Is it a bad/good idea to run 18 miles, 7 days before the actual marathon?

Need more information. IF this is your first marathon I wouldn't do it. I mean you have nothing to gain by running that much that close to the race.

If you are expieranced then you know your body better than anyone else and probably knew the answer before you even posted here

1st one!

Does your training plan have you running 18 wks? Are you winging it? I wouldn't run more than 10 or 12 the Sunday before. Rest is key, trying to fit in more miles that late in the game usually will do more harm than help.

Thanks Pilot. Yeah I'm winging it. Something I've always wanted to do and I know I'm going to have to push my self.

My experience:

Before my first full (Houston 2011), I did not regularly run to train. I did lift and cardio frequently and was in pretty good shape otherwise (for example, I set a PR--that still stands--in the half 6-8 weeks before), but I was nowhere near ready for peak performance in a full. About 1.5 weeks out, I did my longest run of 16 miles. I needed that run to give me some level of confidence going in (that I could at least make it that far).


My thoughts:
Running a full with as little training as I had would definitely not be something I'd recommend. I kept a good pace for the first 18 miles or so, but the end was very difficult, and my legs could not handle the pounding (breathing and energy were fine, but my legs cramped up and the like). In fact, I did not run again for a while, and didn't run another race for 10 months.

This year, I trained with a running group, and it made a HUGE difference going through an entire training program (I cut my full time from a 4:10 to a 3:41). I would recommend holding off and doing a full program as my primary recommendation.

On your original question, I would say this though--IF you are 100% dead set on running the Austin full, and you haven't had any longer distance runs (16-18+ miles), I would certainly want to have at least 1 run of that distance prior to attempting the full. I'd do it 1.5 to 2 weeks out though--don't wait until the week before. BUT, I really don't think that's a great idea. I would NEVER run another marathon with as little training as I had then.

[This message has been edited by thann07 (edited 2/4/2013 2:51p).]

Thanks yes my heart and $145 is already invested.

what's the longest you've run during training?

15! Minutes Jk 15 miles

I did 5 miles today, so I was thinking:

Tue:6
Thur:8
Sat:15
Mon: 5
Tue:5
Wed:4
Fri: 4

????? Suggestions

Honestly it's a terrible idea for most beginners just to wing and put together their own training plan.

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51137/Marathon-Novice-1-Training-Program

what has your training been outside of that 15? if you've been putting in some mileage, you might be "ok." I use ok loosely here. sounds like you've probably done very little training.

we aren't going to talk you out of doing the race, but here's the deal. That 18 isn't going to do you much good before the marathon. It takes roughly 2 weeks to see a physiological benefit from workouts, so all you'd really be doing is wearing your body down.

I have been doing CrossFit for the past three months and noticed that my resting heart rate is at an all time low and my breathing during my runs are phenonomal. I have been logging in about 30 miles a weeek

if i were coaching you, i'd tell you that that you shouldn't run the race based on the training you've done.

but, as a random internet poster...

if you've been averaging 30 mpw for a decent length of time, you should be fine even with a long run of 15 miles. you aren't going to go blow the doors off of any time and you might not feel fantastic in the later miles, but you'll likely be ok. Just run smart and take it easy.

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http://www.yourbodyisyourengine.com
RRCA Certified Running Coach

[This message has been edited by AggieOO (edited 2/4/2013 8:04p).]

Hit your legs with a hammer for 30 minutes, them go jog 6 miles. That should be similar to how you'll feel for the last part of the race. If you can do that, you can probably finish.

I can appreciate the fact you want to run the race, but it's really gonna suck for you. You'll be hurting and miserable at the end. I hope the weather is at least enjoyable.

You couldn't have picked a tougher marathon than Austin. My advice is to go almost painfully slow until you get to at least 15. Save your legs.

A marathon with no marathon-specific training is setting yourself up for an injury. Your cardio conditioning from Crossfit may help, but your muscles and connective tissue aren't conditioned for 26 miles of continuous running. If you try to run at your normal pace the whole way, you could hurt yourself.

As for doing a long run a week out, at this point in the game you might as well conserve your energy.

Best of luck to you, hopefully you finish with minimal issues and enjoy yourself.

[This message has been edited by madd_ag_05 (edited 2/6/2013 9:20a).]