Marathon runners - what did you feel like after?

[Nancery]

I mean, immediately after? I am wondering what I need to have handy (salty snacks? warm clothes regardless of weather? that kind of thing.) Also, will I be capable (or likely to be capable) of making plans for the evening / later in the afternoon?

I absolutely loved Brighton Marathon last year - don’t put yourself under any pressure. Just enjoy the day, and be so proud of yourself afterwards!

yes it’s tough, but one foot in front of the other you’ll get it done!

Ahh it's London. I have to admit to feeling a bit Marmite about London, but it is a definite bucket list thing!!

Knowing it's London, I'd offer one more tip. Generally you're up and about for at least 3 hours before the start, just getting to Blackheath/Greenwich, faffing around at the start, etc. Every year I've done it, I've walked almost 10,000 steps just getting to the start!!

So, with that in mind, on one of your longer runs, I'd definitely practice going out a little later (or getting up a bit earlier before going out) and fuelling with portable food before you go, so you acclimatise to pre-run snacking and get to know what you like and what you're going to plan to take with you to the start.

I'm not, though I'd love to! Edinburgh is first up for me this year, and it's feeling unnervingly close (even though it's still nearly 11 weeks away)

@roundaboutthehillsareshining Thank you, that’s really helpful. I’ve also read that a plastic bag to sit on while waiting could be a good move.

@WorstPaceScenario I’ve heard good things about Edinburgh - hope it goes well! X

Thank you, yours too!

Immediately immediately after the first? The medal felt way too heavy, every single part of my body suddenly filled with pain. Luckily they gave us all beer which went down a treat. Almost certainly had a cigarette or two before a slow one mile walk to my hotel, a nap and then out for a huge meal to celebrate. The next day was the most astonishing because I felt absolutely fine minus a few toenails, climbed a huge tower. It was three maybe five days before I ran again but I was surprised at how unscathed I was in general.

I was really well prepared and didn’t try anything heroic, settling into a 12 minute mile pace. I had a special glucose and whatnot drink in my camelbak which was hideous and very hard to swallow but I’d had lots and lots of practice in training so it didn’t come straight back up like gels and jelly babies had 🤢

Obviously don’t do anything new on the day. Same kit, from underwear to t shirt, socks shorts shoes. Find a way to refuel as you go that you can tolerate. Get used to running on tired legs during training!

Also adding 'sunglasses' to the great advice about nothing new on race day! I've known people to get blistered ears and noses!

I'd take a blanket/teatowel as well and leave it in the textile recycling at the start. If you just sit on a plastic bag, you have no insulation and your large postural muscles that are going to power your run will get cold, blood flow will decrease and you may be more uncomfortable and crampy at the start. Try to keep upright and gently moving if you can, but if you really want to sit, sit on hard ground and use the teatowel on top of the bag to give yourself a bit more warmth. But be on your feet and moving around at least 30 minutes before your start so you don't shock your muscles.

I've never attempted a marathon but weirdly this thread is making me want to do one?!

Good luck @Nancery !!!

Thank you!

It's very individual but you could definitely manage going a restaurant (your appetite will have kicked in by then!)

I would recommend a nap after your marathon though. I was absolutely wiped after my most recent one.

Definately something warm to put on after. A change of footwear if possible. I couldn’t eat for an hour or so after (I’ve done 2, training for a third), but was very thirsty. I recently found out you should also drink electrolytes 3 hours before a race as well as soon after.

Both times I was physically unable to run for 2 weeks after as my joints hurts so much after. Like with pp, I hate the training! I’ve got a hilly marathon later in the year and that was be my 4th and last. Looking to get into trail ultras next year.

If it’s gone well then absolutely over the moon! You will have muscle soreness but in a nice satisfying sort of way. Gentle walking afterwards is actually good for you. I don’t usually feel hungry for several hours afterwards. I also wouldn’t be able to nap afterwards and for some reason never sleep well the night immediately after (nor the night before, but that’s just nerves/anticipation). Good luck!

I've had different experiences at difference races, largely based on how well training has gone, weather on the day, how hard I've pushed myself etc.
I often don't feel hungry for a few hours but force myself to eat something small but calorie dense and drink hydration tablets. Take a complete change of clothes, a warm layer, small towel and a pack of wet wipes in your drop bag as well as a comfy pair of flip flops to shuffle home in.

@RandomUsernameHere I have read that it’s good to get as many hours sleep before the night before as possible as I’ll be all over the place on the Saturday with excitement. Shame I can’t go to the pub!

@roundaboutthehillsareshining The towel to sit on is something I’d never have thought of!

Argh just seen it’s London, you are in for such a treat! Having done it 3 times, the thing that I’m always completely unprepared for is the sheer emotion of it, I’m usually crying most of the way round from the signs, the crowd, the things people have written on their shirts…. The overwhelming adds a complete next level which I’m sure impacts energy levels! So take tissues! Actually, take your own loo roll too… 60k runners is A LOT, even though there are lots of loos too!

Agree with PP that they will get you to the start about 3 hours before you actually run so with travel time you’re looking at eating your breakfast 4 hours before the run, with a mid morning start! It’s no good starting hungry, having practiced eating at 7,30am for a 9am long run! Either practice with the bigger gap before your run or make your chosen breakfast something you can eat on the move (personal favourite is pancake sandwiches… layered with peanut butter or a bagel).

I always take a bin bag or foil blanket to wear at the start! I’ve got absolutely DRENCHED before 2 marathons and a nice warm hoody would have been awful once sodden!

OMG! I am now even more giddy!

My last marathon was London in October 2021. I was a seasoned runner and had been racing for many years. Although it was only my second marathon - I
preferred 10K and half marathon. (I no longer run due to illness). I ran the whole way, stopping only once for a wee. I ran over the finish line and literally within about 2 metres of the line could no longer walk. Somebody gave me a bag of crisps and literally after about 3 of them , I could walk again. We walked to near Covent Garden (so quite a distance) and got a pizza. (Noel Fitzpatrick, the TV vet was having a pizza too and we had a nice chat with him).

I'm another who didn't want to eat after. It's something about your stomach/ digestive system shutting down

I woke up really hungry 1am the next morning and I had a migraine from the lack of food

I found that if I ate a little bit, (we had cake and coffee after) I was ok

You are all amazing!

Of all the recovery strategies mentioned on the thread, I like the beer and cigarette protocol from @WeJustWantYouToBeHappy

I've never run that far but I am still on a high from my first ever parkrun at the weekend, and you are all inspiring me to think about returning to the half marathons that I did when younger.

Flip flops in your kit bag are a must!!

Im weirdly never hungry the evening after a marathon but the next day will literally eat everything and anything!!

Oh and the best bit of advice I got pre my first marathon was enjoy that finish line you’ll never get that feeling of finishing your first so soak it all up!!

Theres something magical about the London Marathon it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it so enjoy your day….. it’s a victory lap to collect your medal!!

I’m no runner but I felt fine.

I think it might depend how long it takes you.

if you can do it under 4.45 hours then you’ll probably fine