 6 miles . My legs were Jell-o. UGH..

When you were training....did you feel this way??? Will the adrenaline kick in???

Here's to hoping and praying...

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Hi,
This is my first time too, and I'm pretty nervous about the same thing. I finished my 20, but it was pretty ugly by the end. I kept telling myself not to think about 26.2, but the thought did keep creeping in: if this is so hard, how will I do 26.2? Marathoners I know keep assuring me that if I've finished my 20 (and I have one more next week on my plan), that I'll be able to do it come race day. Sometimes, though, I just find it hard to believe!

I'm trying to "trust the plan," but it's intimidating sometimes.

I could use any reassurance from experienced runners too!
Thanks!

 

[RunningGirl]

Think back - you probably felt the same way at the end of shorter runs as well! Every time you extend your long run your body adjusts and allows you to run a little further. I also did my 20 miles today and it was great - until the last 3 miles!

I have done the Disney marathon before and will tell you that if you can make it to 20 it's a much more pleasant run from 20-26. You'll be heading into the Studios and then along a lovely path to Epcot and the finish. There will be lots of spectator support during that last 6 miles which will really energize you!

You can do this. You WILL do this!!

 

[cewait]

Adding further….

Really on race day you are running to the end. Let me explain. When training you can always stop and try again later or just bag the run. Your mind has learned little triggers that will cause pause and start you to think, “I just can’t go any longer.” It’s triggered because the brain is trying to preserve itself and food supplies. Now since you have SUCESSFULLY run 20 miles you have developed a few games of your own that could be called work arounds. These are those simple little cues that keep you going to the end of your long runs. It may be just run to the next light post, keep in touch with the runner in front of me, dedicating a mile to someone who supports you. (note if you have not thought about this – do so by just reviewing what thoughts or actions got you to the end of the tough runs.

As posted above you do have the crowds which will get you through the last three miles. These crowds will also carry you through those little tough areas that you will inevitably experience earlier in the race. “Crowds” may only be idle talk with the runner next to you but it is something that keeps you focused on what’s ahead, not what’s happening.

Finally, know that you must get to the end will carry you through some of the tuff areas. It’s a simple motivator but a powerful one. Note that you will need to break the end up at times to the next pole, next aid station or next crack in the pavement. As you have experienced with your 20 mile runs, you will start to feel the feelings you described. Trust your training; trust you hydration; trust your nutrition; trust your will to move forward.

You are ready to do this. You have overcome the toughest part of the event – training. Use race day as a celebration and go out and have fun! It’s OK to feel uneasy at 4:30 on January 10 as most runners in the gathering area are feeling it to some degree… they are lying if they tell you they have no uneasiness. Talk with you new friends, enjoy the festive atmosphere pre-race, have fun on the march to the corrals, enjoy the Star Spangled Banner and fireworks. You are ready and will soon be marathoners.

 

[jenthemom22]

Thank you for your reply, Charles.

Your words of wisdom are so appreciated by us new runners. Good luck in your race, as well.

Jen

 

[ironz]

Excellent post, Charles.

 

[PCFriar80]

Thanks Coach! I struggled with my 18 miler today and have my 20 miler next week. It was 15 degrees and windy so I'm going to write it off to that. The water bottle I placed at the 12 mile mark was frozen solid and the gels in my my pocket, well let's say they were more like molasses from the fridge. One more long one and then I taper. I am also beginning to not like running, but I've made it this far so I'm over that.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Everything that has been said and when you get there on race day you will do it! You will. A lot is mind over matter. Now and during the event is when you visualize yourself crossing the line and donning the medal.

Be mindful of your pace on race day so you don't get caught in the adrenalin and do too much too soon.

Have fun any way you can!

 

[Duanerice]

We all felt the same way and some of us still feel this way even after running successful marathons. I have completed Goofy and still wonder if I can run the full marathon. No kidding, that's just the way it is.

I struggled with every long run this year. The 19 mile run today was tough from mile 9 on. Feet were killing me, legs hurt, yada yada yada.

But once you get to the race everything changes. No the excitement won't get you through if you are not trained, but if you are, you'll make it.

Another big difference that Charles alluded to is that your run for the day will be 26.2 miles, not 20. My mind knows how far I am running. I get tired after a 10 mile run because I know I am running 10 miles. I get tired after a 12 mile run because I know I am running 12 miles. Just a little trick the mind plays. You'll know you have to go the full 26.2 so your mind should adjust accordingly.

Hang in there. Remember, by the time you get to the race, all the hard work is over. This is actually the reward!

See you in few weeks!
Duane

 

[scoolover]

Charles had a really good answer. Here is a not so good one. If you can do the 20, you will finish the race. You may hate it and want to jump off an overpass (mile19). You may also question what the hell you were thinking when you signed up. You may be annoyed at people who seem happy out there and you may want to kill a spectator who says that, "you are almost there", before you can see the finish line (about 800 times).

Like Rocky says in Rocky Balboa, "The marathon ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as a marathon. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"

Okay, so I changed the word life to marathon but the point is still the same. Keep moving forward and keep putting one foot in front of the other.

 

[cewait]

I have that Rocky quote on my wall at work. There are days I need it.

I think 2001 Disney had a special treat on the Mile 19 bridge. As we came up it sounded like the largest crowd in the world cheering and yelling for runners. As we came up the slope and peaked no crowd, just speakers and canned crowd noise. I was so disappointed.

I almost forgot about runners coming back and cheering. I found and befriended a man named Don. We worked for Animation and was back stage in then MGM. He was standing there in a soft yet forceful voice, holding up his Mickey making eye contact and just saying don't give up this is what you came for. At first I was miffed but soon turned that into energy to get through the last 5k. Today Don is a little slower and I am a little faster and I actually find him as I head back to the room. I thank him and stand there yelling for the folks who are pushing 7. He is at Mile 24 & change and will be in his race clothing with his soft voice encouraging you to get to the end.

 

[Kirsty-Leigh]

Charles had a really good answer. Here is a not so good one. If you can do the 20, you will finish the race. You may hate it and want to jump off an overpass (mile19). You may also question what the hell you were thinking when you signed up. You may be annoyed at people who seem happy out there and you may want to kill a spectator who says that, "you are almost there", before you can see the finish line (about 800 times).

sorry to go off topic slightly but this made me laugh and reminded me of my 17 mike run last week when a car made and illegal turn as I was on the crosswalk at mile 16 and instead of waiting patiently for me to cross he started revving his engine and swearing at me, i thought to myself just hit me I can't hurt much more than I am right now and then I wouldn't have to run another mile, but thankfully he didn't hit me and I completed my miles in one piece! Bt it goes to show you those miles can make you slightly delierious and if anyone sees me trying to take a shortcut home by jumping off the overpass please try and talk some sense into me! We can do it, don't let one bad run discourage you think of how far you have come when you have started and how proud you will be when you finish!

Good luck and see you at the finish line

kirsty

 

[GBBTomorrow]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you all so much for your encouraging words. I am so grateful for all the input and positive thoughts. This is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, and now that it's getting so close it's hard to imagine really doing it. When I started running at age 38 in September of 2008, I could run about a quarter of a mile. Now I'm about to turn 40, and here is what DH and I have been working toward, right around the corner. We'll make it!

Thanks again. You all are lovely.

 

[Suzy Mouse]

Thank you all for your support. Hopefully the mind will be working to its fullest potential on Marathon day!!! I WILL DO THIS!!!!

GBB Tomorrow...I'm right there with you. I started in March of 2008 as well and could only run a cul de sac in my neighborhood. Fast forward a year to when my sister registered us as my 40th birthday gift I was up to 3 miles. Never did I think I could do this and now I am almost there!!!

YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS!!! WE ALL ARE!!!!

 

[cewait]

On the afternoon of January 10 you WILL have the biggest grins of your lives. I started my journey as a 40 yo quest and have been living the new lifestyle for 11 years. I cannot even think that I would ever head back to the life I had before.

One thing - will have lots of emotions Sunday during the race - which we have discussed above but post race are even higher.

We did not talk about running Main. I still get weepy with the echo of the canyon and the yells and cheers of the big crowd. Then comes a little let down as you are forced to work around Tomorrow Land to Cinderella Castle. That is a hoot. Leaving MK is always a little downer for me. Don’t worry as Disney has added some entertainment (little but some).

But post race you will share a special moment with a Voluntear as they place your hard earned medal around your neck. It’s heavier than you think but you will have that grin. Over the next few days you will face several emotions ranging from I will never do this again to where can I sign up again. You will be confused as co-workers are interested but then not really. Brag over the next week but understand that when they ask how long was this marathon? Do not make any future decisions about next races until you have been home for a week or two. You will want to sign up again then feel no way the next day. Within a week the race pains will have subsided and you will be able to make a good decision once again.

I am so excited for you guys!!!! I can hardly stand it. Your enthusiasm is contagious