So it is possible to run a marathon with little or no training. I wouldn't recommend it. I don't think I would do it again. After my last post (I'm not sure of the date) I didn't run much more than that. I feel like I might have ran 5 miles ones or twice during the 2.5 months prior to the marathon. 2 days before I ran a mile on the treadmill and was winded. I say all this not because I'm special, nor because I recommend anyone else do it, nor am I taking on any responsibility for someone following my example and injuring themselves. But I did it and it was amazing. I didn't follow much of the contemporary advice like begin slow and save your energy. My philosophy was give it what I have, maybe 80% effort in the beginning, because I assumed I would be dead towards the end. I feel it is also important to mention that I wasn't sitting on my ass for 3 months. I train in Shotokan karate 2-3 days per week for 45mins (during the week) to 1.5hrs (on Saturday). This requires bursts of energy and moderate endurance. But nothing like 5 and a half hours of running.
Before I ran I researched a few blogs of people who ran without training to make sure I wouldn't kill myself. The posts gave mixed opinions on whether that would occur. I decided that I had committed to do this and I would do it. I also realized I would have to eat crow and ultimately do it again if I didn't finish. Mental commitment to finishing was largely what I credit with completing the marathon.
The day before I had 2-3 meals of spaghetti, not sure if it had any effect, and I was in bed by 7pm. I had to get up at 245am to ensure that traffic wouldn't prevent me from getting there at 4am for a 530am start time. It was Disney so there were lots of runners. I also tried to stay as hydrated as possible which many many bathroom breaks. Fortunately, as I learned later, as a male runner I could run off the side of the road and urinate in the trees with all the other animals. I think I heard women talking about doing the same thing so maybe they do it to. I don't know. But that was a highlight, peeing in public on Disney property, lol. But I digress. I learned later that the people that I thought looking foolish before it began, wearing trash bags with a head hole to stay warm, had the right idea. Other people bought old sweat pants and sweat shirts to dispose on the side of the road as they ran. I had none of this after I checked in my bag and walked to the starting corral around 5am. It was cold.
After starting I began strong, passing people in the grass, and giving my all. I walked at water stops for a few steps. Around mile 6-7 I wanted to walk so I took two walking steps, chastised myself, and continued. A few miles later I began allowing myself to walk when I wanted. And the last couple miles I walked most of it. Every time I walked I noticed floods of people continuing to run, which was amazing, and inspiring, and I plan to do another marathon and be one of those people.
As far as nourishment, there was water and Gatorade every mile, usually 1/2 miles into the mile. After 11-13ish there were gel goo food or whatever. I had never had it before the run and I didn't notice much effect, but I ate 4-6 of them throughout the remainder of the race. There were occasional bananas and one table w/ orange halve around the last couple miles. I recorded my times at each lap so I could create mini goals and minimum thresholds of time that I would allow myself. In the first couple miles I tried to stay below 10. By the end I was trying to stay below 16, which was the minimum overall minute/mile cutoff. My times were as follows:
1- 9.42
2- 9.16
3- 9.53
4- 9.31
5- 9.51
6- 10.02
7- 10.16
8- 10.44
9- 11.18
10- 11.36
11- 12.39
12- 13.06
13- 13.15
14- 13.23
15- 13.20
16- 14.42
17- 14.19
18- 14.48
19- 16.06
20- 15.09
21- 13.50
22- 14.01
23- 16.47
24- 14.52
25- 15.56
26- 16.00
26.2- 2.41
Overall: 5:37
12.86 minutes/mile
At mile 19 I had to sit down on a rock and put more Vaseline between my right toe. After the race that was the only evidence- a nice size water blister on my pinkie toe. I got my shoes from Track Shack but that minor irritation became bigger as I ran. I hadn't mentioned Vaseline but I used Vaseline on my inner thighs, nipples (which I also covered with band-aids b/c I read that all over the internet), and toes. They give out Vaseline and some cold anti pain stuff I hadn't heard of throughout the run.
The next day I slept most all the day. The next day I had to work so I mostly limped around. My muscles were a little sore, but nothing I hadn't felt before. It felt like I was going to do some weight lifting on a leg day, my first day back in the gym, and maxing out weights like I had been working out for a while. Basically, general soreness. Throughout the rest of the week I noticed my right leg Achilles tendon and knee bother me a little bit. I went to karate on Tues and Thursday when I probably should have just rested. But.... it's basically good now and I plan to do some rollerblading this weekend to get some cardio w/out the stress of running on the injuries. If all goes well I'll begin running the following weekend to hopefully get some real distance running training.
In summary, I loved it. It was an amazing experience which I hope to do again. It has been on my goal list for many years and it was amazing. I almost cried a few times as I approached the finish line. A mixture of joy, amazement, and I couldn't believe I had done it. Well, that is all I have for now. Comment, let me know what you think, and if this blog helps motivate you for your first marathon, then I've accomplished my mission and I would love to hear about it.
