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NFT: running a distance race when you haven't trained well

Les in TO : 3/21/2018 10:15 am
I signed up to run a 30k/18 miler on Sunday. because of some health issues, work, crappy weather and family commitments, I really haven't had time to do a lot of long runs in my training program. I've done a number of half marathons in the past few years (usually in the 1 hour 40-50 minute time range) so used to running distances.

I'd back out but it's a chance to hang out with a couple of friends who I haven't seen in a while. if I do go, I'm looking at a really slow pace or even alternating running/walking. my goal was to try a new course and complete the race, not worried about my time or how I place, other than not dying or being completely injured or ill afterwards.

I know there are a bunch of BBI runners, and wondering whether you have any tips about how to survive and maybe even enjoy a distance race when your training has been subpar? just take it slow and enjoy the scenery?
Do not. And I repeat-DO NOT-  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 3/21/2018 10:19 am : link
push it. The race itself will suck & you'll feel like pure trash. Just go at a comfortable speed, pace yourself, & have fun.
Depends  
Dr. D : 3/21/2018 10:22 am : link
..
I ran the broad street run last year  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 3/21/2018 10:30 am : link
10 miler in Philly. Was planning on doing it again this year, but threw my back out really bad and haven't been able to train. It really sucks!
RE: I ran the broad street run last year  
BigBlueDownTheShore : 3/21/2018 10:32 am : link
In comment 13877335 BigBlueDownTheShore said:
Quote:
10 miler in Philly. Was planning on doing it again this year, but threw my back out really bad and haven't been able to train. It really sucks!


I tried to train when my back was feeling ok, and ended up getting nerve pain in my foot and limping for another week or 2. Got another adjustment and I can still tell that I'm not ready.
RE: Depends  
Les in TO : 3/21/2018 10:38 am : link
In comment 13877295 Dr. D said:
Quote:
..
as in adult diapers? might look a bit odd under my running pants! :)
bring a bicycle  
BronxBombers : 3/21/2018 10:59 am : link
seems easier.
Les. I thought your post was a metaphor for last season  
Marty in Albany : 3/21/2018 11:07 am : link
.
Since time does not matter to you  
MartyGlickman : 3/21/2018 11:12 am : link
run the race very conservatively, especially the first 12 miles. Starting very slowly and mixing in as much walking segments as you need is a great idea. Focus on enjoyment and your surroundings. DO NOT FOLLOW THE CROWD PACE AT THE START!!! Stick to YOUR PACE!!! If you do this, you should feel pretty good toward the end, so if you're so inclined to finish strongly...let 'er rip the last few miles! Just have fun...it's not the Olympics :)

RE: RE: Depends  
Dr. D : 3/21/2018 11:49 am : link
In comment 13877361 Les in TO said:
Quote:
In comment 13877295 Dr. D said:


Quote:


..

as in adult diapers? might look a bit odd under my running pants! :)

might not look as bad as doody running down your running pants.

Sorry, years ago I saw a pic of a marathon runner that I could never totally forget.
RE: Since time does not matter to you  
Les in TO : 3/21/2018 11:58 am : link
In comment 13877451 MartyGlickman said:
Quote:
run the race very conservatively, especially the first 12 miles. Starting very slowly and mixing in as much walking segments as you need is a great idea. Focus on enjoyment and your surroundings. DO NOT FOLLOW THE CROWD PACE AT THE START!!! Stick to YOUR PACE!!! If you do this, you should feel pretty good toward the end, so if you're so inclined to finish strongly...let 'er rip the last few miles! Just have fun...it's not the Olympics :)
thanks the 12 mile easy one is a good tip...very easy to get caught up in the excitement at the starting gun and start fast. I will probably move towards the last corral of runners. there are usually "pace bunnies" so I will try to find the slowest one possible.

I had some issues feeling lightheaded while training when I was doing the keto diet with intermittent fasting. I'm back to eating at normal times and a normal mediterrenean-ish diet (as much as possible when you have two young kids who are picky eaters and inevitably pick away at their mac and cheese).

@ Marty in Albany: my 2018 running training has definitely been a gong show, just like the 2017 Giants. :)
Being undertrained  
Jerry K : 3/21/2018 12:53 pm : link
and running a long hard race can result in fatigue that lasts for weeks. So, like others have said, force yourself to go easy for 12-15 miles, no matter how good you are feeling that day.
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