6 days and counting
Well, it’s 6 days to go to my first marathon and I’m feeling severely undertrained. I’ve done very little running this last week (only 3 runs!). I’ve had a cold, recovered from that and then got a stomach bug which involved a lot of running but only the few metres to my bathroom! I’m hoping all these bugs are just my body recovering.
Anyway, I’m feeling great today and am really looking forward to going to Christchurch later this week. Temperatures are pretty low there at the moment (2-6 degrees C) and my parents (who live there) reckon it could get even colder.
Speaking of the cold I’ve been finding it bitterly cold at home. One of the side effects of weightloss is that you really feel the cold a lot more. All that blubber acts as insulation I guess! I felt cold last year but nothing like this year. I’ve been wearing multiple layers of tops under my jacket just to try and stay warm. I guess its time to get out the heaters!
The marathon countdown is rather exciting. I vacillate between thinking it’s going to be very tough and hard and I’m a nut for doing it to thinking it’s it going to be very tough and hard and I’m a nut for doing it! But a happy nut. 
Less than a week, that is exciting! So… in other words, 7 days from now you’ll be exhausted
but happy!
I felt really cold this winter, too. I just thought it was the weather until a woman at weight watchers commented that I must be really feeling the cold now. I can live with it!
Good luck this week, not that you’ll need it.
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You’ll do great! I doubt anyone ever feels properly trained for their first marathon, and you’ve had a much better buildup than I did. Make sure you’ve got warm clothes for the startline. You might want to consider having an old polyprop top or something with you that you don’t mind throwing away on the course.
It’s been horridly cold here in Wellington – as low as 9 degrees in the hallway on Saturday! I’m with you on weightloss leading to feeling the cold a lot more. I’ve learned that layers are my friend.
Good luck, and I look forward to your race report!
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Andrew, you’ll be fine – it seems like quite a common occurance for people to get sick just prior to a big event like a marathon – I guess it might just be part of your body’s recovery process or something.
I’ve also noticed feeling cold in situations where I usen’t to – I used to be renowned among my friends for wearing t-shirts in the depths of winter – I don’t do that anymore
Best of luck with the last few days. You’ll be fine.
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Under a week to go – how exciting! All the best. I think most people feel underdone before their first race at a new distance. I remember lining up for my first half marathon and sweating big time
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Good luck for the big day. Take plenty of layers with you to keep out that southern chill.
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Like some others have said, most people feel under-trained for their first marathon. Over the next few days just concentrate on some short runs to keep yourself moving, fuel up, and get your body over the sicknesses.
It will be tough and hard, no doubt about that, but I’m betting you’ll do just fine.
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Im excited FOR you.
and a little bit catching the running bug.
just a little
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Me, once I had like 1 week before the school cross country of 15 kms to prepare. I haven’t done much training and was kind of feeling undertrained. But during this 1 week, I managed to get back on track and didn’t do that bad for the race but I was bit anxious before the race whether I gonna make it. A race is physical but also moral. Still was a good experience. Thanks for the story and good luck in the race Andrew.
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Very exciting! I briefly considered a marathon, but after getting wiped by the half, I thought I’d look for something a little less grueling.
Looking at your training, you’ll do great! Good luck!
Greg at Live Fits last blog post..What Is The Best Healthy Burger Recipe?
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The cold was something I hadn’t anticipated. I’m only just thawing out from our winter. It’s almost June and I’ve not yet turned on the A/C. In Memphis, that’s unheard of! On the bright side, my electric bills are bound to show a positive result!
I’m sure your marathon will be properly grueling and that you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was a good idea. I’m also sure it will be a remarkable, rewarding experience and I hope that in your fatigued state, you can find time to revel in your accomplishment because, simply put, it’s amazing!
Cammy@TheTippyToeDiets last blog post..Makeover Monday: Aerobics for the Brain
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That’s great – going from feeling sort of nutty to really nutty! It’s a good thing that you are on the mend and will be able to enjoy the marathon for all that it offers rather than suffer through it and miss much of it while being miserable. I look forward to reading all about it and wish you the best of luck leading up to and on race day!
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Just go run it and enjoy!
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It’s taper time — all the big work is done. Just plan to enjoy. No expectations.
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Hi,
I stop in every once and a while, and I’m always inspired by your progress. Good luck with your marathon.
Selma
Selmas last blog post..Running Through the Pain
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Andrew, I hope that you have a great time on the marathon. Enjoy the day and don’t do anything too crazy. It’s not Disney, so don’t let any fairies pass you … because if you see a fairy at mile 20, you may be hallucinating! Avoid getting sick and keep those legs healthy!
Happy Racing!
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I am sure that you will do fine on your upcoming marathon. You have trained a lot and you have the drive and determination to get it done. You have trained hard for other things and you just have to remain focused on the task at hand.
I love the motivation and the determination that you continuously have.
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I can’t wait to read about your marathon! So inspiring
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Hey dude.. sounds like winter is on the way! I cannot imagine how beautiful Christchurch is. I am drooling just by thinking how beautiful it is. Listen up dude, I have a great deal of confidence that you will do very well. Don’t set your expectation too high. Most importantly, rest well. Hydrate well. You want to have fun. Whatever the time is, that will be your benchmark. You will have a terrific opportunity to figure out what went right and what went wrong so you know how to prepare for the next one. That’s makes it all the worthwhile and more challenging.
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You crazy Kiwis with your reversed seasons.. and you crazy long distance runners with your..er.. long distance.. runs.
Dang.
I hope you get back to feeling in tip-top shape for your marathon. I was sidelined for about a week with a sinus cold of Biblical proportions – not too fun.
Hope the run’s a good experience!
Will
4xlt.WillPhillips.org
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Andrew,
You are going to do great. You may even benefit form the rest you’ve been getting these last few weeks.
Can’t wait to hear how it goes.
Tony
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Getting sick is fairly common — get it out of the way now. After my marathon I was the sickest I had ever been — took forever to pass. This is a rest period — you’ll be fine on race day and your body will appreciate these few days of being laid back. Enjoy the marathon experience. I hope you’ll find that it’s not about the race, but the experience.
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GOOD LUCK THIS WEEKEND!!
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You would never think of those types of side effects from losing so much…I’ve been experiencing the same thing. I’m always much colder than I used to be:) Good luck on your race, can’t wait to hear how it went!
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