Any Marathon Runner or Distance Runners Out There?

The adrenalin that will come from being in the race, and the support from the other runners and spectators, is likely to help you overcome your reduction in training. If you've had an 18.5+ mile training run, I think you'd be fine.

Long distant runs are a mind game almost more than a physical one. It's about ignoring the aches and being a duracell bunny.

At around mile 21, pretend you are Dory from Finding Nemo and keep repeating, "Just keep running. Running, running. Just keep running. Running, running..."

Good luck and try to have some fun out there!

From what I have learned recently is that the 20 mile run is more a psychological boost than anything else in marathon training. Here is an article that discusses this:

http://blog.runkeeper.com/running-training/the-marathon-l...

Then don't do marathons. They are hard on your body anyway. What's the point of doing it if it feels like a chore? These things are supposed to bring you pleasure. If they don't, then do something else.

I suggest you train for a triathlon. They are most interesting than endless monotonous running, and the cross-training is better for your body.

I ran a marathon! My advice is to keep going. You're only 10 days away from finishing your goal! Just learn from your mistake: no drinks or junk food the night before a long run...and be sure to hydrate the day (and 2 days before) your marathon!!! You'll do JUST FINE. Don't dwell on the fact that you failed your 20 miler. Rather, dwell on the fact that you ran 18.5 miles with no problem! Your 26 miler will go smooth - and finishing will give you your motivation back. I think you'll do great - let us know how it goes!! :)

I agree with Kristen. If it is a fairly large race with crowds of people cheering you on, that will definitely keep you going.

I ran a marathon years ago after only 9 weeks of training. Not recommended, but at least it didn't leave any time for me to lose my motivation. My longest training run was 18 miles about two weeks before the marathon and I finished the marathon under 4:40 without walking. That was my only goal ;-)

You'll do fine. You don't need to get your motivation or interest back. You've already done most of the training and the race is only 10 days away! You probably only have 5 more training runs before the big day. Be sure to take some Excedrin before the race and make sure you have plenty of Power Gel or Gu to keep you fueled up. Good luck and let us know how it went!

You have done the training - you are going to do great! Remember you will have race adrenaline and you will feel more peppy than when you are just out on a training run. What I learned is to make yourself eat and drink every 30 minutes as you are running when you run long distances. It really keeps you feeling so much better...it's amazing. You have to find what works for you but for me just things like jelly beans or those running gels work fine. Even if you don't feel like it or don't feel thirsty you just make yourself and it keeps you from feeling awful and run down. I too have had training runs like you had where you suddenly feel horrible and like you are bonking. It sometimes happens. One thing that motivates me is to read some running magazines...they are always fun. Don't give up - once you start this marathon you are going to do great!!!

I have never run a full, but ran my first half in Nov. I was in what seems to be your exact position a few weeks before my run. I was SO over the training. I was tired, hungry all the time and didn't want to have to run. MY last few training runs didn't go so well. I decided to scale back, taper and trust that my body knew what to do. When it came to the actual run, everything went fine. Hoping you can trust in your body and the work you have put in and have a good run on the 15th. =)