Forums >General Running>Undertrained marathoner - 2 weeks out
#artbydmcbride
Runners run
Jim, I'm definitely going...even if my knee flares back up between now and then and I can't even start. Minimizing pain is certainly what I'm after. I know how the last 6 miles feel on trained legs and I'm dreading that on untrained legs.
Not to sound like a downer, but what would it do to you mentally if the long run goes bad?
Personally, I'd do something at MP at a much shorter distance (5-6 miles). See what that feels like and then a short recovery run later. I'd save the banging for the marathon. I think you're right on the cusp of any training that would affect your race (I believe its 10 days from the race and running in between that time is just waking up the legs).
No I don't think a long run now is that risky. If you were in the middle of a marathon training cycle and building up your mileage, you would do a long run now and then 2 weeks later a longer run, and the second run would feel much easier due to the first run. Just treat your marathon like it is the longest run in your mileage build-up. Good luck, and have fun no matter what. relentless forward motion!
I recommend doing a your medium long run, but throw in some walking breaks every once in a while right from the get go. A minute every mile, or 30 seconds every 4 minutes, or something like that. It'll help you control your fatigue.