[RacerX]

Total posts: 57

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It takes a 2:19 to qualify for the Trials. But, that isn't necessarily "elite."

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[BrewPat]

Total posts: 5068

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You actually have to run one first.

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[Decaf]

Total posts: 1059

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Do not underestimate miles 20-26.2

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[JonasRunner11]

Total posts: 20

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for starters i did actually run 27 before and its not the halfway mark if you can actually do math. Secondly its just another 6 miles and i still have another 2 years of college running left so i think i should be fine lol

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[JonasRunner11]

Total posts: 20

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trust me i think i understand the meaning of pain after all the races ive been through. Actually the funny thing is since we all are runners we kinda enjoy a bit a pain don't we haha.

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[Puffycheetos411]

Total posts: 77

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You know I have to agree with Brew--I've heard the exact same thing from friends of mine who have run a marathon(s) before. I've begun training for one in April (if I'll be ready to compete is still up to question!) and have logged 20 mile days before no problem as a collegiate runner, so I figure how much harder can it be huh? The war stories I've heard sure made me question that... The marathon is a fo' shizz test of manhood. Good luck in the future btw!

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[WRA4Life]

Total posts: 90

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JonasRunner11 -

You and only you know exactly where you are at in your training and what you are and are not ready to run. However, I can tell you from experience the marathon is a whole different beast than any other race. I ran my first one on the 13th of this month, having run all shorter distances. I started with the intention of running a 3:15-3:20, only to run a 3:51. And the only times I was hurting was after mile 16.
Like I said, only you know exactly where you are at. I understand that we're two very different people, with different abilities, backgrounds, training regimens, etc. But the fact the marathon can humble you is a very real truth.
I wish you nothing but the best, my friend. If you're ready, don't let anything stop you from going for it.

-Luke

PS- elite times range from 2:03:59 (the world record) to 2:15.

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[Devho]

Total posts: 65

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Kid, I understand and appreciate your enthusiasm for running. It's awesome that you're motivated, but don't take this advice lightly.

I'm a senior in college and ran my first marathon this past October, running 80-90 miles a week. I ran a 2:49 with the intention only of finishing. I had five long runs of 20 miles or more, with a max of 22. The training felt great and I was negative splitting each long run. But let me tell you this: miles 21-25 are the absolute hardest thing I have ever done. I felt GREAT thru mile 20, only to find mile 21 had a world of pain I'd never felt. Between 25-26.2, you start to cheer up because you're almost done. Respect the distance. You should have one goal for a marathon at your age: To finish.

I'm not trying to scare you out of running a marathon, I'm warning against haste and pride. It's not hard to run 20 miles in 2 hours and change. But you will never fully understand how tough the last 10K is until you actually race it.

Best of luck to you.

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[lmy77]

Total posts: 39

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I know your friend, and she is from a town where everyone is freakishly good at sports. Don't be fooled when she says the last 10K was easy.

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[adflam]

Total posts: 26

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I have to agree with everyone else in that the marathon is a completely different type of running than other races. I was primarily a middle-distance guy in college with 1:54 800m and 3:55 1500m prs, but did okay at xc running 25:50s for 8k's. As I got older I went for longer and longer distances. I even ran 5:30 pace for the New Haven 20k one year. I've done just two marathons now and they both kicked my ass. Maybe it's just outside of my natural range, but the worst thing you can do is take the distance lightly.

You might not want to compare youself to your friend. Last year she qualified for the NCAA Division I Regional meet in two events. That puts her in with a small group of eleite runners. Should you be comparing yourself to people in that group?

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[phil]

Total posts: 584

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I'm with you bud. From your original question this snowballed pretty quick. Look us all up in 1.5 years when you start training for one!

-phil

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[BrewPat]

Total posts: 5068

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Seeing as I've done 26 of them . . .

First one was Myrtle Beach and the pain set in around mile 19. They had this huge "wall" at 20 that we ran under. I wasn't too happy to see it at the time. I laugh at it now, because I don't want to cry.

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[ReeseY]

Total posts: 153

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haha, I'm doing Myrtle Beach this February! Will only be my 2nd marathon but I'm really excited already. Can't wait for the "wall"

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[ReeseY]

Total posts: 153

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Nope, just 301 hot sauce and home brew

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