I can't believe the marathon is less then one week away. I followed my own 12 week program including long runs of 15, 16, 17, 17, 20.5, 20, and 15 miles in length. Throw a few 10 milers in there and that was basically my training program. All of my long runs were run between a 6:48 and 7:05 pace. I figured that I would like to average a sub 6:30 pace for the marathon so I was hoping that running 30 seconds slower then race pace would be a good idea for the long runs.
My weekly mileage totals were between 30 and 45 miles per week. I know that doesn't seem like much, but I was able to run sub 36 min 10k's on 25 miles a week and a 1:19 half marathon on similar mileage. I hope that running at least 3-4 times a week and the increase of time running will help me to reach the finish before hitting the wall.
As far as nutrition during long runs I practiced eating a Clif Blok every 35 minutes of my training runs and carrying water/gatorade as well. I always try to drink shortly after eating a Blok. I'm not sure how tough it's going to be to eat and drink while running around a 6:20 pace. It could be difficult. I'm sure towards the end of the race I'm going to have to slow down a lot or stop to hydrate and eat. If done correctly, I won't have to stop at all.
My training partner is planning on going out a 6:15 pace for as long as possible. I'd like to keep him in sight and then try to reel him in late in the race. I also hope that if and when I pass him he will hang with me as long as he can and we can finish close together. He is a great runner and I think his finishing time is really going to surprise him.
Training for a marathon has been consuming. It as been a passion for me the last 8 weeks or so. I have dreamed about running it multiple times and now it is time to make that dream a reality. Here goes nothing.....
Go wild and enjoy running!!
