Marathon Nerves

[kazd]

An unashamed seeking of some last minute reassurance !!!!

Running my first marathon on Sunday, and now that I'm really at the pointy end, I am starting to get really nervous about whether I've done enough and if I'll get to the finish line.

Have never really been through a proper taper, but have stuck with the training plan and cut back my km's over the last couple of weeks. Am now starting to feel quite edgy, and while the (supposedly) intelligent part of me says there's probably nothing more that I can do at this stage, I have this awful desire to go out and run lots.

Somebody please tell me that it's all ok !!!

And maybe a question I should have asked a while ago - does everyone hit "the wall"? I haven't as yet through all my training but was very conscious of hydration and refuelling properly through my long runs. Don't know whether I am expecting something to happen on the day that might not actually eventuate ??

[Leizel]

What you are feeling is normal. From what I have read and experienced, it's natural to feel nervous and 'on edge' during the lead up to the marathon. You say that you've stuck to the training plan, so you should be proud of yourself for actually making it this far! The decision to commit to and train for a marathon is a huge undertaking and many sacrifices have to be made along the way to reach the start line. Have faith in yourself - you've done the hard yards, so hang in there and stay rested. It will pay off on the day having fresh legs to get you through the race.

As for 'hitting the wall' - no, not everyone experiences this. I have in a training session when I wasn't adequately hydrated or fueled. However, in the 2 marathons that I have run, I was rested (having tapered well) and hydrated, and didn't experience that at all. In fact, my last marathon was a fabulous race and a wonderful experience.

Enjoy the journey.

All the best for the marathon!

[tiger boy]

This close to race day, there is nothing more you can do to get fitter. You've either done the work or you haven't.
If you've done the work, then you just have to trust in the training.
It's not unusual to get edgy before any goal race. It's all the build up waiting for the big day to arrive. Like when you were a kid in the week before Christmas. You'd either been naughty or nice all year, and Santa either had your name on the list or he didn't.
How often was your name missing?

[Rowey]

Hi Kaz

Sounds totally normal .......and thetaper process is a weird feeling isn't it !! ....... you will be fine.

Your training will "do it's thing" on the day - trust me...... as well, be patient- the urge to

surge can be hard to control in all the excitment. Patience in a marathon is important.....

all the best !!!

rowey

[kazd]

Thanks - all very re-assuring - which was exactly what I needed to hear someone other than me say.

I got into a bit of a panic yesterday after browsing some other topics and read comments about stepping up distances too early, and not running a good marathon until the 3rd or 4th attempt. I have been running for a while, but have only done 5 half marathons, all be it with improving times, and suddenly thought "am I taking on too much?" and "will I crash and burn on the day?".

But ........ I was sensible with training, followed a good plan, am fitter and faster than I ever have been, and just need to have a bit more confidence that I will get there. I know I will be super excited on the day, but am very conscious of getting swept up in the excitement and going too fast too early.

So for the next few days I am going to be relaxed and go over my race plan and get plenty of rest. On the day I am going to run at my pace - regardless of what everyone else is doing. As my physio (and friend) said to me this morning - it is a huge thing, just enjoy it !!!

[margot]

As my first marathon looms closer (just over 3 weeks) I'm also really nervous and although everything I've done has been good up till now, I wonder if I've done enough.
Last Saturday I ran 32 kms along some of the marathon route in 3 hours. While I was really happy with that time, I'm a little overwhelmed at having to do it again.

I'm hoping to do a 28kms run this weekend and then taper... as they say (and I've just learnt about)

I guess what I'm feeling is normal.. I so badly want to have this goal under my belt.
It's hard not to get worked up about it. I guess every first time marathoner goes through this?

[margot]

oh , and GOOD LUCK KAZD!!!!!!

I'm jealous you get to do yours on Sunday!

Can't wait to hear about it even if I will be envious as anything! LOL

[kazd]

I am so nervous and excited all at the same time.

Can't wait to start ........... can't wait to finish (but not in a bad way). I'm sure I will feel on top of the world once I'm done ........ regardless of how much it hurts.

[Adsa]

Good luck Kazd, looking forward to hearing how you enjoyed it