Ran a 10k - Official Thread (5 Viewers)

[Zasada]

ShoeGuys, need some help.

This morning I had a brainwave that perhaps my butt issues are a function of my shoes.  Before (and during) the Houston marathon, I ran on Brooks Ghost 11s.  During training, mostly my lower legs hurt (knees/calves).

Then I switched shoes to the On Cloudflyer and have run on them ever since, including the Calgary marathon.  About 500mi on them now so it's time for new shoes anyway.

Around the time I switched shoes is when my calf/knee pain disappeared and my butt pain started to creep-in (very slowly).  Lately it's been pretty bad (as I've whined about incessantly here).  

I'm wondering if it's the shoes?  Probably just a coincidence.

But looking at the specs of the two, they appear virtually the same except drop.  The Cloudflyer is a low-drop (7mm) shoe, and the Ghost is a 12mm drop.  What does drop even impact?  I have no idea.

I like that the Cloudflyers run very light, much more so than their weight suggests.  Other than that, I didn't feel much of a difference between the two shoes when I tried them side-by-side.

Any help?

 

[MAC_32]

I think wind/lack of sun is a bigger deal when it starts getting cold.

Yep, I played around with wind numbers last year but the sun kept screwing it up. Comfort-wise anyway. Performance? Not sure. The other problem I have that everyone else doesn't is volume of snow. @Zasada started getting snow in September and it will go until May - 9 months of snow. Cleveland's window is from November-March - just 5 months. It's rare we get anything of consequence in March. And while November is volatile typically we have very few snow days until sometime in December. Despite all of that we average 3 more feet of snow per year than Calgary. Cause it all comes down at once.

Tl;dr - the metric involves temp and wind, but I can't be a test subject because of my terrain during the meat of winter.

 

[Zasada]

Despite all of that we average 3 more feet of snow per year than Calgary. Cause it all comes down at once.

Calgary gets cold, but thankfully we get Chinooks which burn the snow off periodically.  So even though we had ~10cm of snow on Tuesday, today most of my run was snow-free (save for about 400m).  

Last winter I got very lucky that it snowed mostly on my rest days.  Feb was stupid-cold (-30C/-22F) for a many runs, but footing was good.  Very few treadmill runs required.  

Hoping for the same this year.

 

[AAABatteries]

On the race calendar, you put a goal of 59x (9:39 pace)

Uh, you just ran an "easy 8" this morning and put up a 1:01:29 10K in the middle of that (9:54 pace)

Methinks you need to adjust your goal.  By a lot.

I had a similar thought after I was done but two things give me pause:

1. I actually emailed the race director about the course and he mentioned that there would be “hiking” on some old/unused trails.  I’m not exactly sure what the means but the implication was it wasn’t runnable.  I plan to get out there and see if I can figure it out.

2. I have no idea what I’m doing - I kind of hinted on it before.  I don’t know how to train, don’t know how to race, I’ve never done a 10k, don’t know when/what to eat/drink, don’t know how to warmup, I don’t RF and I am a #####

I feel pretty confident I can hit that time depending on #1 but I wouldn’t really know what to change my goal to if I did change it.

 

[xulf]

I had a similar thought after I was done but two things give me pause:

1. I actually emailed the race director about the course and he mentioned that there would be “hiking” on some old/unused trails.  I’m not exactly sure what the means but the implication was it wasn’t runnable.  I plan to get out there and see if I can figure it out.

2. I have no idea what I’m doing - I kind of hinted on it before.  I don’t know how to train, don’t know how to race, I’ve never done a 10k, don’t know when/what to eat/drink, don’t know how to warmup, I don’t RF and I am a #####

I feel pretty confident I can hit that time depending on #1 but I wouldn’t really know what to change my goal to if I did change it.

I'm with you on this.  I didn't have any sort of training plan for the HM that I have coming up...still don't.  I just took up running and was doing small ones and then my wife asked if I wanted to do it this year since she was signing up... she did it last year also.  I've wanted to temper my expectations since I've never actually ran that far in my life and won't until race day.  I also know myself, and if I make a goal that is lofty for my current position, then I will try for it early, go too hard, then have to crawl the rest of the way.

I want something "doable" as my goal, and if I am feeling good, I will let it rip the last few miles.

 

[MAC_32]

You're both doing it right. Just move, dammit. The more movement the better you'll perform - so long as you stay healthy. There's a time and a place for training plans, but it isn't necessary for every rookie. Some need the direction, but if you don't...just move. If the hobby sticks training plans can be added later.

 

[AAABatteries]

I want something "doable" as my goal, and if I am feeling good, I will let it rip the last few miles.

Had the same exact thought - although with a shorter distance I think I can push things a little earlier on.  My fear is going out way to fast and blowing up.

@gianmarco - I think I’ll leave that as maybe my B goal and spend a few days thinking what my A goal will be.  Thanks for the push!

 

[The Iguana]

Had the same exact thought - although with a shorter distance I think I can push things a little earlier on.  My fear is going out way to fast and blowing up.

@gianmarco - I think I’ll leave that as maybe my B goal and spend a few days thinking what my A goal will be.  Thanks for the push!

Everyone will do things a little differently but 1 year ago was my first HM. My plan then kind of got messed up by me rolling my ankle but the overall plan was basically built off of my recent runs just before the race. My tracking back then wasn't particularly good but my longest run before the HM was about 10 miles +/-. 

When I went out to race, I just set a pace that was "comfortable" with a goal to hold it as long as possible. That pace ended up being pretty easy to maintain until I hit that once mystical distance of about 10 miles. Then I had to really concentrate/work to keep it up for the file 5K. 

It wasn't until my 2nd race that I set a real goal that I then tried to work towards/train for. First time was totally just about finishing it successfully. That said, you have a much better track record/base of running than I had so you have more options, IMO. You can just worry about finishing or you can pick a realistic time to shoot for and just go run that pace. Given your body of work up to this point, something under an hour for a 10K is a very reachable goal and a great place to start, IMO. As you said, if you get half way in and are feeling really good, you can always bump up the effort and go for more. 

 

[tri-man 47]

Anyone use Under Armour running sneakers?

I'm interesting in them due to the HOVR tech stuff.  And these look pretty good, imo.... Link

I don't recall anyone here using UAs.  But, literally, if the shoe fits, wear it!  The weight of the shoe is moderate (so OK), and it's an 8 mm 'drop,' which is good ( @Zasada ).  On the latter, some shoes have a 12 mm drop, though that seems to be a lot of extra cushioning in the heel ...but we shouldn't be landing hard on the heel anyway.  I find a 12 mm drop gets in the way of a proper stride.  8 mm works well (my cool new Vaporfly Next% are an 8 mm drop), though I do like a 4% for 5K racing.  So the UAs seem reasonable.  Most importantly, if they feel really good to you when you first put them on - and then as you use them - go for it.

 

[The Iguana]

I really kind of a need a goal as I do these. Just kind of how I am wired. Also keeps me focused to "run smart" and not go do something dumb. It seems to be a bit of an art form to set the "right" goal. I want something realistic but not too easy. 

That said, and to make this totally about me... After this past Saturday, I keep thinking a lot - probably too much - about how I'm going to start out the Monumental Marathon. I know I'm going to snuggle up next to a pacer to start, but I haven't fully decided which one I should find and run with. Kind of waffling back and forth between starting with the 3:40 group and going with the 3:45 group. Using the whole HM * 2.25 thing puts my potential time at ~3:42. Given I've never done one of these, going out with 3:50 might even be smarter but the stubborn part of me doesn't want to... 

 

[The_Man]

I really kind of a need a goal as I do these. Just kind of how I am wired. Also keeps me focused to "run smart" and not go do something dumb. It seems to be a bit of an art form to set the "right" goal. I want something realistic but not too easy. 

That said, and to make this totally about me... After this past Saturday, I keep thinking a lot - probably too much - about how I'm going to start out the Monumental Marathon. I know I'm going to snuggle up next to a pacer to start, but I haven't fully decided which one I should find and run with. Kind of waffling back and forth between starting with the 3:40 group and going with the 3:45 group. Using the whole HM * 2.25 thing puts my potential time at ~3:42. Given I've never done one of these, going out with 3:50 might even be smarter but the stubborn part of me doesn't want to... 

I would go with the 3:45 group. You're going to be amped, and you might expend too much energy too early with the 3:40 group. I'd take it out easy, conserve energy, and rack up as many easy miles as you can. If you're feeling great after 10 or 13 miles you can think about stepping up the pace.

There's no better feeling in the world than dropping your pace group as you speed up to run a negative split - and no worse feeling than getting dropped by your pace group after going out too fast.

 

[pbm107]

I really kind of a need a goal as I do these. Just kind of how I am wired. Also keeps me focused to "run smart" and not go do something dumb. It seems to be a bit of an art form to set the "right" goal. I want something realistic but not too easy. 

That said, and to make this totally about me... After this past Saturday, I keep thinking a lot - probably too much - about how I'm going to start out the Monumental Marathon. I know I'm going to snuggle up next to a pacer to start, but I haven't fully decided which one I should find and run with. Kind of waffling back and forth between starting with the 3:40 group and going with the 3:45 group. Using the whole HM * 2.25 thing puts my potential time at ~3:42. Given I've never done one of these, going out with 3:50 might even be smarter but the stubborn part of me doesn't want to... 

Honestly you’re in a dangerous situation, a good amount of talent, a good performance in a half, and light mileage. Based on your half the McMillan Calculator spits out 3:27:56, but you have no chance of running that.  My recommendation would be to run the first half of the race at 3:45 pace, if you feel good slowly pick up the pace in the 2nd half of the race.

 

[MAC_32]

I would go with the 3:45 group. You're going to be amped, and you might expend too much energy too early with the 3:40 group. I'd take it out easy, conserve energy, and rack up as many easy miles as you can. If you're feeling great after 10 or 13 miles you can think about stepping up the pace.

There's no better feeling in the world than dropping your pace group as you speed up to run a negative split - and no worse feeling than getting dropped by your pace group after going out too fast.

This, but the check point isn't at 10 or 13. That's a trap. Given this is your debut wait til a mile that starts with a number 2. 

 

[Zasada]

This, but the check point isn't at 10 or 13. That's a trap. Given this is your debut wait til a mile that starts with a number 2. 

In both of my marathons, 13 miles in, it was still all sunshine and rainbows.

Then at the 20-mile mark it was clear that just holding any running pace was the goal and not a negative split (which is what I had hoped/planned for).

 

[AAABatteries]

This, but the check point isn't at 10 or 13. That's a trap. Given this is your debut wait til a mile that starts with a number 2. 

Mile 2 starts with a 2.  

 

[The_Man]

Late start this morning combined with an early work meeting, so I only ran 6 instead of my planned 7 - had been hoping to get a good 60+ minutes in but ended up doing the 6 at what felt like a very comfortable 9:50 pace. Even running that far on a weekday before work cleared a big psychological hurdle for me. 

Still running almost exclusively easy miles as I make my way back into any kind of shape and I'm a little giddy with how good I feel. I know one of these days I'm going to have to challenge myself and feel some pain but right now I have 3 thoughts I keep in mind during every run:
Burn Fat
Build Endurance
Stay Healthy

Still on track for 150+ miles this month. And the weight loss is picking up speed right now, which is highly motivating. Now at 188, down from 206 in mid-August, with a stretch goal of 175 lbs by mid-December - which is when an 18-week training program for the Coastal Delaware Marathon would begin. If I were going to think about doing something like that. 

 

[bushdocda]

ShoeGuys, need some help.

This morning I had a brainwave that perhaps my butt issues are a function of my shoes.  Before (and during) the Houston marathon, I ran on Brooks Ghost 11s.  During training, mostly my lower legs hurt (knees/calves).

Then I switched shoes to the On Cloudflyer and have run on them ever since, including the Calgary marathon.  About 500mi on them now so it's time for new shoes anyway.

Around the time I switched shoes is when my calf/knee pain disappeared and my butt pain started to creep-in (very slowly).  Lately it's been pretty bad (as I've whined about incessantly here).  

I'm wondering if it's the shoes?  Probably just a coincidence.

But looking at the specs of the two, they appear virtually the same except drop.  The Cloudflyer is a low-drop (7mm) shoe, and the Ghost is a 12mm drop.  What does drop even impact?  I have no idea.

I like that the Cloudflyers run very light, much more so than their weight suggests.  Other than that, I didn't feel much of a difference between the two shoes when I tried them side-by-side.

Any help?

Does drop matter, maybe.  I think largely you’ll be fine and the caution comes from many runners who went to low (0-4) drop abruptly from 10-12 which caused lower leg issues if not done gradually.  I need to try this gradual approach with higher drop vaporflys from JShare when I’m back from vacay.

You may be surprised at the relief from new shoes and using a shoe rotation and replacing earlier than 500 miles.  Maybe still 500 miles if you want but rotating shoes to let them dry/foam return seems to be a real plus.

https://www.runningwarehouse.com/learningcenter/gear_guides/footwear/heel-toe-drop.html

 

[tri-man 47]

@The Iguana, I'd echo what the others have said and recommend the 3:45 pace group ..at best.  I worry about how the latter miles will go for you, given the rather low base miles during training.  Exercising some caution early on would be the smart move.  Your pace was slipping at the end of your 20 miler in late September, and recall the pain you felt at the end of the 20 miler in mid-August.  I'd let those be the driving forces more than the excellent HM.  

 

[bushdocda]

Anyone use Under Armour running sneakers?

I'm interesting in them due to the HOVR tech stuff.  And these look pretty good, imo.... Link

No experience with those but I had an in with UA for years for cheap and could never find a pair I liked enough to stick with. They’ve gotten better at running shoes I think and those look well reviewed but I stopped looking at them as an option and I’ve grown obsessed with saucony. Good luck. 

 

[gruecd]

Gardner Minshew slotted in as my QB1, team "Fu Minshew" is ready to make its run! 

 

[gianmarco]

@Brony

How have you been feeling lately?  No updates in a while but you've been getting out some....

 

[BassNBrew]

@The Iguana, I'd echo what the others have said and recommend the 3:45 pace group ..at best.  I worry about how the latter miles will go for you, given the rather low base miles during training.  Exercising some caution early on would be the smart move.  Your pace was slipping at the end of your 20 miler in late September, and recall the pain you felt at the end of the 20 miler in mid-August.  I'd let those be the driving forces more than the excellent HM.  

Seems like the consensus is run slow be a )$&@“

 

[AAABatteries]

Seems like the consensus is run slow be a )$&@“

My Link

 

[The Iguana]

3:45 probably is the smart move and I'm up for listening to sound advice. That was really my plan after the run Saturday but a couple days out I started to think "well, maybe...". 

 

[SFBayDuck]

Thanks, GB! 

I think the only thing that's pressing decision-wise right now is where to stay.  Appreciate the offer of hospitality, but my wife will be joining me and I'm not sure she'll jump at the chance to stay with "my ultra running friend from the internet".

How's traffic the morning of the race?  There are no hotels within ~30 minutes of the race, but I did book an AirBnB in Stinson Beach just to hold it for 24 hours (before I have to commit).  If getting to the race the morning of isn't dicey, I'll probably book closer to San Francisco (since that's where my wife will want to be, anyway).  Or if staying north or east of Stinson (instead of South) is a safer play, it would be good to know that as well.

Down the road if you do have a chance to write a short RR, it would be invaluable to me!  I know you've got a lot going-on with life/work, so no worries if it can't be done.  I'll definitely be racing against the cutoffs, so a good plan will be key to get me as far as possible.

In the shower this morning (where, strangely, I tend to map out my training plans mentally) I already started thinking about how I can incorporate strength training into my routine.  Just signing-up for this race is giving me new motivation to elevate my training regimen.  Aside from my taking a third straight day off running (butt pain), that is.  Aside from that.

Sorry, I’m traveling right now for work so just getting back to you. Stinson is great, but not much to do there and it’s a slow and twisty drive over the hill to get back to 101. So you could either stay in Southern Marin (Sausalito, Mill Valley) which puts you in between there and SF, or stay in SF and drive out race morning. Traffic isn’t too bad, and there’s pretty adequate parking, especially if you get out there an hour Or so before the start. 
 

 

[SteelCurtain]

3:45 probably is the smart move and I'm up for listening to sound advice. That was really my plan after the run Saturday but a couple days out I started to think "well, maybe...". 

As a pacer myself, whenever anyone says "I'm deciding between pace X or Y."  I always tell them the slower one. 

Out of the people that start with me.  About 3% end up finishing a few minutes ahead of me.  12% end up finishing within a minute of me.  85% finish more than a minute behind me.  

For no reason other than most people are really optimistic.....overly so. 

Start with the 3:45 pacer. 

And please please please please wait until mile 20 before you make your move to go faster.  This is an entirely different animal.  Trust me.

 

[SteelCurtain]

One other thing on running with a pace team. 

Some people don't like to be in a big group.  If that turns out to be you, you can either run 20 feet in front of the pace group or 20-40 feet behind the pace group.  If you do, you get the benefits of the pace group, but you don't feel like you are boxed in.

 

[tri-man 47]

One other thing on running with a pace team. 

Some people don't like to be in a big group.  If that turns out to be you, you can either run 20 feet in front of the pace group or 20-40 feet behind the pace group.  If you do, you get the benefits of the pace group, but you don't feel like you are boxed in ...and crowded out at the aid stations.

Amended.

 

[xulf]

One other thing on running with a pace team. 

Some people don't like to be in a big group.  If that turns out to be you, you can either run 20 feet in front of the pace group or 20-40 feet behind the pace group.  If you do, you get the benefits of the pace group, but you don't feel like you are boxed in.

How big doe these pace groups get?  I've only ever ran with one other person and I personally don't think I would like the traffic...but I would like the carrot to follow (I guess that would make me a 20-40 foot behind type of guy).

 

[tri-man 47]

Seems like the consensus is run slow be a )$&@“

Yes, but he'll be a smart )$&@ and he's our )$&@.

 

[The Iguana]

One other thing on running with a pace team. 

Some people don't like to be in a big group.  If that turns out to be you, you can either run 20 feet in front of the pace group or 20-40 feet behind the pace group.  If you do, you get the benefits of the pace group, but you don't feel like you are boxed in.

This past Saturday was the first time I had ever run with a pace group. Early on there were some minor "issues" with too many people trying to cram into a tiny spot. I intentionally got off to the side and gave up just a little on the tangents to have a little room. A few miles in, a few people had separated and course became more open for awhile. By the time it got back to the more narrow trails the group had thinned. 

Overall, the experience was awesome. We actually had 2 pacers - a guy that talked most of the race - some stories to keep things light, a lot of times coaching on how to approach upcoming sections or to encourage us to remain loose, things like that. The girl was a bit of eye candy, not that I noticed that part or anything, and also helpful here and there with a few words of encouragement. 

 

[The Iguana]

How big doe these pace groups get?  I've only ever ran with one other person and I personally don't think I would like the traffic...but I would like the carrot to follow (I guess that would make me a 20-40 foot behind type of guy).

I would imagine it highly depends on the race and the pace group you are in. Running with the 1:40 group, I'd bet there were about 30 people +/- that seemed to be grouped with us to start. Not sure how many were intentionally running with the group verses it just being a lot of people with similar goals all in the same starting corral. By the mid point in the race I was right up front with the pacers so really no idea how many people actually stayed with us throughout the race. 

 

[The Iguana]

As a pacer myself, whenever anyone says "I'm deciding between pace X or Y."  I always tell them the slower one. 

Out of the people that start with me.  About 3% end up finishing a few minutes ahead of me.  12% end up finishing within a minute of me.  85% finish more than a minute behind me.  

For no reason other than most people are really optimistic.....overly so. 

Start with the 3:45 pacer. 

And please please please please wait until mile 20 before you make your move to go faster.  This is an entirely different animal.  Trust me.

The only reason I considered 3:40 instead is that I feel like I almost short changed myself in 2 of the 3 HMs I've run with a true goal time in place. At Carmel and this past weekend I felt like I had "more in me" if I had been shooting for it. Carmel I probably had a brief moment of doubt around 10 or 11 miles if I think back on it carefully but for the most part I felt like I "left some on the course" if you know what I mean. Same this past weekend - I feel confident that I could have pushed a little more.

That said, I keep reminding myself that this is far more like my first HM this time last year when I really had not idea what I was about to face and only really cared about finishing first and letting the time take care of itself. I've done 20 miles a couple times and both left me thinking "6.2 more is nuts!" - first time worse than the 2nd one but still. 

And I like to think too much anyway and have a month to do so right now... 

 

[MAC_32]

How big doe these pace groups get?  I've only ever ran with one other person and I personally don't think I would like the traffic...but I would like the carrot to follow (I guess that would make me a 20-40 foot behind type of guy).

I've seen some pretty big ones (20-30+ people) relatively early in a race. I've never seen big ones later in a race. Later in a race you're more likely to see a pacer running by themselves than with more than a handful of others.

 

[The Iguana]

I originally just planned to run the first mile or 2 with the pacers just to keep me "in check". But it ended up working out really well for me. I did find myself doing far less math, which might be good or bad? Usually once I'd get my mile split, I'd start doing calculations on how far ahead/behind I was, what my current average is, what kind of pace I needed to run the rest to hit x, y, and/or z time, calculate the square root of 403928724, recite the numbers of pi to 37 digits... oh wait, there's the next mile marker - time to re-calibrate!

That's normal, right? 

 

[Zasada]

I originally just planned to run the first mile or 2 with the pacers just to keep me "in check". But it ended up working out really well for me. I did find myself doing far less math, which might be good or bad? Usually once I'd get my mile split, I'd start doing calculations on how far ahead/behind I was, what my current average is, what kind of pace I needed to run the rest to hit x, y, and/or z time, calculate the square root of 403928724, recite the numbers of pi to 37 digits... oh wait, there's the next mile marker - time to re-calibrate!

That's normal, right? 

You forgot the number of gels you should have consumed by then, whether the three dozen you have in your running belt, pockets, socks, and hat will last for the rest of the race.

 

[ChiefD]

You forgot the number of gels you should have consumed by then, whether the three dozen you have in your running belt, pockets, socks, and hat will last for the rest of the race.

<_<

 

[The Iguana]

You forgot the number of gels you should have consumed by then, whether the three dozen you have in your running belt, pockets, socks, and hat will last for the rest of the race.

Speaking of that, I am planning to run the marathon with my belt that includes a couple small water bottles that I use on my really long runs. Do others do that or not? I can pretty comfortably drink from the bottles, not so much from those stupid little cups unless I slow way down/stop. Figure I will be able to fairly easily dump a cup into the bottle while moving along. 

Per @Juxtatarot, I don't need that stuff for a mere HM and thus skipped all the aid stations and had nothing during the race. The previous couple of races they basically just made a convenient excuse to slow/walk for a few steps. 

 

[Juxtatarot]

Speaking of that, I am planning to run the marathon with my belt that includes a couple small water bottles that I use on my really long runs. Do others do that or not? I can pretty comfortably drink from the bottles, not so much from those stupid little cups unless I slow way down/stop. Figure I will be able to fairly easily dump a cup into the bottle while moving along. 

Per @Juxtatarot, I don't need that stuff for a mere HM and thus skipped all the aid stations and had nothing during the race. The previous couple of races they basically just made a convenient excuse to slow/walk for a few steps. 

I think we're mixed on bringing our own fluids.  I know @tri-man 47 does that.

I don't mind the little cups.  I kind of enjoy grabbing them, folding with the proper "V", drinking, and then tossing them without slowing down. At least until the 20s, anyway, when I feel too tired to drink. 

 

[bushdocda]

More on breaking 2 course

Stuff

 

[BassNBrew]

https://i.imgur.com/DVNDaXA.jpg   

@The Iguana

 

[tri-man 47]

I think we're mixed on bringing our own fluids.  I know @tri-man 47 does that.

I don't mind the little cups.  I kind of enjoy grabbing them, folding with the proper "V", drinking, and then tossing them without slowing down. At least until the 20s, anyway, when I feel too tired to drink. 

Yes, I like my fuel belt for marathons.  It allows me to carry two small bottles with Accelerade as well as a few gu’s.  This gives me flexibility to avoid busy aid stations early and not get tempted to slow/walk late.  Like Juxt, I get caught with being too tired to eat and drink.  I need to remind myself that as soon as I think about it, I need to act before I decide I’m too tired and blow it off.

 

[ChiefD]

Speaking of that, I am planning to run the marathon with my belt that includes a couple small water bottles that I use on my really long runs. Do others do that or not? I can pretty comfortably drink from the bottles, not so much from those stupid little cups unless I slow way down/stop. Figure I will be able to fairly easily dump a cup into the bottle while moving along. 

Per @Juxtatarot, I don't need that stuff for a mere HM and thus skipped all the aid stations and had nothing during the race. The previous couple of races they basically just made a convenient excuse to slow/walk for a few steps. 

I used my belt and had a specific plan for fueling, thanks to some input from juxt.

Part of my failures from my previous two marathons was a lack of fueling. I had a 16oz bottle of Tailwind. So I got liquids and calories simultaneously. Plus I had the chews. So my pattern was:

I ate one or two chews at every mile starting at mile one. This lasted until about mile 15 or 16 I think. At that point I just didn’t want them anymore. But it was fine. 

I drank the tailwind every time I saw an aid station. So I was able to stay away from the early crowded aid stations and stay hydrated. I did this until the tailwind was out. I then switched to water or gatorade the rest of the way. I just alternated each aid station.

I firmly believe this plan was a large part of my success. It’s easy to just forget about these things, especially early in the race where you are feeling good and are thinking - “I don’t need anything right now.”

And you are right. But you are fueling for the back half of the race more than anything. Your internal resources you built up during the week are getting you through the first 15-18 miles.

 

[BassNBrew]

https://i.imgur.com/DVNDaXA.jpg   

@The Iguana

So I was eating on the patio at LaMargarita and a 5k is going on. Either they were running loops or there were 10000 runners in this. They were streaming by for 30-40 min

 

[JShare87]

For my last marathon, the only nutrition I had was a tailwind at the 13.1 mark. 

 

[gianmarco]

For my last marathon, the only nutrition I had was a tailwind at the 13.1 mark. 

You're also the original BMF.

Do not try this at home.

 

[MAC_32]

But you are fueling for the back half of the race more than anything. Your internal resources you built up during the week are getting you through the first 15-18 miles.

Isnt meant to be a scare tactic @The Iguana but this is really it...and the worst part, you will probably get it wrong race day. Make the goal to minimize whatever the damage, no need to stress about it. Make a plan centered around the final hour of the race then stick to it, but you will second guess some aspect of your fueling. Guaranteed. 

 

[The Iguana]

So I was eating on the patio at LaMargarita and a 5k is going on. Either they were running loops or there were 10000 runners in this. They were streaming by for 30-40 min

First, I love the Fountain Square area. Lot of neat places there and a huge part of that area has been re-done over the last few years. Lots of good places to eat there, including La Margarita. 

There was definitely a 5K-ish there - group is called Run (317), which is the Indy area code so they run 3.17 mile races. There's a series of races about 1 a month in/around Indy that do a weeknight event. They usually have a pretty good turnout, especially since they are always run on a Thursday night - often around 1500 runners or so. The course in/around Fountain Square likely had you seeing them a couple times each. Actually learned about it earlier this summer when running downtown on the night they had one of their events. Actually was just looking at it just the other day and may see about running in it next year - they actually do a cumulative timing/scoring thing if you do all the events. Thought it might be fun to participate. 

Here's the page for last nights run: https://www.run317.com/race-info/fountain-square/

 

[The Iguana]

Isnt meant to be a scare tactic @The Iguana but this is really it...and the worst part, you will probably get it wrong race day. Make the goal to minimize whatever the damage, no need to stress about it. Make a plan centered around the final hour of the race then stick to it, but you will second guess some aspect of your fueling. Guaranteed. 

You can't scare me any more than I already am! As someone else noted, the 20 milers I've already done have done that plenty. At the end of each I had a certain since of accomplishment but also the thought of "I've still got to do another bleeping 10K!?!?!!??"

 

[SayWhat?]

@SayWhat?  You alive dude?

I am!  Thanks for checking in BnB.  Been just slammed on the home front dealing with some fires at work, kids back in school, and a wife that's working & back in school full time...yet again.  I've been checking in on this thread here and there, just not as much as normal. 

Had my labs re-tested two weeks out from Superior and they had all returned to normal, thus received the green light to resume activities.  Unfortunately I've yet to do that.   I've gotten out on a handful of runs, but have let life get the best of me and basically gotten in a dietary and exercise funk for the past month.   Time to get back on track with diet and exercise, as this is the worst time of the year to get in a rut for me personally, living in Minnesota as the weather turns ####ty.  What's on tap for you?