Avoiding a First Marathon Disaster?

[katyintx]

Hey guys - I need some help.  I'm running my first marathon on Saturday.  The training has been going fine (besides some still mysterious foot issues) but I'm running into a last minute wrench.  My sister got married out of the country last week, and obviously I went. And caught the massive cold/sickness that about 60% of the rest of the guests did. Last night my temp was 102.  I'm on the mend now but FAR from where I need to be in 2 days and 12 hours.  

Do you have ANY advice you can give me?  Fool-proof cures, crazy remedies, anything?  I've been doing the typical rest, taking my vitamins plus some, and eating as nutriously as possible. I'm anticipating hitting the biggest wall ever at about mile 7 right now and would like to push that back quite a bit...  

[chitownbelle]

I'm so sorry! Not only sick, but sick just before your first marathon you've trained your butt off for. Double whammy. Rest as much as you can. Drink lots and lots of fluids. Tylenol. Sinus rinse/netti pot if you've got lots of congestion and need to clear your nose to breathe. And accept that shit happens that is sometimes out of your control. Race what you can, but accept what your body will allow you to do. I wouldn't do anything drastic in case you have a negative reaction. Stay positive...you are soon to be a marathoner. Fingers crossed for you.

[moreace01]

When I'm starting to come down with a cold, I start to drink crazy amounts of water. Whether or not this is healthy, I do not know. But it seems to work. Water and emergenc. And maybe now since the run is close, adding in electrolytes.

Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will chime in.

Good luck!

[kams]

I was sick for my last marathon - it was a stressful few days leading up to it, and I'm so sorry you're feeling that way right now.

I ate really well, slept as much as possible, and drank a lot of water & electrolytes. I had 2 emergenCs a day, and I took super odorless garlic pills - 2 every 4 waking hours. I wasn't perfect by race day (I had been on & off with a cold for several weeks), but I was ok. I never really thought about being sick until I finished. And, although I missed my A goal, it was only by 4 minutes - very little over that long of a race.

Control what you can control, take a little bit of pressure off of yourself, and enjoy your race! Sending lots of healing thoughts your way!

[clseale]

Ugh, I'm sorry. Ditto everyone else. I usually do rest, fluids, vitamin C & echinacea. I know, not a magic cure, but stay positive! If the fever has broken, a lot of healing & recuperating can happen in two days! Good luck!!

[Susie]

For a first marathon, I'd probably call in sick for the rest of the week, sleep all day, take vitamin C, hydrate, treat the symptoms, and see how far it gets me.

[katyintx]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the positivity and ideas! I'm home sick again today so the only plan I have is to sit on the couch unless to refill my OJ, tea, water, or to take more vitamins. Good thing I have a lot of shows to catch up from last week!

[Deleted]

Ditto what everyone else said above - water and rest! Just guessing based on your name that you'll be at the Woodlands marathon?? I'll be there too! Best of luck!

[pag41989]

Ugh I am so sorry. That was my biggest nightmare during my first half. Everyone around me in my office was sick and I just knew I was going to get it. A serious lifesaver for me when I have been sick is echinacea tea with a little honey. It works wonders! Also, even if I don't catch the cold soon enough I take the dissolvable Zicam tablets every 6 hours and my cold is usually gone or not as severe within a day or two.

[pag41989]

Oh and good luck!

[runaways]

Gah I wish there were some magic advice to give you but I think everyone else already said anything I've got. Rest up! And come back and let us know how it goes!

[sassystace]

Rest up and good luck! We expect to hear a recap of your marathon!