The WALL, Fact or Fable? Discussion Topic

[windwalker]

You have all heard about it. People new to the challange of the marathon wonder about it. Is it a reality or is it just not being properly hydrated or consuming enouth calories along the course?

If the WALL is a fact why can ultra runners and walkers do what they do?

I'm going to give my opinion and experiences them ask for other WISHers to give us their perspective and experiences.

I experience the WALL on my marathons. During my training I go 20 miles for my long walk, usually at least twice. I drink very little water while training, I start well hydrated and then drink a lot after it's over. I might drink a bottle during the walk if it's a warm day. This is in training.

When I do a marathon I drink a few onces at each water station. If there is gator or power ade I'll drink that instead. I will eat banana sections if they are available and eat the gels or a cliff shot every few miles.

Even with doing this I run out of gas at about 22 miles, I hit my WALL. From that point on I'm going on will power. I hurt, my toes are now sore from bumping into the end of my shoe, my legs hurt all over. The difference is startling, it's like a switch was flipped. I go from feeling a little tired, since I've been walking for 5 hours, to being just overcome with a crushing fatigue.

My thinking is that if I trained with several long walks of 25 miles plus I would probably not hit a Wall and I think that's how Ultra athletes do it. Since I consume plenty of liquid and calories during the race I don't think that is my problem.

I have read where the WALL is the point where you have used all your stored sugar fuel and you are switching over to using fat for your fuel which is not as efficient as the sugars.

If the WALL is so bad, why do we keep coming back? Because it's the ultimate thrill ride? You go those last miles on the strength of your will, you learn that you do have a power within you that you can tap, when you have nothing else left. The feeling when you finally cross that finish line can't be discribed, it must be felt.

Ok brother and sister marathoners, please share your opinions and knowledge.

Wall Smacking Panda

 

[Duanerice]

WOW Dave, I could have written that. The only difference is that I do drink a lot when I run. Maybe that explains why I get lost a lot

Since I only have one one marathon under my belt I can only speak about that experience. I hit the WALL big time around mile 22. My memory is foggy at this point as to the exact mile. But I had a miserable time going through Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. What should have been fun was miserable. I had nothing left. I walked for a minute or so every half mile towards the end. I actually had to stop a few times as even walking wasn't helping. I think I stopped 4 times going around EPCOT, the last time being at mile 26. Just for about 15 seconds, but I had to stop. I knew I was going to make it though. No doubt in my mind!

I had a goal to finish in under 5 hours and had it easily wrapped up until mile 22. The last 4.2 miles probably took me an hour to get through. But I was determined. It would have been easier to walk it in the last few miles but I would have been so upset to go that far and miss my goal by a few minutes. So, run and stop, run and stop.

I did train with a long run of 22 miles. I drink a lot when I train, especially down here in Florida. I think I was about a prepared as I could be. I drank a lot of water and PowerAde the week before the race. I drank at every water stop, alternating between PowerAde and water. I took a Gu every 45 minutes or so. I had 4 for the race. I didn't have any the last 45 minutes or so and maybe that made a difference. Not sure of the mile marker, but the last time they passed out the gels I should have taken one. I thought about it afterward. I could have used one of the Espressos with double caffeine. I didn't take one because I was used to Gu and not the brand they gave out. I think this was about the only thing I would have done differently.

I did have IT Band issues for quite a few miles. Used lots of biofreeze and and my strap. Not sure if the limping hurt me overall or just slowed me down. Funny, it didn't hurt the last 6 miles or so. I wonder if it was the biofreeze, the strap, or I just couldn't feel my legs.....

I'm going back and doing the Goofy this time. Not really changing anything unless I hear some great advice.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[Creativebeth]

Yes, it's true......the WALL does exsist! I met up with it at 20 miles in my marathon! I knew I would finish, but mile 20 was like a un-wanted guest....it just wouldn't go away! I am not sure why it hit me, but I do not think it was hydration......I was drinking well. I did live to tell the tale though!

Beth

 

[ultramickeymouse]

The wall happens for many reasons. You try to simulate race conditions but things can change. WDW Jan races are almost always hot and humid. Most of us can't simulate this in training. This will wear on us and after 20+ miles, it takes effect. The old ultrarunning is to drink before you are thirsty and eat before you are hungry. Are 4 gels enough? How many calories do you need for 5-7 hours? 400 calories enough from the gels? I use protein bars(mini) to help every hour(sometimes 45 min). Start the gels earlier to keep a more even level. Is a few ounces every aid station enough? I carry a single bottle to supplement the aid stations. Evalulate total caloreis and water in and how much used during a race.

I have hit the wall before too at my first 50 miler. At mile 32(longest distance to that point). I was tired and doubted I would make the cut. I stopped and thought I must keep moving and at worse, I would get but at 38 mile aid station. I gathered myself and when I got to the aid station, I was ready to drop. They said you are ahead and get moving. I grabbed some food and reloaded my bottles and took off. I arrived at mile 41 still ahead of the cuts. I took off and plugged along feeling better. The last 3 miles are on big non stop hill from the bottom along the river to the Overlook area. I passed about 50 people up the hill. I finished strong with a 12:08. Going from a 50K to a 50 Miler is a big jump. Hard to prepare for the additional 19 miles. The next year knowing that I could do it, I cut 28 minutes off my time.

When the wall hits, regroup, keep moving forward and than kick it in. That feeling will be great

 

[Villains_Rock]

Thanks Dave...I'm hoping to learn so much from you guys that have gone through it. My Dad told me of a "wall" that he once hit when he ran marathons and the thing that pulled him out was a pep band playing the Rocky Theme. Well..I figure that if that can pull my dad through a wall then Disney will do it for me!!

 

[skfulkers]

Yep, I think it exists. I've definitely hit it once. Not a fun feeling. But Dave and Robert--you guys are exactly right with your entire posts. You have to keep moving. Keep hydrated and keep refueling (hopefully sooner rather than later).

I think there are a lot of factors that can influence when and if you hit the wall (again Dave and Robert, I think you covered most of them). I still think some of it is a mental game at the WALL. The more you've covered a given distance, the more confidence you'll have that you can push through the wall.

And things like that are what make this crazy obsession we all have so wonderful.

Steve

 

[Duanerice]

You know Robert, early on I could do the protein bars so I might add those into my plan. But later in the race there was no way of eating anything Good idea.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[jeanneg]

The WALL is very real. I hit it twice during my long walk training at around the 16-18 mile mark. In my case I think it was due to inadequate hydration/nutrition and maybe even boredom. After that, I made sure to take sports beans and electrolyte drinks with me. On my 20 miler, I had hubby meet me with replacement food and drink at the 14 mile mark so I didn't have to lug it all with me. I really worried about the marathon because I had only trained up to 20 miles and 6.2 is quite a bit more when you've never done it. Maybe it was because it was my first marathon and I was so happy to be there..... or because we were at WDW.....or a combination of both, but I was definitely in the zone that day. Just like an Olympian savoring her victory lap, I enjoyed every moment of the marathon. Even though it was longer than I had ever done, there was no wall for me that day. I was so focused and positively psyched that I didn't even feel my little injuries. After it was all over and I finally got into the shower, I realized I was badly chafed and actually bleeding in several spots.....but during the marathon, I never felt it! Now my main concern is to try and reproduce that same positive energy again next year. I'm worried that since i've done it before, I may not be as excited and that could work against me. Anyone else with a similar experience?

 

[windwalker]

The WALL is very real. I hit it twice during my long walk training at around the 16-18 mile mark. In my case I think it was due to inadequate hydration/nutrition and maybe even boredom. After that, I made sure to take sports beans and electrolyte drinks with me. On my 20 miler, I had hubby meet me with replacement food and drink at the 14 mile mark so I didn't have to lug it all with me. I really worried about the marathon because I had only trained up to 20 miles and 6.2 is quite a bit more when you've never done it. Maybe it was because it was my first marathon and I was so happy to be there..... or because we were at WDW.....or a combination of both, but I was definitely in the zone that day. Just like an Olympian savoring her victory lap, I enjoyed every moment of the marathon. Even though it was longer than I had ever done, there was no wall for me that day. I was so focused and positively psyched that I didn't even feel my little injuries. After it was all over and I finally got into the shower, I realized I was badly chafed and actually bleeding in several spots.....but during the marathon, I never felt it! Now my main concern is to try and reproduce that same positive energy again next year. I'm worried that since i've done it before, I may not be as excited and that could work against me. Anyone else with a similar experience?

Jeanne the look of pure joy on your face is one of my best memories of the Marathon. I don't think you have anything to worry about next year. Your excitement was an inspiration for everyone around you that day.

Walking Panda

 

[jeanneg]

Awww, shucks, Dave.....you are such a sweetie! One of the reasons I had such a good time was because you and Erica were with us for a good portion of the time. There will never be another "first" and I was so happy to share it with my WISH buddies. I hope all the newbies have an equally positive experience.

 

[windwalker]

Awww, shucks, Dave.....you are such a sweetie! One of the reasons I had such a good time was because you and Erica were with us for a good portion of the time. There will never be another "first" and I was so happy to share it with my WISH buddies. I hope all the newbies have an equally positive experience.

Well Darlin if them newbies are anywhere around a group of WISHers a good time will be happening. We are planning on a 15 min per mile average next year, I think LynnG will be with us and of course Robert and Linda so if any other newbies are planning that pace we can just have a mobile party like we did at the ToT.

Walking Panda

 

[Cruella de mom]

If the WALL is so bad, why do we keep coming back?

To scale it of course.

I have only hit the wall in one race. It was a half marathon. Perhaps for every person THE WALL is a little different. For me, it was this incredible impulse to give up, not just to walk but to sit down and cry until someone came along in a car and took me home.

I ran my first marathon after a night of battling food poisoning. It was a 26.1 battle for each step. But even that experience did not prepare me for my first real battle with THE WALL. I had never had to dig as deep or fight as hard as I did to overcome THE WALL.

If you haven't seen the movie "Run Fatboy Run." They have great imagery of THE WALL in the movie. If I had to draw a picture of what THE WALL looked like, that would be exactly what I would have drawn.

Cecilia

 

[funwalker]

Hummmmm...a bit different with each activity.

I think mine was due to lack of proper fueling...
Both occurred during training. One was actually only a 14 miler -- it was very hot.
The other was on a 50 mile bike ride.
The only way to get back was under my own power...it was hard to do!

 

[GirTheGecko]

The first half marathon I did was a very challenging one, mostly up hill. I kid you not, there were other much more experienced runners who complained too. The biggest hill of the course at mile 7, The Wall came crashing down on me. At the top, was a hospital and the gel shots. I got a gel shot and tried to go on. I started feeling better and knew Denise was waiting for me, the Slowsky, at mile 9. She would have tylonol, water, and granola. That helped tremendously. I was training for the WDW 08 half and wanted to see how my body would respond, if I could even do it, etc. But, when I turned onto Hanover street, I knew I was on the (gentle downward slope) home stretch and at a great time, then I got the runner's high.

I'm so glad I did the local half since I was able to learn that way and help out the dbf's family and I. Also, becoming the first aid queen. Having the real experience of how my body responded helped. Until I fell down on ice the week before and Aunt Flo came to town. I swear my mother was on the other side going "Hm, how can I make this a bigger challenge for her? I know!"

All the sacrifice and pain became worth it when I saw Mir and Mark at the end of the race, standing there with their medals. I almost started to cry I was so proud of us. We all decided to do this together, and we all finished it. The twinkies never tasted so good.