To race or not to race

I say go for it.

yeah, I would say go for it as well. Just don't race it all out. Consider it a training run.

I don't know how you will be to resist, but you have to use it as a training run and not go all out. Your long runs were probably 2-3 hours and this should be less than 2 hours, so shouldn't be too taxing if you give a moderate effort.

Not going all out in a race is real tough, especially one that I've probably done 3 times last year. That's why your objective opinions are much appreciated.

Sharon

Running a marathon takes a lot of focus both mentally and physically. By trying to do both, you may not do well in either. If your focus is to just finish the marathon, then do both races. But if your trying to reach a time goal in the marathon, I say wait and do your duathalon next year.

Evelyn ;-)

I will just reiterate what most people have been responding- do both... but make sure to think of the duathlon as a training/practice.... if you have a heart rate monitor use it to limit your exertion level. If you don't have one- pick a buddy to talk to during the race [make friends], one that seems to be going at a very comfortable pace for you. if you know yourself too well- and you don't have a heart rate monitor and you know that you can't cruise in the back of the pack- i would say avoid the duathlon. Your marathon is your A race- the most important goal you've been training for- making the duathlon an all effort race + the marathon will be a good formula for injury. Good luck with the decision!

Thanks for everyone's advice. The duathlon was this morning. I was REALLY reminding myself not to be too fast during the first run, I kept my bike computer on cadence so I wouldn't know my speed and stay in what felt like a comfortable gear for the bike, and the second run I was so cold that my legs just kind of did what they wanted until about 1/2 mile to the finish. I took a recovery drink and am doing some pretty light runs, one light bike and one light swim between now and the marathon Sunday.

Sharon

Congrats on the great race!

Congratulations. Good luck on your Marathon!!!

Thanks! Felt great today. Starting to get a little last-minute jitters on the marathon. You know, did I train enough? Did I eat the right things? Will I bonk? Stuff like that.

Sharon

I know its hard but try to relax. It sounds like you've done your homework. Run your race the way you trained for it. Make sure you use a GU or some type of fuel every 45 minutes, drink whatever fluids you've decided on. Don't sweat the small stuff. And ENJOY the moment. The Marathon is the hardest thing I've done, but the most satisfactory of all my racing. I'm 52 and have only been at it for 7 years, but they are the best 7 years!
Good Luck
Evelyn

Thanks evrunning.
Sharon

Depending on what your goals are for the marathon, there are pacing calculators on runnersworld.com. Alot of people say that the biggest mistake of most first time marathoners is not pacing correctly. I just ran my first one a few months ago and had that problem. I made up a pace bracelet with my target times for each mile on it and laminated it so my sweat couldn't mess up the ink. I forgot my bracelet in my car and rode to the race in a friends car (2 hr ride). I also put inspirational sayings on the bracelet to keep me motivated. I wasn't upset with my performance in the race, but if I would have had the bracelet I would have probably paced myself a little better and resulted in a better time. Don't try to open up your speed too much, regardless how you feel, before mile 5. Good luck

Edited by clightle 2004-01-26 12:15 PM

What ever your decision, best wishes!
:-)