Re: First Marathon

the Marine Corps Marathon in '94 and again in '95.....the first year we trained hard as hell and we came across in about 3:55 or so....we got up to 18 miles once a week with no run each day shorter than 9 miles....took the weekends off....the following year the FURTHEST we ran was 12 miles and only did that every other week and we came across in 3:28....we started training about 4 months out....what i'm getting at is that we trained harder the first year and were much slower than in the second year. i did it with the same three guys both years. What worked for me physically was getting into a pace groove and sitting there the entire time...took about 3 miles to really get there but once i was there i stayed there....like sitting in a chair almost, if that makes any sense...sitting in a chair and doing the shuffle....not anything ridiculous...just dropping my body carriage down a tiny bit like "sitting" and getting back on my heels a bit and cruising....i avoided at all costs running on my toes so my calves didn't get smoked.....i took it water station by water station since they were every 2 miles....that was the mental thing....i didn't hit the "wall" until around 18 miles or so, then it became pure will at that point....i taped my ####### off and vaselined the hell out of my armpits and inner thighs. i wore compression shorts under my running shorts and two pairs of socks....sunglasses too because the squinting from the sun tires you out after a while....avoid any muscle flex in your arms, hands, etc. that you don't need to run with....if it makes any sense at all, i tried to find a groove that i could sort of "relax" in while running.....it's a "feel" thing more than anything and once you find that groove you can push further than you think....when the wall comes around 18 - 20 miles it's just a matter of grinding the last 10K distance or so....hope this helps....once you're done, nobody can take it away from you brother.....i want to do the San Francisco marathon while i'm out here....it sucks but it's an accomplishment that you'll never forget.

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Oct 29, 2012, 10:38 AM

With the 'thon this weekend, it is too late for most meaningful advice, but I am sure you have already gotten plenty.

I have run three, so while there are many who have run more, I do have a bit of experience.

Last week advice

Enjoy the taper. Running hard or a lot this week will bring NO BENEFIT. The name of the game is energy and body conversation. Run a little to keep in it mentally, but not hard or long.

Carbo load? I have not gotten a good read on how to do this effectively. If you can or do, I’d love to hear a technique.

Race like you trained. Don’t try anything new – shoes, hydration plan, new goo, etc.

Don’t overdress. It is far better to be chilly in the beginning that to be hot at the end. If you must dress warmly, be prepared to shed a layer and toss it aside. Perhaps you can meet someone early in the race and give it to them – otherwise, be ready to part with it.

Dress well. If you have a good Clemson running shirt, wear it. I have always gotten good comments from other runners and spectators. You always want to represent when you might be among infidels. Also, it is a great conversation starter. After all, who doesn’t like to see Clemson gear (except maybe the aforementioned infidels)?

Enjoy the race. My first was one of the great times of my life. Savor the moments.

Keep a realistic goal. Don’t kill yourself trying to qualify for Boston. If you can enjoy the race and qualify, great (wish I could’ve!) But don’t do anything to make it a bad experience b/c you want to finish the race looking forward to the next one.

Stay determined. While you should listen to your body and not injure yourself, don’t let fatigue stop you. For me, mile 22 was the worst. I had to literally yell at myself in anger when my body wanted to stop (very emotional – I was so mad, I almost started to cry). Everyone has a story, and that is mine in my first ‘thon. If I had walked or rested, the experience wouldn’t have been the same.

Hydrate. Sure, I said to race like you train, but don’t ever turn down hydration (preferably sports drink). I would rather stop and pee than get dehydrated. Believe me; I got calf cramps at mile 18 in my 3rd one. I kept running, but it was SLOW.

Enjoy the moment. When you finish, be proud of your accomplishment. Even though you will see 1000s of people there, and it will seem like everyone runs ‘em, remember that few people have accomplished what you accomplished.

Expect some pain! At the finish line, if you cannot lift your foot to step up on a curb, don’t worry, no one else can!

Take care afterwards. Most of my running friends soak their legs in cold water after the race, for instance, sit in a tub full of cold water in the hotel. I never have done that, but I heard it is good. Also, enjoy a post race feast as soon as your stomach can take it – fat greasy burger, large pizza, oh baby!

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First Marathon

i've run two of them....