Running Disney Marathon for the first time~?

Question

I'm running the Disney Marathon in January. It's my first and probablly last marathon. I average about 20 miles a week and have pretty good endurance. Would anyone like to share advice, experience or anything? I'm psyched and would love to hear from anyone who's done it and what they thought!

Answer 1

Twenty miles a week will not adequately prepare you for a marathon. You should up your training distance to at least 1/3 of the distance you are going to race at. (i.e. - 8-9 miles - not necessarily daily, but you should get so you can run that distance a few times a week. But you should run daily - alternate short runs with long runs).

Be prepared to hurt afterword!!! My legs felt like someone had beat them with hammers for about a week after I ran my first marathon.

Other than that -- just enjoy it. It's a fun and unique experience to move your body that far. Don't worry if you have to walk a bit, just enjoy what you are doing.

Answer 2

Well you got plenty of time to up your miles for the marathon, so good luck.

I ran my first (and not my last) marathon last December (The CIM). It was a boring race to run only because Sacramento isnt that pretty or interesting to look at. However the run was great for the first 18 miles and then I hit "The Wall". I was running at a 3:45 pace until I hit the wall and I got a bad cramp. I ate and drank around mile 20, then 22, then 24 to get me through the last 6 miles, but I finished at 4:12 and it was a great feeling. 26.2 miles is no joke, I highly suggest running at least 24 miles before your race to get your legs prepared for that pounding.

I was around 40-45 miles per week the month leading up to the race. I also lost 40 lbs in the 5 months I trained, it was a great experience and the reason why I am running the SF Marathon in August.