Yesterday was the longest run in my marathon training plan (20-22 miles) before starting the taper; it was also to be my longest ever run!! While I did manage to get to 20 miles, it was a bit of a mixed bag. I was running part of the marathon route I'm booked into at the end of May and felt strong, enjoying the coastal views and even a parrot being given its Sunday morning walk (yes, really).
Though from about the 24th km I felt a tightening in my calves. No pain, just a tightening sensation. A few unplanned stretching stops were needed, along with slowing the pace down, watching my form and keeping an eye on my foot strike pattern to get me back to near-ish home. I decided not to push on any further and accept that hitting 20 miles with 3 weeks to go until race day was acceptable and wise this close to event day.
This morning I've done some gentle yoga to aid recovery and plan to take things a bit easier from here on in until event day. I'm trying to view yesterday as a massive positive achievement, even if it wasn't the magnificent ending I’d imagined. I expect the doubts will probably linger until I cross that finish line. But for now I'll focus on how well my training has been going even if there's been a few bumps along the way.
Written by
runningdad
Marathon
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As I said on Strava, you don't need to have run further than 20 miles to be able to complete a marathon runningdad . I'd only ever done just over 33km before I completed the maratrail, which ended up 10% over length and with 870m more elevation gain than I'd ever managed previously. I wasn't fast, but I just wanted to get round and enjoy myself, and that's what I did.
Your plan will probably have you tapering now and that's what you need, no point in overdoing it. You'll be fine!
Thank you! Your advice is most definitely welcome. I'm a bit of a worrier as you can probably tell. Just needing this creaky body to hold itself together for a wee bit longer!
I can catastrophise until the cows come home! However, you've put in the training, so all you need to do now is get your head to accept that you can and will do your marathon.
Don't worry about the creaky body - you're younger than me and by the time you've tapered you'll be raring to go!
How were you dealing with hydration/ how much fluid did you take in over the whole time? Often we forget to drink enough which leads to cramps/tight muscles. It's so important to keep on top of hydration throughout, even if we don't feel like we need it.
Thanks for this. It makes a lot of sense and is definitely something for me to factor into my planning in the future. I was carrying water, but probably not enough. I was flying solo, so I only had what I was able to comfortably carry which meant rationing it out along the way along with the pile of gels/energy bars. So not ideal. I came across a water bottle top up tap towards the end, so I was able to take on more fluids then, but probably a bit too late for my muscles by then. I’ll definitely not be holding back at the water stations on the day!! Thanks for letting the tips.
Longer training runs are as much about learning your fuel/hydration needs as they are about time on feet.
Obviously events will have lots of hydration stops but you don't really want to be throwing too much down your neck either. It's about what your body needs for the conditions and where the next point is.
I can carry up to 5.5 liters but usually aim for 500ml/hr although that's not an exact science. In cooler weather I might only need 250ml/ hour or in high summer 1l/hr.
Main paths often have taps, churchyards often have taps. Cafes and pubs will usually happily supply tap water. When pushed I've asked folk in their gardens. When I am down to my last 800ml to 500ml I am always looking where I can get more. Always better to have too much than not enough 👍🏻
I was mindful of that on my MM run. I added a bit of table salt to the litre of orange squash in my hydration bladder. Not so much that it made it taste obviously salty, though.
GoGo_JoJo is absolutely right runningdad . Even on shorter runs, get in as much practice as you can with fuelling and hydration. It makes such a difference. 😀
Do you do regular calf stretches? I make a point of doing them (and hamstring stretches) after every run. Also, make sure that you’re properly hydrated and taking on electrolytes throughout your run. I use an electrolyte mix in my water bottle. There are a range of other alternatives such as sports drinks, salt tablets, pickled gherkins (?!)
As others have noted, that’s a great pace. You’re on schedule with your plan so all you really have to do is keep following it!
Thanks SkiMonday for your tips. I’m an avid calf/hamstring stretcher post run, though need to work on making sure my dynamic warm ups aren’t rushed/forgotten. I’m always so keen to get going. I have been dabbling with electrolytes. I think I need to do a bit more experimenting with my overall hydration/fuelling strategy!
That's an excellent pre taper long training run. Lots of factors in play there. We're so scared of injury before an event I think we notice every niggle and tight spot, fearing we will push something too far. Cautious was very wise in training, but I imagine you'll be more inclined to push on for the real thing. You've done the hard work and now have three weeks to nurture fresh legs for the day 👍
Thanks Linda. That little doubt monster sits firmly on my shoulder every time I have an event. Something to get used to. The invaluable advice on HU keeps me grounded and on track though, so grateful for that!!
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Four weeks to go! HM training Run 25 - 10 miles 😀
Last 2 mile training run done before my very first HM on Sunday (hopefully...)!
Last marathon training longrun - 24 miles yesterday!!
HM training plan advice please !! 
