Marathon taper question...need advice (UPDATE!)

Ok so I have been injured the last 5 weeks with an IT band problem. I have been lifting weights, doing the elliptical and bike to keep me in decent shape. My last two long runs were 14 and 12 miles…about 5 weeks ago and never made it further than that. I consider myself in good shape though but realize the NYC Marathon is going to be a stretch but want to go for it. I did start A.R.T. therapy last week and plan to keep doing it.

Yesterday was my first longish run in awhile- I was testing my leg out to see if it feels better and IT DOES! I made 8 miles and could have gone further but didnt want to push it and didnt have enough time. So the next two weekends what should I do as far as long runs? Marathon is 11/7 so I only have 2 weeks to whip my butt into marathon shape. Disclaimer: I am ok with a slow marathon time and realize I may have to do some walking.

Soooo, I can either:

1) do 12ish next weekend and 17ish on Oct. 30th
2) or try to push for 16-17 next weekend and then rest up do something lesser like 10-12 on Oct. 30th.

Last year I was in a similar predicament…only difference was I got a few 18 milers in before being injured. I rested 4 weeks and was able to do a 10 miler and also a 17 miler ten days before the marathon. I did the marathon with no problem and still finished within my goal time (4:30).

Thanks in advance for your help! (PS - this is probably my last full marathon…my body isnt really cut out for this type of distance and I always get injured. After this I am sticking to half marathons!)

Message edited 10/25/2010 10:44:44 AM.

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

I got injured with achilles tendonitis about a month before my first marathon. I did what you did and laid off running, xtrained, had ART therapy etc. It was the best advice I got. I would not suggest running anything more than 10 miles the next two weeks. The 10 will get your body used to the impact again, which is all it really needs. You are conditioned to run the race, you are strong enough to run the race...you will run the race and know you can and that's what really matters.

I was a nervous wreck that I wouldn't be able to do it because I missed my last 20 and and everything that I should have done since. I ran the 26.2 miles (NYC Marathon '06) I had a hard time at the end but my mental strength kicked in and I finished strong.

You will be fine, just don't run enough that the pain starts coming back.

Good luck!!!

Message edited 10/18/2010 12:58:04 PM.

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

I would not do more than 8 on the 30th. It's too close to race day, you will deplete your resources.


Usually 2 weeks out, I do 12 miles. In other cycles what is the distance that "seems" harder. Mine is about 16, so in your situation, I might push to 15 depending on how well you are feeling. Is there anyway that you could push the run up a few days - say Wednesday? Although I haven't trained with an injury, so maybe the 10 that robynfs said is better advice


I told myself that this was my last marathon, too. But 48 hours later I was thinking of the next one

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

The thing I am worried about is I havent gotten any 18 milers in yet. I spoke to my A.R.T. doctor and she recommend I do an 18 miler this weekend. I said my goal ws 15 and she said to try and do more. She is worried about me getting a stress fracture on race day since my body isnt used to the impact and I am not completely conditioned to do a full marathon at the moment. I mean I think I can do the marathon despite the fact that I didnt do an 18 miler but I am nervous.

Ugh - thanks for your advice though. I would love to try for a long run during the week but my schedule does not permit and I dont want to run at night. So I am going to try for 15-18 on Saturday with an ice bath immediately after. Then next week I will taper and say a pray to the marathon gods that a) I will finish and b) my leg will be ok!!!!

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

I'm a little worried too! I did an 18 miler a week and a half ago and then my hip was really bothering me.

Its nothing serious, so I'm gonna attempt 20 tomorrow. Not sure what I should do after that though. I guess it depends on how I feel, but what should I really do, as far as how long my runs should be, over the next few weeks??

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

Message edited 10/19/2010 4:23:45 PM.

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

I see her point, but I don't think 2 weeks is enough time to rest your legs from a 18-20 miler. Your legs might just be a bit sluggish on race day.


on the other hand, you have run a marathon already and know the nature of the beast. You know that last 10K, so I think mentally you would be OK not running that long.

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

If you are going to do a run of 18 or so, I'd do it this weekend, not the weekend before. A 2-week taper is perfectly normal and you should be fine. However, doing a really long run a week before is probably pushing it. As a previous poster suggested, maybe if you can do the long run this Wed or Thurs, that would give you a few extra days to recover. Do you ever take walk breaks? Maybe you can walk every mile or two to help with your recovery. If you do that, start the breaks early on before you get tired. I run long runs this way and find my race times are faster - not that I'm trying to get you to change up your routine at this stage.

I think you will do great, even if you have to walk a little - so many people find themselves walking and you still get the same medal at the finish line! Good luck - I ran NYC once, such an awesome experience. I wish I had time to train for it, I've been deferring it for the past 3 years!! Enjoy it.

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

Erica thanks - I think I will recovery quickly and hoping an ice bath helps. We shall see what happens, not even sure if I would make 18 to be honest.

Dreambaby - thx for your advice too. I do take walk breaks during training. Not every mile but maybe every 3-4 and more if it is hot out. I will stop and stretch and/or fill up my water bottle, etc. I like this idea and will see how I do and add some in this weekend.

Girls thanks for all your help, you are all awesome!!!

Jean good luck tomorrow - report back how you do!

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

I did 21 today!! My hip still bothered me, but definitely not as bad as last time. I stopped and stretched every mile and a half. Jenna...will it be easy for me to pull to the side and stretch quickly during the marathon?

I did the ice bath when I got home, and took a warm bath later on. I've been walking around a lot and so far I'm feeling good. I'll probably do 3, 5, and 8 next week and then a few short runs the week of. Next long run...NYC!!!

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

Oh that is good Jean! You are in the home stretch now!!!!!!!!! SO GREAT!

Ok so I do think you will be able to pull over and stretch. Even on 1st ave where it is super crowded, I found there was plenty of space, especially on the right side of the road.

The most crowded was in Brooklyn and the first 6-7 miles but then it starts to thin out. I think you will be fine! I may be in the same boat as you will stopping and stretching. I did 8 last night and stopped 1x to stretch and 1x to adjust my brace.

also I want to meet you on marathon day - I am still scheming to run in blue. Will you have your phone?

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice (UPDATE!)

GIRLS - I DID IT, I RAN 19 MILES THIS PAST WEEKEND! I am so amazed at what the human body is capable of.

Seriously - I havent been running much at all and and my last long runs were 7 weeks ago I did 14.5 and 6 weeks ago I did 12! Then I rested and have only done 3 and 8 miles, plus elliptical, etc. But even after all this rest I was still able to go 19...omg I am still in shock! I took it slow and stopped to stretch and get water but still was doing about a 10/10:20 pace. I did take an ice bath for over 20 minutes when I got home and am not that sore! Crazy! Now I feel so much better about doing the marathon and am so glad I pushed through that run! AHHHH, craziness!

Thanks for your help! 2 weeks until NY!

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice (UPDATE!)

Wow, awesome! Good luck!

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice (UPDATE!)

YAYYY Jenna, awesome!

Re: Marathon taper question...need advice (UPDATE!)

Great job!! I might consider a massage to get you ready for marathon day!