Marathon Musings...It's too early for Taper Crazies..

[tuggyruns]

I'm driving myself crazy about this marathon. I think a lot of this insecurity has to do with the fact that I have had to defer my last two marathons due to injury, but I am freaking-out. Every.day. If you are super bored, or just have some pity on me, can you talk me through a few things?

Key facts:
-Napa Valley Marathon- 3/2
-First Marathon

• Training: I haven't done much speed work to date for fear of injury, but lately on the treadmill I have been just kicking up the speed every other mile- should I incorporate some speed/hill work over the next few weeks?
• My fastest half was last Thanksgiving right before I got injured, 2:09. I haven't been hitting those speeds this training cycle although at points I felt like I could- what gives, am I just slacking majorly?
• Long runs: I did a half last weekend with my sister as a training run and let her dictate the pace. It ended up being reallly slow for the first 4 miles and faster for the last 9- finishing in 2:25. These 13 miles felt a lot harder than I thought they would, and I'm scared. Now, I felt great after 17 the weekend before, so there's that but still. 
• Overall, I'm worried I'm just not going to make it to the end of 26.2 before the 6 hour cutoff. I have my first 20 this weekend, and I'm super intimidated. 

All of that being said-what can I focus on from here on out? I know I need to get my fueling figured out because right now it's consisting on Nuun and whatever I manage to try on that run (last long run it was Gu, which left me in the restroom about 3 miles later). OR Stay the course, this is normal Tuggy? 

Sorry, I'm a neurotic worrier! 


ETA: Oh, yea, my original question! What should I plan on my goal time being for my marathon? 

[thom]

I'm sure it's hard to not freak out if you've already had to defer your first marathon attempt twice. However -- it sounds like you will get through this time!!

For fuel, I'd try drinking a sports drink if the gel was that rough on your stomach. Try some chews or chomps. Some people even do well with sweets like taffy or candy bars. I will say the first few times I took gels they were awful, and then my body got more used to then. Try eating a little more before you go out for a long run, stay well hydrated before, and maybe give the gels another try. Fueling is so much about practice & experimenting.

I wouldn't worry about the half last wknd feeling hard. You're tired & in the thick of training. I think one of the hardest training runs of my life was 10 miles in the wind, rain, and cold before my first marathon. It was way harder than the 18 and 20 mile runs I did. Sometimes circumstances just conspire just to make a run really tough. It's hard to believe it could feel easier to do a longer run, but sometimes it does.

Maybe a goal of 4:30-4:45 is a good choice, depending on weather. I would just try to start easy, comfortable, and not push too hard for the first half. See how you feel at mile 15-16 and take it from there.

[runaways]

I think a goal time of about 4:45 sounds reasonable. I definitely think you can finish before the 6 hour cutoff. You could do a little speed work if you want to at this point, but it may not do a whole lot for you. I guess it's nice to get your legs used to the feel of moving a little faster though. You definitely need to figure out your fueling because that can make or break you - I agree maybe try some chews or chomps, they work well for a lot of people. Otherwise, maybe some lifesavers or other candy and a bag of salt or some salt tabs?

[tuggyruns]

Awe! Y'all are making me feel better. I was starting to think that I wasn't going to make the 6 hour cut off, honestly. In the back of my mind, I have been thinking that if I finish in anything under 5 hours, it's a good day- but honestly- I just want to finish. I'm too type A not to have a "goal" going into the race though and therefore, I need a "plan" to get there

I'm thinking about trying EFS and some combination of candy this weekend. I have a hard time chewing anything- it's like my jaw locks up.

[gt7301b]

I know you want a goal time to focus on, but I caution you to not get TOO hung up on your goal time and forget to focus on the experience and enjoy the race. Don't look at 4:50 as a failure if your goal is 4:45, finishing a marathon is an awesome accomplishment.

[sadlebred]

Tired=feeling sluggish. I think your legs will feel better after the taper.