Need advice!!

My first marathon is on 11/16. My last 6 long runs were 12, 18, 12, 18.5, 12.5, 13. I couldn't get the 20 in on Sunday like I was supposed to since I was sick with a stomach virus (ugh my luck). But I still managed to get to 13 by some miracle. I wanted to try to get in one more long run but I'm running out of time. The race is 2 weeks from Saturday. Do you think doing 20 on Friday is bad? Just to get that in. I was supposed to taper this week. I haven't run a really long run (18 +) in over 2 weeks. Do you think I'd still be ok for the marathon? What would you do? Would you do one last long run? I'm so confused!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Need advice!!

No last long run. Maybe just a 13. I didn't train over 18 miles this ra e and I am confident ill be one. I think ou will be as well

Re: Need advice!!

I agree with the previous poster. I think you are better off resting at this point. If you hadn't done 13 last weekend I might say try to squeeze the long run in, but you have done 2 18 mile runs so I think you will be ok. I am not an expert but have done 2 marathons and tapering before the race is a huge part of it. Also, you are getting over a stomach virus- you want to make sure you are healthy enough to even make it to the starting line!!

Need advice!!

I'm thankfully not sick anymore. 24 hour thing!!! I did an easy 5 yesterday. But do you think I'll still be ok that I did 18 miles 2 weeks ago?!? By the time the marathon comes it will be 5 weeks since my last really long run. Won't I lose fitness? That's my fear I think more than the fact that I didn't get to 20.

Re: Need advice!!

since reading your post, i did a lot of research... yes, during the work day

as my spinoff says, i was hoping to get one more run in before my marathon (the day after yours).

a lot was confusing... then i did what you did and i asked.
i asked on my spinoff, i asked on FB, i asked on a few other places. everything came back to me to taper.

i wasn't convinced, so i read some more.

after spending the majority of my morning looking into this, i realize that we are both better off tapering.

rest, sleep well, use your foam roller, get a massage, run the same amount of days, but cut back your distance: 25%, then 40%, then 75%.

stay hydrated and carb load... then have fun. we've done all we can do.

cramming in another run, this close to race day, means that the body needs to recover on top of what tapering is all about. give your body the benefit of rest.

the best of luck to you and i can't wait to be back that following monday to compare/contrast marathon stories!!

Re: Need advice!!

Don't worry about the 20-miler. Your training is done. "The hay is in the barn" as they say. Nothing you do in the taper is going to improve your outcome. I replied to your other post - many runners only train up to 18. I know the 20-miler gives you confidence, but you completed the training with the exception of one run. That will not hurt you. If it makes you feel any better, my friend who is running NYC sprained her ankle about a month ago. She had to miss her first 20-miler, along with taking a week off. She ended up doing her second one, and I know she will be fine.

I know easier said than done, but try not to stress over it. Your success will not be based on you missing one long run. Good luck and enjoy!!

Re: Need advice!!

Posted by libby2595

since reading your post, i did a lot of research... yes, during the work day

as my spinoff says, i was hoping to get one more run in before my marathon (the day after yours).

a lot was confusing... then i did what you did and i asked.
i asked on my spinoff, i asked on FB, i asked on a few other places. everything came back to me to taper.

i wasn't convinced, so i read some more.

after spending the majority of my morning looking into this, i realize that we are both better off tapering.

rest, sleep well, use your foam roller, get a massage, run the same amount of days, but cut back your distance: 25%, then 40%, then 75%.

stay hydrated and carb load... then have fun. we've done all we can do.

cramming in another run, this close to race day, means that the body needs to recover on top of what tapering is all about. give your body the benefit of rest.

the best of luck to you and i can't wait to be back that following monday to compare/contrast marathon stories!!

Re: Need advice!!

Re: Need advice!!

Posted by KevinNKristin8-15-08

thank you again for all your help!!! I feel better about only getting to 18, but at times I think man I still have 8 miles on top of that to finish. It scares me!! My last 18 miler I felt great though and hope I finish strong. Do you think it will affect my pace or goal time any? It's my first so my main goal is to finish but I secretly want to come in around 4:30!!

Re: Need advice!!

Posted by runlikethewind

Posted by KevinNKristin8-15-08

thank you again for all your help!!! I feel better about only getting to 18, but at times I think man I still have 8 miles on top of that to finish. It scares me!! My last 18 miler I felt great though and hope I finish strong. Do you think it will affect my pace or goal time any? It's my first so my main goal is to finish but I secretly want to come in around 4:30!!

No, I really do not think it will affect that. I could see if you took an extended time off for injury or something else, but missing one long run - no. The long runs are very important, however, the weekday runs and overall mileage are a huge part as well. I know what you mean about doing another 8!! This will be my 3rd marathon Sunday and I have the same fears STILL. However, I always tell myself, come race day, the energy of the race, the crowds, other runners, etc will pull you through. Also, remember, when you ran your long runs, you were at the peak of higher mileage - your legs are exhausted. You will be well-rested after taper! I can tell you my legs feel great right now! I'm still a nervous wreck, but that's typical. You're going to be fine!

Re: Need advice!!

What is your weekly mileage? It's going to be mentally tough that day not having completed more than 18.5. Prepare yourself for that!

Re: Need advice!!

Message edited 11/1/2013 4:54:39 AM.

Re: Need advice!!

I agree, just rest and taper, you're gonna do awesome!!

Re: Need advice!!

18.5 is more than enough. It is going to be mentally tough for almost EVERYONE after that point regardless if you did an 18 or 20-miler. The last 6-8 miles is another race. What might make a difference in the level of toughness is how you pace the marathon from the beginning - going out too fast can cause a lot more fatigue later on than a slight shortage in your long run. I've made that mistake and hope I do not this weekend! Someone told me "bank=bonk" In other words, you think you're doing a good thing by running at a nice faster pace in the beginning, but the reality is it's worse in the overall outcome. Good luck and don't worry about it :)

Message edited 11/1/2013 6:10:46 PM.