As I get closer to R Day (Race Day) my thoughts shift to strategy. Should I join a pace group or run Han Solo? Should I high five spectators or just focus on the run? Should I really wear thongs under my running shorts? Ok, the last one is a joke (of course I will) but I do need to lock down a game plan. Like a good game of Battleship, I need to strategize.
Then again, I could just, you know, run – a la Forrest Gump.
I also need some mental tricks to get me through those miles that seem endless and painful. For me, this usually happens around 20-24. At my last half I kept repeating “Strong. Powerful. Tough.” That seemed to help quite a bit. I guess I could always channel my inner badass. W.W.B.K.D? (What would Beatrix Kiddo do?)
(Anyone up for a jog?)
What other mental games can I play? Perhaps a little pin the tail on the runner in front of me? I’ll take suggestions please.
My goal time is 4:15, but I won’t be totally displeased with 4:30. It’s a marathon folks and anything can happen. I am mentally telling myself that no matter what I do, I will have run 26.2 miles and that is pretty gosh darn awesome in itself.
So readers out there, what are your best marathon tips and tricks?
Damn woman, I am not a Doctor! Oh, wrong blog. I have seen you run (you were in a thong – who knew) and I have the utmost confidence you can do 4:15. I would say try the Pace Group at the beginning of the race and see how it goes. Some pacers are really good; others suck. An experienced pacer is going to get you through the wall.
You are right, finishing a marathon is pretty darn great!! You are going to be awesome and you will finish within your goal time….no problem:) Go you!!
Wow, a race strategy! Crash and burn, it didn't work for me but I looked good. Just run until the volunteer says, 'here's your medal'……
Try this:
1. Ignore the weather. You can't do a thing about it.
2. Trust your training!!
3. Every time you have a negative thought, immediately replace it with a positive one.
4. It's harder to run 26.2 miles alone than it is to run with others (remember your training runs).
5. Relax. Calmness. Peace.
6. Bradley Cooper.
after you get settled into your pace, pick a runner 100 yards in front of you and reel them in! If all else fails JFR-it! (just f**king run)
have fun!
Ok I love Jamie's advice and Coach EK's #5 🙂
Girl YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!!!!! I have no doubt's and we've already discussed what I think you should do. You have this in you and you just need to believe in yourself!
Can't wait for next week! Love you!
Beth you've had great training you will rock this race and I believe you will make your goal!! Just remember the cardnal rule.."Don't go out too fast!!!!!!" I personally won't be using a pace group only because I want to run how I feel and don't want to me self pressured to keep up. I will have my ipod and myself. Just run your race girl!! ((hugs)))
If there is a 4:15 pace group, try starting out and get about 100-200 yards in front of them. Then if you plan to walk some water stops, let them catch you while you drink and walk. After they catch, run with them for a few minutes then accelerate ahead again. This will vary your pace and help to use a few different muscles along the way. for miles 20 – 24, distraction works for me, try flirting with the spectators. But everyone is different so if something isn't working, change it up till find what works. Good luck and have fun
Go easy the first half. If you feel good, pick it up for the second, but only at a pace you can maintain. Keep that mantra going for when it gets really tough. Other than that, one foot in front of the other till the bitter end.
oh strategy! oh battleship! I just run to finish. I have always thought it would be cool to join a pace group but I don't know. Ok I am not any help. I am still getting over the "whole they canceled my race crap"
Kick butt!!!
Play a little game with yourself – the last few miles, see if you can improve your pace by a second each mile. Sounds kinda dumb, but it helped me during my half.
If you decide to Han Solo, you should visualize yourself wearing the Princess Leia dress running away from Jabba the Hut. That'll be worth a few quick miles I'm sure.
I have two comments. The one that I always take into everey race that is extremely helpful is to JUST HAVE FUN. I see so many folks get so wound up before the race starts… try to relax and enjoy what will be a spectacular experience. The second thing has happened to me several times during said spectacular experience. With a few miles left I start to lose it, focus, concentration, pace… What has got me back on pace and over the hump is, I shouldn't mention this, But I latch on to the most beautiful booty I see that is at the right pace. And I hang on to that for dear life until I get myself back on track. So at that tough spot in the race, hook a ride with the booty!
LOL, the previous post had this as a verification word: howlera.
Maybe it was the system commmenting on my comment.
You are going to rock this, NO DOUBT! But you're right, it can be mentally tough out there from miles 20-24 and being prepared is half the battle 🙂
I would totally try the pacer…try to meet them at the Expo the day before and get a feel for them. If they aren't your cup of tea, then try running that first half strong and steady. Have some good tunes rolling and just ENJOY, BREATE and RELAX. The second half can be where you use that mantr and maybe have a new playlist ready. But again, relax and breathe, you got it in the bag girlie! So excited for you!!! I wish I could go and cheer you and Red on!
I second terryprof — have fun and enjoy yourself. What is the value of the experience if you drive yourself to the point of displeasure? Now pushing hard, keeping pace, struggling — that is all part of the experience too, but remember your training — the hardest, hottest longest run. You did that one, and remember how great it felt? That is how you will feel in a short couple of miles — less than a 10k. Good luck!
Marathon virgin here so I don't really know what to tell you except EEEEESh! A thong!? Really? I can't imagine! I prefer commando!
Looks like a lot of good adive above!
Good luck and you will do great!!
You're doing Gels and Endurolytes right (using the trick you showed me)? Set up a regular schedule (every 4 miles,every 5 miles, etc.). Then break the race down to segments. At mile 8 it's not about 26.2, it's about your next gel/electrolyte packet. I swear mile 21 will pass like a ship in the night because you can focus on your next gel packet!
Good luck! This is soooooo exciting!
Don't worry about the things you have no control over…Just have fun! Good luck! I'm so excited for you!
Unfortunately I have no tricks…I would just continue your positive mind thought. 26.2 is a ridiculous amount of miles to run. I think for you to be able to do that is incredible. Don't let any time take that away.
I give each of the last 6 miles a name. During that mile, I think of that person instead of the pain. Good luck!
i'm not much of one to make a race plan… i attempt but i end up changing it like 12 times in the first 10 miles. and then after mile 20 my brain goes dead so i can't remember any of my mental games. so… good luck deciding 🙂
Hello!! Do nothing different/new on race day! Run with someone you find out there doing your pace (after the first 3-5 miles wears off). Run at your pace – it will be dark on Davis Island. Get on pace and enjoy! Halfway is the warm-up, and half-way is at mile 18. Then you have the 2nd half! Start the mantra there. Remember you have run Bayshore – and those lsat 6 miles you will own!! I find someone to run with those last 8 miles – if feeling really good – I pick runners off. If feeling bad – try to find someone to hang on to! Negative split from 1st half to 2nd half. (never done by me in a stand alone marathon – but my best ones have been when I was closest!) No worries – you got this – trust your training!!
I'm really going to try and stick with the "have fun" mentality…and make sure I don't fall off the sidewalk (wink, wink, B.o.B.)
I think (1) we've trained well, (2) we know what we're capable of, and (3) we'll be comfortable with pace group, no pace group, run together, run apart (with mental support) – because on race day, you learn to adapt to different situations.
I'll be thinking about your dedication over the past year, Nora's perseverance through adversity, The Hollster's strength, Redhead's attitude, and our coach's advice of course! 😉
Its worth starting with the pace group. Even if the pacers stink (like my experience last weekend), you might be able to find a buddy aiming for the same finish time. That will be a huge help in the late miles. Other than that, stay calm, don't let the little things bother you, and enjoy it!
Good luck!
yeah i think it would totally help to have a race strategy! You will do amazing and i am proud of you for going for it!
I'm not too good with the strategy, so I'll just wish you lots of luck and let you know that I think you will do awesome! Stay strong and dig deep!
I like to study the course map (obsessively and while at work, of course) and break the course into sections. I did this during my last marathon and it really helped me in the race (like – one more mile and I will be on the trail through the park).
I have never done that distance, but I am willing to bet that Beatrix would "wiggle her big toe" in a tight spot. So, when the going gets tough, think of your followers and wiggle your big toe.
All the best!
You're going to be fantastic – you've trained well and have earned it!
My best tip is to smile at everyone and anyone. If you're smiling, they smile back and everyone is just happy happy. Happy running makes the miles easier, faster, and more fun!