Forums >Running 101>Help! I'm Stuck.
Lia's Daddy
My last 19 was this past weekend and I did it at a 9:30 pace which is just a little slower than my marathon pace ....I ran my normal 8.5 last night and my legs felt totally dead. I know that a taper will help but I'm still a few weeks away from that. Any advice on how to finish this last stretch before the marathon?
So I'm running my first marathon on Nov. 8th. I wasn't actually planning on doing this and sort of fell into it so I'm not following a very structured schedule. Since Aug. 9th I have done three long runs (two 19's and a 21). My last 19 was this past weekend and I did it at a 9:30 pace which is just a little slower than my marathon pace I would expect. I'm not sure where to go from here. I'm just wondering if I should be doing any more long runs or if I should back off. I ask because I ran my normal 8.5 last night and my legs felt totally dead. I know that a taper will help but I'm still a few weeks away from that. Any advice on how to finish this last stretch before the marathon?
I'm not sure where to go from here. I'm just wondering if I should be doing any more long runs or if I should back off. I ask because I ran my normal 8.5 last night and my legs felt totally dead. I know that a taper will help but I'm still a few weeks away from that. Any advice on how to finish this last stretch before the marathon?
Figbash: You're joking and/or being sarcastic about 19 miles vs. 20, right? When my wife tried her first marathon, I think the longest she did was 18... Now I go by time (3-hour max); it's more forgiving that way.
Runners run
Tanya: Wow! Imperssive resume... I was excited, at 49, with my 21:05 for 5 a few weeks ago. I need to work harder! ;o) .
Not at all. Good marathon preparation includes a combination of high weekly mileage and a good number of long runs over 20 miles.
I was counting several 18 mile runs, a 19.6 miler with lots of MP and a 30k race as "long runs" but I guess they don't count?
1983
No, Mikey, these don't count. Since you didn't tack another 1.4--2.1 miles on those runs, you can just flush your entire fall marathon plans down the toilet. I hope this helps.
Tom what about 19.6 miles? Does that count? Do you round up in your bizarre accounting rules or does something magical happen right at the 20 mile marker? I'm really concerned now since I only have 3 "long runs" by your rules and in my naivete I was counting several 18 mile runs, a 19.6 miler with lots of MP and a 30k race as "long runs" but I guess they don't count?
Not at all. Good marathon preparation includes a combination of high weekly mileage and a good number of long runs over 20 miles. The OP already has a solid weekly base, the only thing lacking is 20 plus mile long runs. The longer runs condition the body to rely more on fat and less on the limited supply of carbohydrates and they get you used to spending more time on your feet. Mental training is as important as physical training for the marathon. I also feel it's important to limit the time spent on a long run for injury prevention, but use 3.5-4 hours as the max. I give your wife credit, it would scare the heck out of me to attempt a marathon with 18 miles as a long run. It's a LONG way from 18 to 26.2. In fact, I consider the 20 mile mark the second half of the race, and I'm not joking or being sarcastic there either. The last 3 or 4 miles is where all the bad stuff happens. Tom
Thank you all for the input. It was not my intention to start a debate about 19 vs. 20. I have felt much better on my last two runs. I decided I just needed to vary my routine so I did a few different type of runs. I did a trail run in the dark last night and was to worried about being eaten by bears to focus on my legs. Tonight I may hit an indoor track with my ipod just for a change. I think I will do the following to complete my training: Sept. 20: 13-15 Sept. 27: 20+ OCt. 4: 13-15 Oct. 11: 20+ Oct. 18: 13-15 Oct. 25: 17-18 Nov1: 10 Nov 8: race day Any feedback is welcome. Thanks for all the advice and support.