Tom, I have no advice. You know yourself best and have more experience with these things than I ever will. If it were me, I'd figure that the lack of training gave me a good reason to just run off the clock, and enjoy the fact that I could still do a double even without much training. If you start at the back of the pack, maybe all your friends will remain ahead of you and won't see you. Best of luck.

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Fortunate--a volleyballer with a running problem
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Tom, $.02 from a relative newbie ...
If it were me, I would start at a slow, comfortable pace, and then let my body tell me what it can handle (as opposed to starting out walking). Kind of an interesting experiment -- to see how your body responds when you are exhausted and your training has not been where it usually is. Really testing the limits, I would think -- but then at least you will see if the limits are there (that being said, I would also be prepared to accept it if my body refused to respond -- no shame in that either).
I can't speak for others, but personally when I see anyone attempt a marathon, regardless of their time, I feel nothing but respect for them. So I sure wouldn't let that factor into your decision -- more what you personally can live with ... how important to you time is a factor. My guess, based on what little I know about you, is that the joy of running the race(s), and the pride that comes from knowing what you overcame to run them, will help you to put aside any negative feelings that might accompany a sub-usual time. And wouldn't it be a blast if you did manage to PR?! cj

Tom, you certainly will be seeing the marathons from a different perspective. I didn't know you were a 50-stater, but I have been amazed by your RR's. I looked at both races from a personal perspective. I thought about Olathe -- but dismissed Hogeye -- saw what you mean about it being hilly. Maybe I'll attempt that in the future. Good luck on the races Tom. I will be interested in seeing how it goes. cj

Tom, I'd like to think I know you as well as anyone on this forum; and for you to be asking advise is indeed a representation of just how difficult a decision this is for you. Know first and formost that you have my complete and utter admiration for the feat you are about to conquer. Yes Tom, I said conquer. You will finish both these races, we know you have the right stuff. After you are started on the first race you will no longer be thinking of the other people (who you know) who are running the races with you. You will be focused on your race(s).

As a person who spent 30 years in the hospitality industry I know full well what the series of 80+ hourly weeks has done to you. Your body is tired, your mind is tired. You may be feeling somewhat broken down (compared to how you regularly feel) and you sure don't feel like you have energy to burn. My advise to you is to run the Olathe Marathon at a nice easy pace; 4:45 - 5:00 time. I know when you get out there you will be feeling like you could do better....and you probably could for the first marathon. The problem for you is to retain and replenish enough energy to also be respectible at the Hogeye the next day....a more difficult race.

After Olathe get home, get rested, get replenished....more than you normally do between double hitters....you're going to need all the nourishment and fluids your body can handle. Stuff yourself with some of your own cheesecake, eat a jar of peanut butter, some pancakes and a whole lot of fruit and fruit juices. Get some sleep. When you get up to drive into Arkansas eat some more....take some bananas on the trip with you. Finally, have some coffee when you get here. You'll be more stiff than normal for you....walk some, walk briskly before the start of the race....maybe even run some short distances to get your legs back.

Start the Hogeye slowly and play it according to how you feel. Drink a lot along the race, eat when you can....if they hand it to you eat it.....overload on banana if they have it available. Know that Vicki and I would drive up to be with you if we weren't going in the opposite direction to Knoxville this weekend. Know that a lot of B&Ber's will be with you in spirit.
Know that you will have a respectible time (for you) in both races. I know you will and I'll wait to be reading so in your RR's.

Good running Tom,
Jim

Hey Tom - sorry to hear that you haven't had the time to devote to running that you would like to. I would suggest taking it easy at Olathe and just enjoy the ride. See what you can do but don't push it. Go for right around 5:00 hours. On Sunday you will know what your body will allow.

I am sure you will do fine. No matter what you time is on either/both marathons you have my respect.

I look forward to the time when our paths cross again.

As a good friend always says:

Stay strong. Run Long.