I'm running a marathon, tips?

[DisgruntledVirus]

First off, good luck!

I'm training for my first marathon in Cleveland on May 15th. Yesterday did a 10 miler in 1:34, but had to stop early due to weather (started freezing rain and wind speed increased significantly) with snow already on the ground. Definitely had the energy to go further though.

The number one thing I've learned is pay attention to your body. Pushing yourself is good, to a point. Also diet significantly impacts how well I feel during a run. If you're not watching your diet, I highly suggest starting.

 

[YoungGun21]

First experience with nipple chafing today! woo!

 

[YoungGun21]

Starting to feel some pain on the inside of my knees as I run. Seems like it is coming from the MCL area, so that is my guess. It is basically from the inside of the knee cap to the very inside of the knee. Occurs in both knees, but definitely seems worse in my right leg. Any tips/ideas?

 

[YoungGun21]

I ran it yesterday and finished! Time of 4:34.47. Not bad considering I hadn't run for two weeks prior to the race because of knee pain, and even just 3 days before the race I couldn't walk up or down any stairs. Knee pain mysteriously went away about 6 miles into the race though!

This was definitely a great experience, and I don't even care about my time. I ran the whole thing (walked through water stations) and that was my real goal. Next time I'll break 4 hours. I've already got an idea of the training I'll need to do it too.

Oh and...I'll make it to Boston eventually.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Did you run the country music marathon in nashville?

Nevermind. Just read the whole thread again and realized you ran one in illinois!

 

[kamper]

Congrats YG! My dad just ran a marathon in which he was also basically just managing injuries more than anything else (back and knee) and he managed to push through, but he was not comfortable. That's great that things cleared up for you during the race.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Congrats!

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

Nice job brah.

 

[Megatomic]

Good job YoungGun! Before you decide on making Boston your ultimate running event, check these out:

Pikes Peak Marathon

And if that isn't enough:

Hardrock 100

or

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

These are the big shows in running - even the Kenyans stay out of these races.

Anyways, welcome to the club bro.

 

[YoungGun21]

Ha! I'm not sure I have any interest in running over any mountains. Maybe I will do an Ultra someday, but it will definitely be on a mostly flat course.

 

[Megatomic]

There aren't many flat trail ultras, but there are quite a few flatish road ultras. I was really just kidding about the ultras, they aren't for everyone. I just happen to be a bit masochistic and find myself late in life trying to challenge my body as I did my mind when I was a younger man.

 

[YoungGun21]

My goal is to cut an hour off of my time for my next race. Goal time is 3:30. That is about an 8 minute mile pace, which I can already hold for over 10k. If I just push myself to the next level during my training, I think it will be definitely within reach.

I have a bet with my trainer, so I have to run a half in under 1:45 sometime this fall, that will certainly help.