Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

[djfmf]

I can run let me tell you that but i have never in my whole life ever ran something this far. Since i've lost quite a bit of weight i wanted to see how i would fare. I'm not going to be running very fast but i will be pacing myself and trying to conserve my energy, like i said this is my first marathon. Since i'm eating on induction will it give me enough energy to finish the race? most professional marathon runners usually load up on carbs(like pasta) the night before a big race. how about for low carb dieters? i just had some questions about energy for the race but my goal is just to finish it. it happening on the October 29th in Iraq, i guess the same time as the Boston Marathon from what i heard.

[Jerrica]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

I'm not sure someone else will have to answer your question about energy, but I just wanted to wish you luck. Tackling a run that big is awesome!

[ttdriver]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

I can run let me tell you that but i have never in my whole life ever ran something this far. Since i've lost quite a bit of weight i wanted to see how i would fare. I'm not going to be running very fast but i will be pacing myself and trying to conserve my energy, like i said this is my first marathon. Since i'm eating on induction will it give me enough energy to finish the race? most professional marathon runners usually load up on carbs(like pasta) the night before a big race. how about for low carb dieters? i just had some questions about energy for the race but my goal is just to finish it. it happening on the October 29th in Iraq, i guess the same time as the Boston Marathon from what i heard.

Are you a regular distance runner? How many miles do you run in a week currently? What is the farthest training run you've had?

The reason I ask is because running a marathon without proper training is asking for injury. SERIOUS INJURY.

After running for over 2 years, I finished my first marathon last February and let me tell you, its not easy. Matter of fact, its grueling, even if you are well trained and prepared.

I completed the 26.2 while lowcarbing, but not at induction levels. I've been in maintenance for nearly 5 years and eat around 50-60 grams per day (no sugar, flour, starch). I would not have been able to complete the marathon on induction levels I know that for sure. No need to carb load with the pasta and such, but you do need to make sure you are adequately fueled with protein and fats and non-starchy carbs and definitely FLUIDS. If you will be running in hot weather, then I would also strongly recommend some sort of electrolyte replacement (Electromix is excellent).

Think it over carefully .. marathons are not for beginners!

Betty

[Richt]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

IMHO 6 weeks is not long enough to train for a full marathon.

Djmf, whats the longest distance you have run recently? I ask, because I completed my first half marathon this weekend just gone - 13.1 miles. I was dead at the end of that, and it was only half the distance of a full marathon (obviously, given the name lol). I had trained for it for 6 months or so. I cant even begin to understand what a 26.2 mile race must feel like.

Rich

[djfmf]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

the longest i've ever ran was a 10k, about 6 miles but that was a few years ago as a heavy set guy. i usually do cardio, light weights and ab exercises 7 days a week for less than an hour. i never really push myself but i do get a good workout each time. like i said i don't expect to finish first, my goal is just to finish the race. i do have an Army 10 mile run on the 8th of October so that will be my first test, if i can make that then all i need to do is pace myself for the 26 mile run. thanks for the concern you guys, i did think about carrying some bite size pieces of low carb energy bites(off of a protein of some sort) in case i need some fuel on the run. i probably won't be eating on induction for the 26 mile marathon but i won't be loading up on pasta either, i will increase my carb intake but it's only for the energy i'll need that day. i'll just look around and see what type of menu i can make for that week. i'll fill you in as the weeks pass by.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

Kent did the army run last yr

[ttdriver]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

You've run 6.2 miles, but never farther? The reason I ask is, people told me "if you can run 20 miles, you can run 26.2" .. well um, its an ENTIRELY different run at 20 miles .. the last 6.2 are grueling to say the least. You simply must train for longer distances than 10 miles before attempting a marathon, I don't care how slow you go. I am a slower runner (10 minute mile) and had 2 1/2 years of running under my belt before I tried a marathon. I suggest you follow a marathon training program such as www.marathontraining.com before even considering it.

Betty

[boonie stomper]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

My 2 cents worth is you can't run 26.2 if you don't try. What have you got to lose, even if you don't finish the race running, you'll burn a lot of fat, and know you tried.

And you never know- when I was 18, accustomed to running no more than 5 miles, I had been doing the anorexia thing (near total fasting) for about 10 days when I decided to tacle an 8 mile round trip run the first time ever. Not only did I make it there & back without stopping except for water, I picked up a friend (who ran regularly) on my return to the dormand went a second time with her to chat with, for a total of 16 miles.

Only drawback wa I followed that with a chocolate chip cookie binge.

[djfmf]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

Hey betty thanks for the site it has a lot of really good information. i still want to try the marathon even though i haven't been training long enough. being a navy doc serving with the marines they expect you to hang with whatever regiment they have and treat the injured at the same time. the same mentality goes for this run, i can't give up because there are people depending on me to finish so i will give it all i got. everyone has their own limits and i won't know mine until i try, who knows maybe i might just finish the run. =)

[2big4mysize]

Re: Running a 26 mile Marathon had some questions

go for it but be careful if you injury yourself stop. While there is no shame in walking across the finish line 9 hrs later there could be months of rehab if you keep going on an injured limb. know your body will not like you and your mind will think you are insane to try it but the joy of finishing something will make up for it.