First marathon on Saturday

Peter · Dec 7, 2007

Hi all, 
I've been posting on the CR forum for the past couple of years when I first started running on a regular basis. It's taken me two years but I'm going to run my first full marathon on Saturday. I'm ready if only my left AT holds up... 
Perfect weather forecast for Saturday morning...can't ask for anything better and I'm looking forward to the pasta diner at the Expo tomorrow night. 
Hopefully I'll be posting a RR sometime next week....<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> 
PS. Any suggestions or tips are appreciated...I won't go out too fast...<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

JJJessee · Dec 7, 2007

Hey Peter, 
First, have a good time. 
Try not to overdo the expo and the pasta diner. 
Carb-up tonight and until noon tomorrow 
Stay on top of hydration and electrolytes 
GL, lookin forward to the RR, 
jjj

mykemp1971 · Dec 7, 2007

Enjoy it! 
When I ran my first marathon, I set two goals - one stretch goal... and one goal I thought to be more achievable... that way I had something to shoot for, but I'm sort of a goal oriented person. 
If there is a bag check, check something warm at the finish. You'll be very comfortable on the run, but when you stop you'll cool down very quickly. 
Don't go out too fast. 
Find someone to talk to... this will help the miles pass, keep your speed in check, and keep your mind occupied. 
Smile for the camera's, give thumbs up and smile at the spectators... especially towards the end of the race. This helps keep your mental attitude in check. 
Don't over-do the gatorade/powerade, it might make you feel not so good in the tummy. Do remember to hydrate though! 
Layout your clothes the night before - make sure you have everything you need. 
Don't do anything during the race that you didn't do during training... 
i.e. try a new food for breakfast, try new gels, try new socks, shoes, shorts etc. 
Oh - if it's chilly at the start, use throw aways (old gloves, old shirt, etc). 
That's all I can think of. There are lots of runners here with more experience than me, so hopefully they'll post too.

Hippo · Dec 7, 2007

I've run more than one, I have a few things that help me. 
Anytime I'm doing something new, I view the hard stuff as a way to challenge myself. I look forward to things being unexpectedly difficult, as that's when I really get to test what I'm made of inside. 
When it gets really tough, remember to smile. Also remember to try to get smiles from others who are struggling more than you are. This is a huge extra effort when you're putting all your mental focus into just getting to the finish, but the rewards are astonishing.

Aija · Dec 7, 2007

When you're in the gut-digging part of it, after the first joyful 20 miles, you will want to stop. You will wonder why the hell you're there and whose stupid idea it was to be there. It will be way harder than you ever imagined it could be, and you will question your sanity and curse your desire to run the damn thing. It's okay, the majority of everyone around you will be feeling this way as well. Do not take it personally - ride it out and do what you have to do to get home across that line. 
Because, at the end. . . 
It will feel far far more amazing and momentous and triumphant than you ever imagined it could. 
And you will likely be planning your next one before the hurt is out of your legs from your first one. 
Good Luck, 
Aija

Sans Souci · Dec 7, 2007

I'm actually surprised this is your first, Peter. Here I thought you were a marathon veteran! 
After two years hanging around CR, you probably know all the tips by now -- I see there are already some very good tips coming in. I'm not much of a race talker; however, I do random "systems checks" just to see if adjustments need to be made (especially if form starts to fall apart; a good indication to take stock and maybe slow down). 
Take it easy tomorrow. Don't do a lot of walking around. And get offline right now and go to bed!!! (wink/grin) Tonight's sleep is more important than tomorrow's. 
First Marathons needn't be all about the finishing time. Drink in the excitement and the atmosphere. Enjoy! 
---------------------------- 
Oh, and if you need it at Mile 20, I can either "appear" as the Easter Bunny (see avatar) and give you the "tough love" gitcher-butt-in-gear encouragement or the softie Pink Faerie who will be there with a blast of energy dust when you need it most.

tomwhite · Dec 7, 2007

...peter//......no Marathon experience here,,,,,,but Trust Your Training,,,,, 
....you've worked hard and consistently, 
and from what I know, 
THAT's the secret to a Good Race..... 
......Good Luck and Good Running to Ya...

ksrunr · Dec 7, 2007

Good luck Peter, 
After mile 20 it's as much mental as it is physical. I'll take mile 23 for ya. 
looking forward to your first marathon race report.

Ileneforward · Dec 7, 2007

Good luck Peter NC!! How exciting. I hope there will be lots of pictures. 
Avoid eating high fiber foods all day tomorrow. Or fatty stuff. Light tomato sauce on pasta is best. 
When the latter miles come and your brain starts saying things like 'lets just take a nap by the side of the road'..'it doesn't make sense to keep running, lets stop now'..just dig deep and remember relentless forward motion! 
In my last marathon, I kept hearing Dorie from the Finding Nemo movie "keep on swimming, just keep swimming!" <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

FlyingFinn · Dec 7, 2007

Have a great first marathon! "Dig deep" worked for me, too.

Road hawk · Dec 7, 2007

Have fun Pete. 
The goal for the first one is to Finish 
Trust your Training 
Happy Discovery Miles

choovie · Dec 7, 2007

Just wanted to wish you good luck on your first marathon!

mariposai · Dec 7, 2007

I hope you have a lot of fun while running your first marathon Peter. I also hope you sleep very well tonight since you may be restless on Friday night (or that is normally the case for me at least). I ran my first marathon one year ago, since then I have done 3 others and I must admit that my first one is still sweet to my heart. 
Set your mind on the finish line, trust your training,start slow, smile at the volunteers, drink at every water station and don't forget to look up and smile big when you cross the finish line. 
Good luck. I can't wait to read your RR.

hally · Dec 7, 2007

Me too!! Go get em

Peter · Dec 7, 2007

I thought that I'd check in here this morning and wow...lot's of great advice and support! I'll remember a lot of what was mentioned here. 
My chronic left AT is acting up, along with a slight twinge in my right knee... so I'm not feeling 100% this morning. 
I'm neverous and anxious so I think that things are actually falling in place for me since I tend to thrive on adversity....LOL. 
Thanks guys.

CassadAAmius · Dec 7, 2007

Peter, what everyone else said. Go out there, dig deep, and have a blast. Remember that we're all pulling for you. 
During the first ten miles, and the first two especially, you need to make a conscious effort to hold back. It should feel really easy, like you should be running faster. You'll be glad you saved something when you need it later in the race. 
Your training has gone well. It's there for you now... go get it!

millbot · Dec 7, 2007

Peter, I'll be doing my first marathon in the Spring. I'm looking forward to reading the helpful details of how you did everything right. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

IEatHills4Meals · Dec 7, 2007

Hey Pete! I can't put into words how much I LOVED my first M. It was tough. I ran injured, in pain the entire course, in 30mph winds (gusts of 60), on a half flat, half rolling course, and still haven't had the same great feeling from any other running experience. A low key race, gorgeous course. I just cracked my heart open at the start. I felt really emotional when the gun went off. It was a 26.2 learning about myself dialogue. I took teh scenery in as much as I could and that made me smile, even when I was in pain. I was there and I was doing it. And no matter what, I KNEW I was going to finish it, even if I had to crawl at the end (which I didn't). I don't know how fast and ambicious you are. So, all I can suggest is that you take it all in, make that a memorable experience as I am sure it will be. When you start running, the nervousness will stop, and you will sail through. Come back and post your RR ASAP.

Opie · Dec 7, 2007

I can't add anything to the collective wisdom. I just wanted to congratulate you in advance. You'll have a great time!

mcsolar99 · Dec 7, 2007

yup, sounds like you tapered perfectly. if you get to the starting line full of doubt and feeling a little sluggish, you know that you've tapered right. 
don't worry, after 3 miles it'll all feel great. make sure to contain your feeling of greatness until mile 21 or so, then let it completely loose... and try your best to smile a couple of times in those last 5 miles. 
have a blast!<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/banana.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="banana">

First marathon on Saturday

Top Contributors this Month