Marathon Runners.who are you?
I am running a marathon next year and wanted to know from the veterens of marathons, what type obstacles, physical and mental I might expect to come upon while i run...keep on runnin 26.2!!
Answers:
What are the best shoes to run a marathon with?
I assume this is your first marathon. If you already race shorter distances, the marathon differs in that it is the first distance where you are not aerobically limited and nutrition plays an important role in the outcome.In shorter races, your cardiovascular system dictates the pace. In the marathon, you run well below lactate threshold or VO2Max. In fact, marathon pace feels too easy. Resist the urge to race. The marathon is a race of patience and attrition. What is easy at mile 1, 5,or 10 becomes much harder at mile 18. The marathon is an easy 20 mile warm up followed by a 10k race.
Pace is critical. Small errors during the first half can cost tens of minutes during the second half. In fact, if you run and hold an even pace, you will be passing people right and left the last 5 miles.
If you prepare correctly, pace correctly and eat and drink properly during the race, you will not hit the wall. If you don't practice your long runs or go out too fast or don't eat and drink during the race, you will hit the wall between 18 and 22 miles. Once that happens, your pace will slow down 1 to 3 minutes per mile and time goes in slow motion. It will be the most painful 4 or 5 miles you have ever run.
Have you ever taken pycnogenol supplements?
Don't get caught up with the pack - focus on running at your tempo pace. If you feel that focus may be a problem, wear a headset for a while (at least till the "pack" breaks up.)Take the time to walk up to watering stations. The time gives your legs a chance for recovery. Believe me, the time you think you will lose will be made up in the last 5 miles where most start to succumb.
Learn your course and prepare for greater. I always train longer and on longer hills that are on my course.
In your cross-training, make sure you spend time strengthening your back.
Prepare for the weather, don't avoid running in the type of weather you could be running in - yes, I run in the rain.
If this is your first marathon, decide on the time you would like to do the race in IE. 3 1/2 hours. Then go to a local high school track, check your watch (or start your stop clock) and go for it.
Best wishes!
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