I'm running my first marathon in June, so I'll be watching this thread. I am obviously not experienced, but what I am going to try to do is avoid a pace that isn't sustainable. Also, I expect that I probably will hit some kind of wall, perhaps horrible, perhaps not so bad. I just plan to remember that this is just the "hitting the wall" that we all hear about, and I'm going to try to run through it, and hope that the wall isn't too thick, and that I'll probably feel better later. Also, I'm making sure that I have sufficient and solid training. I ran a 20 mile run last week, 18 miles today, 20 miles again next Saturday and then it backs down to 13 miles for the following week. My training program has 5 different 20 mile long runs scheduled before my actual marathon. I know that after doing that much training, and getting comfortable with long freakin' runs, I will feel more confident when I FINALLY tackle the 26.2 in June. So that is my plan. Solid? I hope so. I can't wait to see the advice on here.

One more thing. I do use energy gels. I'm a 120ish pound woman. I've found that if I only consume a half gel at a time, my tummy doesn't get all oogy, if you know what I mean. I also use the smaller size gels. I have a 6'4" friend that I run with, and he uses those double size gels, and consumes the entire thing all at once. That would make me ill. So if I just use half at once, I can still get the evergy boost from the gel, but I don't get the questionable tummy for a mile or so after. Today for my 18 mile run, I consumed one and a half gels, but only a half gel at a time. I have found it works very well for me. I also only drink water, and not too much at once so my tummy doesn't get sloshy.

I just have to deal with putting a sticky folded over gel pack into my hydration belt pouch again. Not too bad. Today I ran the entire time, except when I dig out my gel and consume it, I change to a fast walk. I quickly take the gel, then start running again. I can't do that very well while on the run.

Sondra

Good advice

Durning your long training run practice running the last few miles stronger then the first few miles

During the marathon start out slow and finish strong as you practiced in training.

START SLOW AND PACE YOURSELF

Have confidence and dont tell yourself you are gonna hit the wall. My first marathon was during my first ironman in 1997 and I never hit the wall

Wendy Mader

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlP4cBRtcWU

Carjeep, They do make them in blocks, and that's a good thought. I have tried them, and I have a hard time running and chewing them. I hope that doesn't make me sound lame. I find it's just quicker for me to suck down a half gel then get on with it. I don't mind the sticky gel pouch. It just works for me, but the blocks may be a good idea for someone who can both run AND chew at the same time. I'm afraid I'm going to choke myself, and last time I used them I bit my toungue, so I gave them up.

Sondra

Smile.  I usually 'wall' at about mile 18 but remind myself that I am trained to run 21 miles and then I (literally) just smile confidently.  Once I get to 21, I can finish on adrenaline.  Oh those tricks the mind plays on the body.

mb

Whatever you choose, practice. Dont try anything new race day.

Wendy Mader

http://community.active.com/message/962847