Failed Run 2.5 weeks prior to Race Day
Hello everyone,
I’m running my first marathon on 5/31 SD Rock N Roll. Initially I was shooting for a sub 4 goal but honestly my main goal is to finish.
Ive been follow HH Novice plan but kind of adding/modifying it. In terms of my times I’ve done 2 HMs: most recent one was a PR of 1:53 on a pretty hilly course at the end of March. In terms of long runs I’ve done a 16 mile, 18 (3 hours), and two 20 mile runs. My peak was was around 40 miles. The last 20 mile run was this past Sunday on 5/10. I did the run in 3:34 (10:43 pace) I didn’t add any faster race pace in either 20 milers because my goal was simply to finish.
I planned to do a “dress rehearsal“ practice run (14 miles) today where I would do a 3 mile warm up (whatever felt easy) and then push the pace for 6-10 miles depending on how I feel and that would guide me on what pace I should aim for in the marathon. Unfortunately I felt good and my easy pace was waaaay to fast probably 8:30 and I had to stop at mile 3. Took a break and finished a total of 7 miles and went slow.
I think a few reasons why the run went real bad: first I probably went too hard off the bat, I just ran 20 five days ago, I’m a little congested/coughing but think it’s due to allergies.
Moving forward: should I retry a run like this in a few days? I think it would do a lot for my confidence and will really let me know where to pace it. Also I really want at least one more run with double digit mileage going into the last 2 weeks.
Any thoughts or advice? Really appreciate it