Marathon Tips?

i have a general running question, figure this is a good place to ask

during the week i usually do a quick 3 mile or so run. i would like to wake up early on weekends and do a bit longer, but it seems like i run out of energy. should i eat something first, and if so, how long should i wait to digest?

Originally posted by ggwâ?¢:
I tried the "top out at 20 miles" regime for my first marathon. The result was that I ran great for the first 20 miles (2 hours 56 minutes). Then I totally fell apart.

That's exactly what happened to me. I didn't totally fall apart but my legs certainly were not accustomed to more than 20 miles and I definitely felt it. Now I make sure I get a 20+ run in 3 weeks before race day. Actually, what you can do is run a marathon 3 weeks before NY and use that as your last long run.

I have done three and plan to start scaling up to run Baltimore this fall.

I generally agree with everything that has been posted here.

Two additional points:

1) For me, caloric intake and hydration is the key to completing a marathon. Devote a lot of time to testing various ratios of water/sports drink/gels/etc during long runs. I also highly recommend SUCCEED electrolyte caps. Push fluids and gels early in the marathon…if you start to feel thirsty during the race, you have waited too long.

2) Add some light lifting in your training program. Strengthen your abs and shoulders so you can maintain good posture at the end of the race. Slouching leads to ineffecient running and even injury.

you people are crazy!!

thats all i'm sayin ;)

Originally posted by allmy$to930:
Add some light lifting in your training program. Strengthen your abs and shoulders so you can maintain good posture at the end of the race. Slouching leads to ineffecient running and even injury.

I agree, this is essential.

It seems many runners dismiss non-cardio workouts and protein consumption. (I used to be this way.) But getting a good supply of branched chain amino acids (I like Designer Whey in a smoothie) and weight training made a big difference in my fitness level…and will support your running.

Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
i have a general running question, figure this is a good place to ask

during the week i usually do a quick 3 mile or so run. i would like to wake up early on weekends and do a bit longer, but it seems like i run out of energy. should i eat something first, and if so, how long should i wait to digest?

I would say, depends on your body. For me, I could see eating a slice of whole wheat toast w some peanut butter and an apple and heading out a half hour later…it all depends if & when you have to take a morning crap, too…

i crap within 20 minutes of waking up

perfect, then

Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
i crap within 20 minutes of waking up

There are some things on this board you are never prepared for….

Originally posted by vansmack:

Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
i crap within 20 minutes of waking up

There are some things on this board you are never prepared for….

Probably, the most interesting thing before any marathon, or even the 10Ks, is the bathroom line of people who need to take a dump. Its hard to understand this scene unless you are a runner. But its true, at big races, massive lines of people who wait to take a pre-race dump.
During the last Baltimore running festival, I witnessed a woman squat down between two cars (at about mile 2) and take a shit in the road, as runners ran by and spectators watched in horror. Probably the coolest race spectacle in recent memory.

I understand all of that.

But I still didn't need, and certainly wasn't prepared, to know that God's Shoeshine shits within 20 minutes of waking up.

I can crap within 2 minutes of waking up.

Originally posted by god's shoeshine:
i crap within 20 minutes of waking up

I hope you sleep near a toilet.

Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
I can crap within 2 minutes of waking up.

I usually crap 2 minutes before waking up.

Regarding eating before a morning run - an energy bar is good (I like the MoJo), or a bagel

if there's one thing runners can talk about at length, its poop

I dedicate this one to Vansmack.

I pulled a Greta Weitz one year at the NYC Marathon. Thank god for portajohns. A couple of Kenyans ended up passing me, but I did alright.

i was just answering a question

i thought people loved poop talk on the internet, though

Marathon Tips?

Is that anything like Rib Tips? You See That Sign That Says Rib Tips? I wonder if these guys know the Commodores?

Another practicality - you will be training in some hot ass weather. Run early, especially for your long weekend runs. A 14 mile run could take about 2 1/2 hours. Be on the trail by 7am to ensure that you are done before the brutal heat starts (which means you wake up at 6am to eat, which means you didn't go drinking the night before…).

Also, dont forget your nipple protection! I used vaseline - it was ok, not great. In fact, I still have a running shirt with permanent grease stains at chest level. Chafed nipples are funny, but not if they're your's.

Some advice from the I ran a marathon despite not being a marathon runner and sort of kinda hating to run camp:

-band-aid up those nipples and be sure to Vaseline the family jewels.

-Don't be afraid to walk for a minute now and again, it will save you some energy towards the end

-Whatever anybody else says, if you can run 20 miles, you can run 26.2.

-The mind is your most important tool. At one point during the marathon you will feel awful, but if you can rationalize that it will not get any worse than that moment, and that all you have to do is live with the pain and misery for a few more miles, it will do wonders for your spirit, and you'll actually pick up your pace.

-I am living proof that you can actually will yourself through a marathon, and if i can do that, you'll be a rock star.

-Not everyone is a "group" or partner runner. I personally hate having to tell people "you're doing great Bill, keep it up." And don't me started on them trying to pump me up. Please, i'd rather just focus on something else and pretend i'm not running.

-That last mile or so may end up being one the best times of your life, so enjoy it.