I've never had a disaster of a race (knock on wood), apart from my 10miler in May which I ran injured. But all the redemption races got me thinking. I'd love to hear your stories about what goes wrong and why. What are the landmines that marathon newbies like me should watch out for?
When I ran the LA marathon in 2010, traffic was horrible and we showed up minutes after the race had started, so I wasted a ton of energy weaving around all the walkers in the back. Then it got kind of warm but I didn't drink enough and miles 18-21 were miserable (I finally stopped to drink enough and pour some water on myself to cool down).
As far as running, Ive been pretty lucky to not have many disasters. But, I will recommend erring on the side of extra time if you are traveling to a race. My first marathon was a 6 hour drive with my almost-2 year old and my parents, who needed to stop for stretch breaks. Throw in a stupid long wait for our bill at lunch, and let's just say it took a bit longer than 6 hours to get there. I had 15 minutes before packet pick up closed and the directions to pick up were not very clear. I ended up sprinting to the desk 10 minutes after it closed and they were kind enough to still give me my bib and chip (no race day pick up).
As if you're not on edge enough before your first marathon. I'm pretty type-A, so this was very out of the ordinary and stressful for me.
I've had pretty good luck for most races. Both marathons have been pretty ideal conditions (although my first one was right before Sandy hit).
The most disastrous race I've had was the VA Beach RNR Half marathon over Labor Day. It was just such a hot day. Somehow I completely missed the fact that it was going to be so hot and humid. I woke up that morning and said to H right before the race. Gosh it's pretty hot out here. (It was 7AM). I realized within the first few miles that any hope of a PR was out the door.
Illness was what I was terrified of this marathon. It's prime cold season so I've been so scared of germs.
I've had pretty good luck for most races. Both marathons have been pretty ideal conditions (although my first one was right before Sandy hit).
The most disastrous race I've had was the VA Beach RNR Half marathon over Labor Day. It was just such a hot day. Somehow I completely missed the fact that it was going to be so hot and humid. I woke up that morning and said to H right before the race. Gosh it's pretty hot out here. (It was 7AM). I realized within the first few miles that any hope of a PR was out the door.
Illness was what I was terrified of for this marathon. It's prime cold season so I've been so scared of germs.
Oh yeah - cold season. I ran my current marathon PR in the thick of my worst cold ever - it lasted for weeks. I really think I could have gone sub 4 if I wasn't hacking and snotting like crazy. That was a bummer.
Kentucky Derby festival mini (half) marathon, spring 2010-it was warmer than expected, rained for the first 5 miles, was humid the whole time, and the first 5 miles of the race were significantly hillier than had been reflected in the elevation chart. Coming off a typical winter in flat ass Ohio, I wasn't ready for the warmth (low 70s and humid at the start) or the hills. Plus this was relatively early on in my running career (I had done two halfs prior, I've done seven more since) so i still had a lot of figuring things out to do.
Cap City half marathon, spring 2011-it was a little on the warmish side but I had been expecting that...the bigger issue was that I went out WAY too fast (like 8:00/mile when I was shooting for 8:20-8:30/mile). Things got bad by mile 5 because I wore myself out physically and mentally and it was all downhill after that.
I've also been lucky to not have anything too disastrous happen during a marathon.
I will echo PP saying give yourself enough time to get there before the race. For my first marathon we left on time, but hit awful traffic due to an accident. We barely made it to the start line in time, and my mom who was doing the half which started later had to turn in our bags for us. I had time to pee and then we were off. I hated feeling so rushed at the start.
I'm always worried about getting sick marathon week. It actually happened to me in Sept and I was so terrified of not being able to finish due to being sick. But I survived it ok.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Nov 18, 2014 14:08:05 GMT -5
Oh man, so many things. Most of the time I just roll with it, but it really sucks when unexpected things affect a race that you've spent a lot of time training for.
1. Weather problems: heat, extreme cold, high winds (especially a head wind), pouring rain, sleet or hail; 2. Dehydration (often related to heat); 3. Wardrobe malfunction; 4. Race runs out of (or has logistical problems with) water/fluid/food that you were relying on taking; 5. GI problems that come out of no where on race day; 6. Other current or recent illness (cold, stomach bug, etc.) or injury; 7. Travel or traffic woes; 8. For any number of reasons (weather, security, etc.), the course is changed/lengthened/shortened at the last minute.
ETA: A lot of the things I mentioned may be beyond your control, but as far as things within your control, I agree 100% with the advice to never try anything new on race day. Test everything beforehand - your food, hydration, outfit, do a training run at the same time of day, etc. If you know you have GI issues, test all kinds of different fuel during training. Use body glide liberally. If you think your race may be very warm or cold, try to do some training runs under those conditions. Plan your travel well in advance, and give yourself plenty of time to arrive.
I've had plenty of shitty races. I've got the pre race thing down pat. Get there early. End of story. Weather? Well, you can't do anything about that. For my Spring races I run a little more on the treadmill in case of a warmer day. It doesn't always help, but it is better than doing all my runs in 20-40 degrees and getting stuck with a 80 degree race day.
Sometimes it just isn't your day. I had to bail on a marathon once b/c I got a stomach virus that kicked in the night before. Boston this year was warm, but I should have been okay. I did not start out too fast even though w/ a 30 minute positive split it looks like I did My calves just started cramping early and often like a never ending charley horse. It hadn't happened before and has never happened since. Neither of these examples are anything but a fluke. For me the best thing to do to prepare is all mental. It's just a race. There will be more. Have a beer and move on.
WNW's list reminded me of the GI disaster that was Rehoboth Beach Marathon too. Oh, and the mismarked course that day for an extra .25 on a marathon. That was a good one. Or how about the day I missed the turn off for my half and kept going with the marathoners for an extra half mile. NYCM 2012 and the race that wasn't. Memories!
I've had good races too though! Lots of them. I'd like to think it evens out.