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The marathon is a mystical event because
so many factors come into play in determining how well you
will do and how much discomfort you may/will experience. Did
you experience the infamous "wall"? With the marathon is
behind you, it's now time to think about the things you did
correctly along with errors you may have made in your training
and racing. Below is a list of evaluation questions to
consider. If necessary, modify and adjust your program to
address these issues. Good luck with your upcoming
marathons!
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Did you train
smart and
make it to the starting
line?
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Did you
avoid injury throughout your training? |
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Did you
listen to your body and make minor adjustments to your
training schedule thus becoming stronger and not worn
down?
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Did you train
consistently?
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Did you
complete most of the scheduled workouts? |
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Above all,
did you complete all or most of your long runs (18-22/23
milers)?
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Did you eat and
drink properly before, during, and after the marathon (and
long training runs)?
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Did you run the correct pace
during the marathon (and long training runs)?
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Did you make adjustments for
unforeseen problems (e.g., blisters, chafing, stomach
discomfort, muscle cramps, etc.) during the marathon (and
long training runs)?
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Completing the scheduled
long runs and experimenting with a variety of issues
will decrease the chances of incurring blisters,
chafing, misc. cramps during the marathon. The
following sections contain information about these
topics: Experimentation,
The
Long Run, Muscle
Cramps, and Stomach
Issues. |
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| Did you have the best possible mental/psychological
attitude during the marathon (and throughout your
training)?
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Read the section entitled
Psychology
for more information about developing a positive mental
attitude. |
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Other factors
for which you have partial or no control
include
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Weather
conditions (e.g., too hot, too cold, too windy,
precipitation, etc.). |
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Course
difficulty. |
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