First Marathon Tips
-
No new posts
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller | Reply |
|
2006-02-16 12:13 PM |
Expert 842 | Subject: First Marathon Tips So my first marathon is just over a week away (Hyannis, MA). I have been a runner for a longtime but have never completed a marathon. Anyone have any last week/minute/race day tips that I can take with me? Thanks Mark |
|
2006-02-16 12:21 PM in reply to: #347355 |
over a barrier | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Don't get caught up in the excitement of the start and go out too fast....Try to run in the middle of the road, I remember I ran on the outside of the road in Chicago and the outside of one leg got very tired and killed for days. |
2006-02-16 1:05 PM in reply to: #347369 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips running2far - 2006-02-16 1:21 PM Don't get caught up in the excitement of the start and go out too fast.... Yes, key there! Don't overestimate your abilities because in the last few weeks of your training you were faster on your short days and decided race morning to "f" it and try to go for a BQ even though you trained for well above that. Then run your first half fast only to slow down in the second half then blow up and end up walking more than running the last 5 miles ........ not that I would know anything about that of course. |
2006-02-16 1:14 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Champion 6786 Two seat rocket plane | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Don't spend the two days before your race partying in New Orleans (and expect to be fast) |
2006-02-16 1:21 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips
|
2006-02-16 1:22 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 3870 Virginia Beach, VA | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Take the time to work out a pacing plan and stick with it. I don't care how good you feel at the 13.1 mile mark...stick with the plan. If you have something left you can always torch the last couple miles. Training is obviously important but I think most people don't spend enough time planning their pace and nutrition out specifically...especially for longer events. |
|
2006-02-16 2:20 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Expert 842 | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Thanks for the great replies. Controlling the speed is key for me. It is funny the mentioning of a BQ. I went through that train of thought even though I have not done any of my runs at 7:10 pace. Luckily I got that out of my head and have picked a more realistic pace to stick to. I learned the nutrition thing the hard way at Timberman last year so I have been planning this out quite a bit. Thanks again Mark |
2006-02-16 2:39 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 3730 NorCal | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Sounds like eveyone above has some great tips about the running, but here are some other things to help you along the way: - thank the volunteers - if you take a cup of water from the aid station and decide not to drink it all, look behind you before you decide to throw it on the ground (someone did this to me at mile 7 of the NYC marathon, no fun running in shoes that slosh) - not sure how big of a race your are running, but if people are coming to watch you..throw on any color shirt other than white so they can find you in a group of runners - write your name on your shirt and strangers will cheer for you by name! - I usually run with GU, but I also take some lifesavers with me. Sometimes you just need a small sugar rush! - Start slow and have a blast....remember this is supposed to be FUN!! Good luck!! Abbie |
2006-02-16 2:40 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Extreme Veteran 328 Texas | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips How exciting! Our local marathon is Sunday and I decided not to do it this year (did it the past two years) and now that it's race weekend I'm regretting not training. Good luck and enjoy the race!
Do you have a pace band with your mile splits? If not do a google search and print one out, they are very helpful later in the race when your mind isn't working as well as it usually does. |
2006-02-16 5:37 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 4228 Broomfield, Colorado | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Do NOT hop any fences to get in with a particular pace group. I have a good story to go with that one. (or more like ) |
2006-02-16 6:21 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Veteran 192 Draper, Utah | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips 1. Stop running after 26.2 miles. 2. Don't take ibuprofin every five miles like I did (stupid, stupid, stupid) during my first marathon. You won't be able to eat anything for a couple of days after. 3. Take time to look around and enjoy the scenery. 4. Stay hydrated. 5. Resist the urge to run with the pack. I had never done a 7:00 mile in my life until the first mile of my first marathon. Run at your own pace. |
|
2006-02-16 6:29 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 4189 Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Does most of this translate to a 1/2 mary? I just looked at my enormous flamingo calendar (which maps out my training days/ HR) and I've only got 38 days!! aiiieee!!! |
2006-02-16 9:56 PM in reply to: #347355 |
New user 7 | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips I am going to reiterate what has already been said: 1.) Relax and enjoy the whole marathon experience. A nice easy enjoyable pace. Dont get caught up in the "out the gate" rush. 2.) I have to disagree with one comment that was made regarding foregoing the expo experience the day before. You have earned the right to enjoy mingling with your runner counterparts on this day. You have trained hard, done your taper and now you are ready. A couple of hours at the expo and a lot of $$$ later is not gonna kill you. (cept your wallet). 3.) Submit a POST when you are done so we can see how it went !!!!! |
2006-02-16 10:26 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 4292 Evanston, | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips If you might, just MIGHT, (outside possibliity, maybe, it started to happen once, oh yeah) CHAFE, ANYWHERE ON YOUR BODY, then lube up. Please. For the love of all that is good. "Comfortable shoes" weren't enough to get me through work that first day after my half. And that was just a half. But mostly --- have fun! Good luck! |
2006-02-16 10:39 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Extreme Veteran 604 Northwest Ohio | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips All good tips listed. I'll add a couple: Give high fives to the little kids standing along the sidelines. Talk to others running with you on the course. Find out their stories and what they overcame to be at the marathon with you. It will pass the time, and may inspire you. One person mentioned life savers in their post. I take glucose tabs during the run for a little boost. You get them in the pharmacy section of the drug store and they come in rasberry or orange flavors. They're handy to carry with you and disolve easily on your tongue. You want to do your best performance wise, but don't forget to have fun and enjoy yourself along the way. Finally, don't stress out over things. I ran the Houston Half marathon a month ago. I ended up coming down with a TERRIBLE head cold on the Thursday before the Sunday run. Instead of stressing over the cold, I ran anyway, and made sure to drink plenty of fluids at every stop. I ended up having a pretty good time (for me) but most of all I enjoyed the race! |
2006-02-16 10:45 PM in reply to: #347983 |
Elite 3650 Laurium, MI | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Bettylou - 2006-02-16 9:39 PM I take glucose tabs during the run for a little boost. they seriousy make those? Thats awesome. I need to get some of those. I'm getting pumped for my marrathon too, but it's not until June. |
|
2006-02-17 7:19 AM in reply to: #347988 |
Expert 1166 Colchester, CT | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips What Bear and Joel said. Don't get caught up in going out to fast. You should feel like you could be running a lot faster the first half of the race. Stick to your pacing plan if you have one. There is no such thing as putting time in the bank. Whatever time you do bank, comes out double over the last 6 miles. Also, be prepared to hit some rough stretches where you don't feel particularly well. Just work through them when they come, and know that they will pass quickly. Break the race up into managable stretches. It's to much to wrap your brain around 26.2 miles. I like to use 5k's. Just concentrate on each 5k, and don't worry about howm much you have left to do. Oh and one last thing, as you cross the finish like, give yourself a few a few seconds to stop your watch. I have to many finish line pictures with me looking down at my wrist . Good Luck Chris |
2006-02-17 7:45 AM in reply to: #347815 |
Cycling Guru 15134 Fulton, MD | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips phoenixazul - 2006-02-16 7:29 PM Does most of this translate to a 1/2 mary? Not really ...... unless it is the longest run you've ever done. Usuaully a half mary is just slightly above 10k pace and you suffer to get through it as quick as possible. |
2006-02-17 7:57 AM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 4545 Orange Park Florida | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips Congrats on your determination! I did my first marathon a couple months ago and I still remember the sleepless night before. 1. Don't do anything different than you did on your long training runs. 2. Be prepared for the weather. (cold and rainy sucks for 4.5 hours) 3. Have fun!! 4. It is only a race for the elites, if you aren't one of them then concentrate on finishing. 5. Somebody told me a marathon is really two races. A fairly easy 20 miler and a murderous 10k. 6. Did I mention have fun? |
2006-02-17 8:47 AM in reply to: #347988 |
Extreme Veteran 604 Northwest Ohio | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips vortmax - 2006-02-16 10:45 PM Bettylou - 2006-02-16 9:39 PM I take glucose tabs during the run for a little boost. they seriousy make those? Thats awesome. I need to get some of those. I'm getting pumped for my marrathon too, but it's not until June. Yes, and they're very cheap! |
2006-02-17 11:14 AM in reply to: #347355 |
2006-02-17 12:33 PM in reply to: #347355 |
over a barrier | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips I forgot, Band-Aids on the Nips if you're a guy....I volunteered at last years Chicago Marathon and saw countless guys running by mile 18 with blood streaks down their jersey. Someone mentioned breaking the race down to smaller amounts, I did that. Water Station to Water Station. That really helped. |
2006-02-17 12:43 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
2006-02-17 1:01 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 3906 St Charles, IL | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips
-Chris |
2006-02-17 1:06 PM in reply to: #347355 |
Pro 3903 Andover | Subject: RE: First Marathon Tips You’ve got this one in the bag, my friend. I'm looking forward to seeing you come across the line! |
|