Marathon this weekend, have barely run for three weeks

[Greyat]

I started building up in December and it had been going really well. I've done 2 x 18m runs, 2 x 20 miles, a 22 and a 23, plus some 15 and a fast HM. My last long run, as planned , was 3 weeks ago, the 23. I completed it but my hamstring was a bit troublesome.

The following weekend I struggled through 12 and since then have been mostly resting. Which has helped, I'm not completely fixed, but everything feels much better.

I know the mileage was high, but I wasn't starting from scratch, I've run 12-15 miles most Sundays for the last 10 years or so.

Anyway, I was feeling quite confident. How bad is it that I've done very little for 3 weeks before the race?

I could run tonight, but am veering towards resting and giving the hamstring a chance. One more short run now isn't going to gain anything, but could set me back?

I should say I haven't just done the long runs, I've been running 4-5 times a week until this last 2/3 weeks.

You’ll be fine - it’s a good taper, just take it easy tonight. You’re longer runs (23m) probably a bit too long, but you’ve done them, you know your wall and when it’s likely to hit and what you can do to avoid it.

Good luck this weekend, we’re in Vienna next weeks for the marathon there. Let us know how you get on.

No don’t run tonight, give the hamstring all the time you can

You'll be fine, just go out for a bit tonight to test your hammy but take it easy! Good luck OP!

You won't increase your fitness now, just risk injuring yourself more. Keep resting and trust your training, good luck!

Don't worry. Another run won't make a difference now but maybe a walk might do you some good just to get some movement in?

If you listen to podcasts can I recommend (strongly) Dr Chatterjees podcast with Helen Hall #434. It's changed the way I think about long distance running and might make you feel a bit more relaxed about the task. Please give it a listen it's brilliant.

I walk about 5 miles a day for my commute (although not today) so I'm thinking I'll do that tomorrow and Thurs and have an early night tonight.

I actually don't feel very well and very tired after a sport massage this afternoon, but suspect that's in my mind..

That sounds like a plan. Is it the Manchester marathon if you don't mind me asking?
I have a friend doing it so will be there cheering her on.
sounds like you've got the miles in so all that's left is to do it. Good luck!

No, I'm going to Rotterdam....long story 🤣

Haha brilliant. Good luck!

I've a marathon coming up too, in 3 weeks. Been doing a 16 week training programme but been ill twice in that time...totalling 5 weeks of no running (apart from a half through which I coughed a lung up!). I'm sure you'll be fine. I'm hoping the fact that I've been running for a good few years now will help. We'll see! 🤞🏼

Kinda want to know why you're going to Rotterdam though. Lost a bet?? 😂

Sounds like a fairly perfectly timed taper!

After DH died I resolved never to turn down an invitation and this is what happened.

It's taken me on some interesting adventures. I went to the football with a man 20 years younger than me at the weekend. 🤣

Good for you!

Make sure you get a short, slow "shakeout run" in shortly before race day to reactivate your system and get the ickyness out of the way.

I normally end up with something cracking off on the taper and doing less than I'd like, but that's better than over-doing it.

Last year I raced a HM late Feb, then brought my 20 miler forward due to forecasts of snow and ice so did the 20 miler while knackered and too early. Then DS was ill so the best I got in was 14mi after that. I had my peak milage about 6 weeks before race day, but I was well rested and got the shorter taper runs in and race day was great.