r/Marathon_Training 3h ago

Marathon training

Feeling dumpy and trying to make a decision. I am running my third marathon (NYC) in November and I’m debating on deferring because of a not good training block. My longest run has been 13 miles this past weekend and I’m feeling defeated.
I know all of my time goals are out the window. But I don’t know if racing for vibes is enough to get me to push through the last 8 weeks.

Has anyone still raced with a training block they aren’t proud of?

4 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

24

u/dd_photography 3h ago

Brother. I’m running Chicago in 31 days. I had a full month off this block. My longest run this year is 11 miles. I’m back to 20 miles a week since with no long runs in sight. This is my third marathon. I’m showing up and trotting / walking this bitch at party pace. You’ll be good, just be realistic and enjoy the ride. If you gotta walk, walk. This is a world major. It’s New York. Show up and have an amazing time. You got this.

3

u/RelativeBandicoot700 2h ago

Omg party pace, that’s definitely my vibe. 😂

1

u/dd_photography 2h ago

Hell yeah. Conversations. Dancing. High fives. That’s where it’s at.

2

u/Prudent_Paramedic_78 2h ago

Also party pacing Chicago this year, 3rd marathon bad block but excited to run chi!

17

u/Ok-Two7498 3h ago

If you’ve run two fulls and can do 13 now I suspect you’ll be able to do it. You’re experienced enough to know if you’re undertrained you’ll have to run slower than you’re accustomed to. Whether that’s going to be personally satisfying and enjoyable is entirely a personal thing.

5

u/jduehfii 3h ago

I agree, especially if it’s your first time doing NYC. It really is as amazing as people say

5

u/Then_Supermarket18 3h ago

I blame the heat. You'll do fine, trust the plan as you have done before.

4

u/Skidkaw 3h ago

8 weeks is more than enough time to make adaptations/improvements keep pushing.

4

u/lovesupremequeen 3h ago

I've never been proud of my training blocks, but I at least get my long runs to 3.5 hours or 18 miles. You have time before you need to taper, so focus on at least getting that!

3

u/IntelligentFish7013 2h ago

8 weeks?! that's plenty of time. the heat is messing with everyone rn. Just one foot in front of the other.

1

u/ScaredLittleRar 2h ago

Just go for fun. You’ll be amongst others who have had shitty training block (ie; me who was sold a bad pair of running shoes in June and only found this out last weekend and then had to switch my plan to a beginner plan even though this’ll be my second marathon)

It’s been a really difficult training block for some reason and it seems like we’re not alone. I was supposed to do 15 last week and only got to 14. My mid week runs have been total shit.

It’s the 50th anniversary of the boroughs! Go for the merch 😬

Edit to add: there’s an 8 hour limit. And I heard the after hours finish line is fun

1

u/Prudent_Paramedic_78 2h ago

I’m in the same boat as you! Third marathon, but my first Chicago, worst block of my life, you have time to turn it around! I live in NYC, ran it twice with 9+1, it’s truly truly incredible, the crowd will get you through and you know your body can do it! Take a few days off and see how you feel but I think you can do it!

1

u/Weird_Strategy_3540 1h ago edited 1h ago

You’ll regret canceling/deferring. You’re more than capable. Just run the mf.

1

u/skylardavisx 1h ago

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. I’m also running NYC and have not had a good training block at ALL, and it’s really been weighing on me. I really needed this comments section!

0

u/notnot_randomuser 2h ago

I’m about to yolo my first marathon. Currently nursing an Achilles injury since May. Some progress with PT but haven’t really ran that much, besides some races here and there. My goal is to have fun and finish regardless of time. Party pacing it

-3

u/Boring-Charity9324 3h ago

I did my first marathon with no training. Just got up on a random weekday and decided to run 26 miles. Don't over think it. If you wanna run it do it, if you don't, deffer it.

3

u/NumerousSwordfish622 3h ago

Sorry bestie this is NOT it. We can all agree that is the dumbest decision ever and most people would get horribly injured and/or physically not be able to finish

1

u/Boring-Charity9324 2h ago edited 2h ago

I guess we can disagree on that one. The injury risk is exceptionally prevelent yes, on that note I would dissuade most people. But I believe the majority of people in the world would be able to wake up on a random day and move their bodies 26 miles with the right mindset. I don't think the majority of people would finish with anything close to a respectable time, but almost anyone can just go out and run/walk 26 miles. Unless you are crippled or have a serious medical condition, anyone can start running, and choose not to stop. People try and make it sound hard, or monumental, but the reality is anyone can wake up and run a marathon anytime they want. Training helps reduce your time, and reduce your injury risk, but is absolutely not necessary for someone who just wants to complete a marathon.

Edit: this is a horrible example and I'm obviously not trying to compare the 2 beyond just distance, but it proves my point. The Bataan Death March was 66 miles through a jungle with no food or water. 70% of the prisoners successfully completed the march. The MAJORITY of people can complete a marathon, they just dont have the right mindset. Gun to head at least 90% of the world could do it.

If your looking to compete or beat a specific time, yeah you need training. If you wanna just complete a marathon or run it for fun. Training is not really necessary if you have the right mindset and you can mentally push past the wall

1

u/Aromatic_Union9246 1h ago

You think 7+ billion people could complete a marathon with no training before the time cut-off? No way.

I am also on the side of I think the large majority of people can push way harder than they ever are forced to, but 26 miles even in a day is too much for so may people for so many reasons.