Running my first marathon next month - am starting to panic

bobsman

:mad::mad:Hi folks - am running my first marathon in exactly 6 weeks time. I have been running for almost years. Consistently around 3/4 times a week and have a few races under my belt. My most recent are a half marathon, which I completed in 1 hr 47 and a 10k in 46 mins - which were a huge shock to me and my running buddies:). I have completed an 18 mile and a 20 mile run. The 18 mile wasn't too bad but I felt defeated after the 20 mile:mad: I ran it in 2 hours 55 mins and I realise that this was too fast a pace. I am imagining all sorts now, doing a bad time and being disappointed or hitting a wall and not being able to complete the marathon.

Ideally I would love a sub 3.45 time. Any tips/advice? cheers

RoyMcC

Look at the big lesson from the 20-miler and forget all about sub-3.45. You have no idea how hard those final six miles are going to be.

Settle for a nice, steady run. Get your first mara under your belt with a smile. Then come back next time with a target laced with experience of the distance.

PS - much better marathoners than me coming up next

Tipp man running

From what I can see from your race times a 3.55 marathon would be a great result, and since its your first marathon I'd consider going with the 4 hr pacers and see have you anything left later in the race.
I wouldn't beat yourself up over chasing an ambitious time, just pace yourself well and concentrate on getting around and learn from it. And don't worry about the 20miler, they are never easy in training.

pgmcpq

I'd agree with both previous comments, but first DON'T PANIC !

(Always wanted to start a post with that - Hichhiker's Guide)

Don't get too focused on a target time - but don't get discouraged either. There are a huge number of factors that can vary how a run/race goes, so you cannot really make a judgement based on one run. Everytime I have trained for a marathon I have found each "first" time at a distance tough but next time out easier. Whether this is physical or mental ... who knows. So bad run "ho hum - I do better next time".

At the same time you need to be realistic. 3/4 runs a week is at the lower end of the training that most people aiming for sub 4 would do. (Yes, I'm generalising here before I get beaten up - but I'm assuming that we are not talking about a FIRST plan).

However, 6 weeks out is NOT the time to start changing things up. Doing so can only risk injury.

Look, there are no "bad times" - erase this phrase from your mind. It's a bad mind set to go in with - especially if things are not going to plan around mile 20.

It is a first marathon - it does not have to be a last marathon. You'll learn a heap of stuff and have a much better idea of what to work on.

adavis58

If you are not concerned before a marathon, you are not normal.
I would go for a 4hr marathon, get it under your belt and then prepare for your next one.
Art
http://fitatfifty-art.blogspot.com/