pains week of the marathon ? (Read 696 times)

My first ever marathon is this week, besides freaking out a bit, my easy runs i've been experiencing some random pains in my calves, hamstrings, knees...is this just my body adjusting to the decreased workload during the taper period ? Also how do some of you deal with all the nervous energy before the marathon ? aloha, steve

My first ever marathon is this week, besides freaking out a bit, my easy runs i've been experiencing some random pains in my calves, hamstrings, knees...is this just my body adjusting to the decreased workload during the taper period ? Also how do some of you deal with all the nervous energy before the marathon ?

It happens to most people, as far as I know. I pretty much never have any pain at all - except for the week prior to a big run. Then everything hurts. I suddenly become convinced I can't possibly run a mile, much less a marathon. Knees hurt, ankles get stiff, strange pains all over my legs. Last time I was sure my legs were actually going to fall off until about the tenth mile of the marathon. Then - poof - all gone. Of course, not long after that is when the *real* pain begins to start. But you don't wanna hear about that. I've heard theories ranging from the psychological (you insecure wimp) to the chemical (physical "addiction" to the endorphins). Probably a combination. Can't help you with the psychological, but the endorphins can be worked with. Don't be afraid to go for a few short runs, even a couple days before the marathon. I've slowly come around to thinking that most people taper too much, rather than too little. I actually went for a pretty hard 3 miler just a couple days before my last marathon, and it seemed to help. Or do anything else - maybe something non-impact - to sweat, heavily. I like pounding on a heavy bag. Anything to get the endorphins flowing. I even found that getting really worked up over a good football game on TV helped - probably 'cause the endorphins were pumping from all the screaming at the screen. It may be too much information, but I found that sex helps, too. (Just be prepared for Mrs. Phat to laugh when you try to use that logic on her ...) Beer definitely helps, but there are a few obvious problems with going that route. Which is why I swear off beer until at least mile 12 of the marathon. Spend some time sweating. You'll be fine. I swear that what you're in the middle of is the worst part of the whole deal. (Your opinion may vary at about mile 21 of your marathon, though ...) Good luck!

I agree with what was said above. I've had these phantom pains too and that's all they are. Nervous energy? I usually do a lot of cleaning the week before my marathon... which is probably okay as long as I don't over-exert myself (no heavy lifting)... basically, it just keeps me busy and burns a little excess energy. Another idea is to lay down, close your eyes, and visualize your marathon course (as well as you can) start to finish.. imagine how you'll feel at each point also (be realistic but also a little optimistic.. don't visualize yourself cramping up!). I find this helps me feel ready for a race and also gives me a little running fix when I can't really put in the miles. You can also visualize this while you go for a short run, but make sure you don't inadvertantly increase your pace! Modified: Forgot to say: "GOOD LUCK!"

thanks for all the nice words of encouragements and suggestions... J.K. Hopefully Mrs. Phat wouldn't laugh so much per your suggestion as she's running her first marathon as well and i'm sure she's pretty nervous, but she probably will finish good 20 - 30 minutes ahead of me (grumble..grumble)...she qualifies as one of those freaks..where i'm resting as much as i can during tapering weeks, she's doing 10 mile paddleboarding races and feels fine. anywhoo, to keep my mind off, i'll try that mental visualization of the course which should be easy as all my long runs are all on the course, and also more importantly plan out the race description post in hope to compete for that R.A. award.