Maranoia

[Tasha99]

After 4 months of really great training runs, last night I did my penultimate run before tapering: 8 miles, supposedly easy. But it was so awful that after, I was doubting whether or not to actually do the marathon which is only 2 weeks away now. It was the second run in a row which just felt pretty horrific. I seem to have messed up my healthy diet plan, I’m not drinking enough water and my resting heart rate is going up too. I’ll have to try and pull it back in the few days I have left but I’m doubting myself now and I’m not sure I have the strength and fitness to get through 😕

[GTFC Marathon]

You know how I feel and we are all behind you. It's natural to have these nerves. You've completed fabulous long runs and now have time to fine tune and get yourself mentally prepared too. You'll have runs between now and the day itself where you'll feel better. I'm so proud of you. 'This girl can.' I love you ❤xxx

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thank you GTFC 💞 Same same♾

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

This is a common feeling when heading into taper, don't worry, you know you can do it!!! xxx

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

NB I know this is not your first marathon, but not every taper will be the same 😊

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you roseabi 😊

[RunWillie Marathon]

You can do it Tasha99

We’re all cheering you on ❤️🏃‍♀️

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

I hope I can! Thank you 🤩

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Go Tasha! You have your HU friends willing you on. There’ll be pom poms shaking all the way. You’ll never be alone!

Think of what a fabulous runner you’ve become and what an inspirational person you are. Imagine the finish line and how elated and proud you’ll feel. Think of the bling. 🏅😍

You CAN do this. 👊

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Bling and new T-shirt all the way! Thank you 😊

[Week7 Half Marathon]

I can imagine your reply on this forum if somebody else had posted this.You would be assuring them that they had put in the training miles, to continue to follow the plan , drink lots of water and be kind to yourself. You can do this.

You are a brilliant runner we are all behind you. 🏃‍♀️ 🌟

And you have your new secret weapon GTFC for extra support!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Week7]

He definitely is my secret weapon 💕, thank you 😀

[misswobble Marathon]

First marathon nerves are quite normal. We fear the distance. If you’ve done the training you’ve nothing to fear💪😀🏃‍♀️

Enjoy the taper 🙂🏃‍♀️ You’ve done the hard work so now enjoy the wind down. Easier, short jogs to set you up for the big day. eat well, sleep much, hydrate plenty!!! 💦

Get your stuff ready. That’s a useful distraction 🙂👍

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you misswobble . It’s my second, but that last one was pretty awful so maybe that’s bugging me a bit too, also I’ve put pressure on myself with a time target 🎯

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Getting the collywobbles before doing something big and new is normal.

Stick with your plan. You'll be fine.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to nowster]

I hope so 🤞🏽Thank you 😊

[Elfe5]

Hey Tasha, I don’t know much about marathons but I am definitely cheering you on! 😄 Maybe you picked up a minor low grade bug from work causing the last 2 hard runs?? If so, you have time to recover - you are not an NQT - your immune system is feisty & experienced! 💪🏻😄

Best of luck, I’m brandishing northern banners for you! Xxx

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you! Hey, I did Hartlepool parkrun a couple of times. It’s my new favourite!

How are you doing now too?

[Elfe5 in reply to Tasha99]

That’s great - running by the sea is such a pleasure! 😄I am restarting from scratch after 1&1/2 years of PF. (It finally turned out that it was also Achilles problems too. I had a fresh start with a new physio & that eventually sorted it out. Had Covid last month, - it’s limiting energy & exercise still, but able to do W4 R1 very slowly. Even slow limited running is SO much better than none & I can’t tell you how good it is to be able to go out walking again. 😄

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Elfe5]

Oh good luck! We’ll do that parkrun one day too! Xx

[Elfe5 in reply to Tasha99]

🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻I would love that. I’ll let you know if I manage enough uninterrupted running to be ready!🙄😂

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Elfe5]

Cake and coffee compulsory after! I’m happy to run walk it with you. Anytime!

[Elfe5 in reply to Tasha99]

Cake & coffee after - perfect! 😄I’d like to recomplete C25K & have a few comfy 5ks back under my belt first - I’ll let you know. Also, I think I will come to your nearby Parkrun and be anonymous first time!😂😂

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Elfe5]

Ok! I’ll go anywhere Xx

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Don’t fret. You’ve got this. One last mental test before the day is all this is. The work is done. 👊👊👍🏼

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Decker]

Thank you Decker. Let’s hope I can get it back 🤞🏽

[Sandie1961 Half Marathon]

You can do this. We all get nervous before a big event (10k in my case 😂). You’ve done all that training, it would be such a shame to miss out on such a fantastic day (even if in retrospect 😂😂). Go you 🙌💥

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Sandie1961]

Thank you Sandie 😍

[Jericho2332 Half Marathon]

Pre match nerves, you will be fine! You've got this 💪🏻👍🏻

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Jericho2332]

Thank you! You’re doing well. Great comeback!

#utb 😍

[Cmoi Marathon]

Hey Tasha99 , you can, and will, succeed with the marathon. You're an experienced runner who takes training seriously (hell, I don't even know what my resting heart rate is!) You've put in plenty of miles. You can drink more water. You can eat better for the next fortnight. But please don't beat yourself up if you think you've fallen short of the high standards you've set yourself.

When I went to collect my race pack the evening before my maratrail, I walked up the steep cobbled street where the finish was to be and thought "What have I done? I'm tired even doing this. How the hell am I going to get up it tomorrow after a hilly 42km?"

I was fine. I ran over that finish line. Didn't even notice the gradient. You'll be fine too.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

That’s reassuring thank you Cmoi 😍

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Don't let it get to you. Turn up for the day, if you decide part way its not for you, just bail. You'll probably find the excitement on the day will change everything. 👍🏻

You know you _can_ do it, it's just whether you want to. 🤞🏻

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Yes I’m hoping the event and crowds will carry me 🤞🏽Thank you 😍

[Hidden]

Whoah there Tash let your legs do the thinking you just keep them turning and if all else fails..... (Not that it Will coz well you're brilliant) get a piggy back of the one the only GTFC !!!!! You'll smash it chuck

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

🤣 thank you Ian! 🤣

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

You are one of our own Tasha; you will smash it! In the unlikely event that something goes wrong this time, then you will smash the next one….. I hated the taper before the GNR; I think it just means that you are run ready and fed up with the build up..bring it on 🏆

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thanks BC! How are you? My long run today was good👌🏽

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Good to hear 🙂…back on track 👏👏👏👏.

I have built up to 4K over 4 runs this week; starting at 1k and adding 1k run on run. I am keeping the pace steady at 7 min/k. My foot hasn’t swelled at all so hopefully I have turned the corner. Early days though 🤞🤞

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Yes! Great to hear BC 🤞🏽

[00marks Marathon]

I think I know how you feel. What wave are you starting in

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to 00marks]

Orange I think? 10:15 start. Today’s long run was good so I feel better now. You?

[00marks Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Blue B - but don't tell anyone!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to 00marks]

🤐🤣

[Hedgehogs123 Metric Marathon]

Well I've never ran a marathon, so I can't comment there, but.....sheer northern determination, I'm sure you will smash it!! Remember This Girl Can!!😄🏃‍♀️👍👍

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hedgehogs123]

This 😍

[Betj Half Marathon]

Likewise have never run a marathon but always impressed by anyone who tries! Our minds are amazing things and can be very unhelpful & convince us of things that really aren't the case🙄.Luckily the great thing is things never stay the same and we can move through the crap.... believe and trust again😁.. good luck and enjoy.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Betj]

Thank you! Today’s run was good!

[GTFC Marathon]

Someone rather special pulled a fantastic 20 mile run out today Tasha99 ❤❤👏👏👏 So proud of you xx

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Thank you GTFC ! I loved my run today. Love you Xx

[Tasha99 Marathon]

Thank you for your support everyone! I did 20 miles this morning and felt strong so mini meltdown over 😍

[Lookslikejames Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Well done! I cannot imagine getting 20 miles in, I did 14 today and feel knackered!! You’ve got this 💪🏼

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Lookslikejames]

Yeah, I did 15 miles (24km) last Sunday and my left leg really didn't like it from about 19km onwards. This is odd as I've done HMs and had no trouble afterwards. I'm clocking it up as due to running in worn-out shoes with chilly (cold and wet) legs.

[Lookslikejames Marathon in reply to nowster]

At least it was only your left leg, I don’t think my whole body liked it 😂

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Lookslikejames]

When you first go up to new distances, it is hard. I swear by protein shakes after any run over a half! Helps recovery massively. And I was knackered after too 🤣

[Lookslikejames Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

To be honest I wish I’d had a protein shake yesterday. Instead I ate pretty much everything I could lay my hands on! I will get some protein shakes down me for the next one

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Lookslikejames]

I like SIS rego. I still ate everything in sight after! 🤣

[Lookslikejames Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

That’s the best part of long runs 😂

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

On a really long run you've probably burned the equivalent of a day's resting calories.

My 24km run was estimated at 1700 Cal, and my resting energy consumption for a day is estimated at about 1900 Cal.

No wonder you're ravenous for a few days afterwards.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Lookslikejames]

Many sources recommend having a protein-rich meal within two hours of finishing a long run.

Long runs tend to burn more fat and protein than short ones, which mostly are fuelled by stored glycogen. It's also the reason for taking sugar-rich snacks (like gels or sweets) with you on a long run, to replenish the glycogen.

Protein shakes generally tend to be based on milk whey, a waste product of the cheese making process.

There's a good reason why the bacon butty is such a popular post-run snack. 🤣

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Is that going to be your longest run before the event?

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to nowster]

Yes. I did 21 a couple of weeks back, but yes, 20 is more than enough. Because the difference between 20 and 26.2 is so huge that if you run any further, you’re risking not fully recovering for race day. If you can do 20/21, you can get through the last 5-6 miles with the crowd, the event itself. I could’ve ran a full marathon on both days really, but there’s no point.

[GTFC Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

This ❤

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Fantastic (though not surprising) news Tasha99 ! Happy tapering! 👍😀

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you Cmoi ! 😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

Think what advice you would give a friend…or have given others on here Tasha99 . You can do this…and you will! 💪🙂

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you so much 😍

[Katnap Marathon]

I've only recently got maranoid that I might catch a bug or (worse) COVID!

Fingers crossed we will get to meet at the real world event soon with stories of glory!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Katnap]

I’m officially starting to avoid going near the kids in school as of tomorrow 😷

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Great to see you're back in the game Tasha.

I think this is a good example of the mental preparation for a Marathon.

I reckon you're well prepared for a great run in Manchester.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Thank you! Not long to go now!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

You can do this Tasha. I always seem to find niggles in the weeks before a race. I think we are just hypersensitive and notice things we don’t normally. Keep drinking the water, stick to your plan, and you will be great on the day

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. Things seem better now 😊

[R4inbow Ultramarathon]

Hey, I'm a bit late seeing this. But I think you summed it up in the subject of your post 'maranoia', so you know what's going on here. Doesn't make it any easier though.

I've never struggled with a taper before, but I've currently got a silly little voice in the back of my head now that's saying I've not done enough speed work and I need to do lots of intervals in the next week and a half or it won't be possible.

It's one thing thinking rationally (as you would when giving advice to another), but it doesn't silence the silly voices in your head. You'll do great, you've put the work in and your last few long runs were really inspirational!

Hopefully see you Sunday week!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to R4inbow]

Thank you! Which wave are you in?

[R4inbow Ultramarathon in reply to Tasha99]

Yellow B, last wave of them all to start

[Mummycav]

Hi Tasha99 …focus, focus, focus…you are more than ready for this…I’ve seen your runs on Garmin & you are doing fab…those doubts I’m sure are normal but on the day, put them behind you & do the job…you have GTFC cheering you on and all your virtual buddies on here xx

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you Mummycav! That’s so kind Xx