Stomach virus while training for marathon?

What should I do?? November 16th is my first marathon. My last long training run of 20 miles was supposed to be today but unfortunately I only made it to 13 miles before I had to stop. I have a nasty stomach virus and couldn't get through it. I'm supposed to begin tapering this week. Is this really going to hurt my race. Do I make up the miles?? I'm at a loss of what to do. My longest run so far is 18.5 miles but that was 2 weeks ago. Do you think I can get through the marathon? I'm so worried that this is going to screw everything up and it's so discouraging and upsetting when I feel like I've trained this long and can't finish. Help!!!!

Message edited 10/27/2013 2:02:00 PM.

Re: Stomach virus while training for marathon?

Ugggh I hate that virus! I'm holding my breath that I won't catch it before my marathon. Ok, you did 13, that's a long run. I'm impressed you did that many. If this thing passes and you feel better, maybe you can get in a longer run later in the week or just do it next weekend. Personally, I would not do a full 20. Even if you did 16, that would be PLENTY. Just go easy next week so you can recover after the longer run. Right where you are now, you will be fine!! You've done 18+. Many train up to 18. Someone once told me "20 is a round number, not a magic number". Yes, you get the confidence, but sometimes you can't get it in and do what you can. You will be fine, you will finish. Your months of training are NOT gone despite missing a 20-miler. Hope you feel better.