Supporting running in the metro Richmond area
Running my First Marathon
So I ran the Swinging Bridge back in January and had a blast. Immediately after that I signed up for the Shamrock (My First Marathon). I am so excited but also freaking out!!!! I have totally done the training but the tapering is getting to my madness this week. Any words of advice on trying to complete this marathon in a 4:15 to 4:30 time?
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnson on -
The other thing is...I keep going back and forth about wearing my ipod...Will I need it or should I fuss with it? Should I wear my fuel belt or use the water stops....oh gosh and how am I going to drive home after this thing???? Thank god my friend and I are driving together so we can take turns if we get the major leg cramp or lead foot. Also the only way I am sleeping right now is Advil PM....NERVES!!!
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Permalink Reply by John Snider on -
Jennifer-
Awesome commitment and this is one of the best things that you will EVER do in your life. First thing--your goal pace. I assume that you have picked reasonable numbers for you based on your training and experience (McMillian Calculator is darn good..)--so the "key" is running even or the proverbial negative split (I think i have done it once in a distance race...). I am a fan of the pace band--but you can play with that to allow some cushion on the front and fade.
You will only hear this 100 times--I have heard it 1,000--don't go out too fast....
The course is a good one--and while the WX is not looking as good as I would like (super cold)--humidity and wind won't be around. IF it is windy (usually from the NW at shamrock)--remember that you will have to go into it in Camp Pendelton and up the boardwalk---find some big guys and DRAFT.
If you have trained with your fuel belt and it dosen't give you problems--run with it. If you have had issues---keep a throw away bottle on you for security..the water stops are pretty well spaced on the course--especially past the 1/2!
The IPOD will get numerous comments--it may be "prohibited" at Shamrock--just use common sense---and whatever you do--have the respect to run the first few miles without it--soak in the crowds---and have it out of the way when you come back down the boardwalk.
EAT WELL TONIGHT___sleep in tomorrow--don't spend all day at the expo or wandering around...run your race well and enjoy it. You get the best gift of all some time sunday--and that is knowing that you will finish. The medal is just icing on the cake. It is a good course and you will do well. Good LUCK--and SHAMROCK ON!
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Permalink Reply by Perry Como on -
Do the same things in the race that you did in training. You have put in all the work and race day is no time to try something new. RELAX!
The first one is always the one that you will remember the most and look back on.
You will be awesome! This is a great course for your first Marathon.
Don't put any pressure on yourself and enjoy.
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Permalink Reply by Run Happy on -
Jennifer;
You ran Swinging Bridge, you’ve trained for the full marathon, the best advice, just go out there and enjoy! Start slow, do NOT zig zag at the start to get around people, relax and keep a straight course. The crowds will thin out and you will have plenty of clear running room. What ever you did in training, do it in the race. While I always carry fluids in training and on trails, for road marathons I do not. Normally the water stops are plenty close enough. But, if you feel better with your fuel belt, then, yes, wear your fuel belt. You will see lots of people wearing their fuel belts. It is better to have it and not need it, then to wish you had it. As this is your first marathon, it is better to carry then not to carry.
Ipods….I do not use Ipods, but plenty of people do. As you know there is plenty out there on running with and with out music. I like to be able to talk to people while running, be it my fellow runners or the crowd. I practically like to high-5 all the kids. I just think it makes for a more enjoyable experience overall.
Drive home – take your time after you finish the marathon. Make sure you get plenty of fluids (hydration of the non-alcoholic type is best), and something to eat, if you need to, take a nap. Walk around as much as possible and change into something comfortable. For the most part, the only issue I’ve ever had with driving home post marathon/ultra is actually getting out of the car. Driving is fine, but unfolding, swinging legs out the door and getting up, let alone the first few steps…..OUCH!! Once I am moving around I am fine. Since there will be more than one of you in the car, even better.
Most important…. Be sure to let us all know all about your first marathon experience.
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Permalink Reply by Run Happy on
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DW;
Just getting started....I'm exhausted just reading your stuff! :-)
Keep it going, and of course...
Run Happy
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Permalink Reply by Pete on -
Pick your pace and make sure you are paying attention and keeping to it early until you settle into it. You will be excited and have rested legs race morning. If you start out at your pace, you will feel like running faster-don't.
You shouldn't need an ipod. This isn't a trail run or a solitary training run. Enjoy the experience but be careful of your pace. I always have to slow down again after I give the little kids high fives and get the crowd cheering for me.
Did I mention putting your name on white duct tape with a magic marker and putting it on your shirt? It is a huge lift to have someone cheer for you by name.
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnson on
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Wow-all of this advice is simply amazing!!!! Thank you so much...I need to go and kick butt just so I can report back to all of you. I am in a much more relaxed moode now then I was this morning. (although I did take an Advil PM about an hour ago...so I am ready for some zzzzzz's soon). After a close call of loosing my sitter this weekend and my husband being out of town...I did find an alternate awesome neighbor who is taking my kids for the weekend. I am so ready for this thing. I did my 15-20 min. run today and I felt like a race horse that wanted wanted to take off.
I am thinking I am going with out the ipod..so I can just take in the whole experience!! I went into the Swinging bridge very relaxed, not expecting anything of my self except for finishing...so I am starting to think that this is what I need to do on Sunday and in the mean time I might pleasantly surprise myself and kick this SHAMROCK!!!
Thanks again for all the feedback!!!! I love the support of the running community-it only makes you want to come back for more!
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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Johnson on
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WHAT AN AMAZING experience my first marathon was! I pulled it out with a 4:29 finishing time. I ran the first 17miles with the 4:15 (finishing) pace group....I was feeling great!!!! All of a sudden the 4:15 pace group starting moving out of sight and I couldn't catch the speed to keep up. 17-22 was getting hot and pretty boring but I held it and kepted running...just a little slower..never walked except to get water and one very quick restroom break at mile 18. Once I hit 23..I new I could do it and I started passing so many people...it gave me such a feeling of relief that I was still running. The crowds were amazing..loved that they had my name on my bib number..it gave me an extra push everytime I heard my name. I ran with out an ipod and I just soaked in the awesome experince...I even got teary eyed a few times along the way at the different sights. I did wear my fuel belt with one water bottle..which I used to cool myself during the long 17-22 stretch. I finished STRONG and it felt amazing!!
Thanks for all your support during my freak out tapering pre race moode--I really appreciate it!
I actually feel really good today and I am surprised. I have to admit that my body was much more sore after my first 1/2 marathon and the 35k swinging bridge. I am already thinking...hmmm whats next?
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Permalink Reply by Running Goddess on -
Congratulations Jennifer! Way to go! I am glad that you did so well and had such an awesome experience.
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Permalink Reply by Mitzi Humphrey on -
Heartiest congratulations, Jennifer! What a great adventure and gratifying success you had with your FIRST MARATHON!!!
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Permalink Reply by Janal Lindner on -
Congratulations Jennifer! What an accomplishment!!
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