Last run before Marathon

Quoted message said:

What is the theory, or physiology behind that
last 2 miler? Granted, if you have done your miles, then another 2 will
seem like a stroll around the block. But, could there be any adverse
effect on glycogen stores? Thoughts?

BTW-I am a 51 year old male 3:40-3:45 marathoner in the hunt for a
3:30-3:35 BQ

The theory is that it takes some of the stress out of those last 24
hours. Nothing more than that. I'm not running hard or long enough to
deplete my glycogen. Running the day before helps to get back in the
groove and get my head back where it should be. After 2 days of not
running I'm getting a little stir crazy.

Leafing through rec.running, I read a message from
[email hidden] of 23 Dec 2004:

Quoted message said:

Have consulted, but never strictly followed, any one of the many
published marathon training programs. Have always adjusted my personal
training to fit life concerns (like most of us I'm sure). That said, I'm
once again in training for a spring thon. This time I've decided to
train with an organized group. The last run before the Sunday race (like
many published programs) calls for rest on Thursday & Friday, with a 2
mile run the day before the race. In the past I've always rested the 2
days prior to the race. What is the theory, or physiology behind that
last 2 miler? Granted, if you have done your miles, then another 2 will
seem like a stroll around the block. But, could there be any adverse
effect on glycogen stores? Thoughts?

Your training is in the bag. Any running now will have no positive impact
on your performance. I agree with mot. The short 2-miler will keep things
loose, physically and mentally.

Phil M.

--
"What counts in battle is what you do once the pain sets in." -John Short,
South African coach.

All I can do is echo the advice you've already received...a 15-20 minute run
with a couple of faster (not sprinting) pick-ups will refocus both mind and
body on the task the following day. It's a reminder to the body not to fall
too deep into "rest" mode, since you'll have taken the prior two days off, and
will mentally take some of the jitters away.

You'll be eating and drinking as the day goes on, so the effects of this very
short workout on glycogen stores should be hardly noticeable.

I'm sure there are deeper, more scientific reasons behind this type of
regimen...Sam?

Mike C

"Wayne Conway" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Have consulted, but never strictly followed, any one of the many published
marathon training programs. Have always adjusted my personal training to
fit life concerns (like most of us I'm sure). That said, I'm once again in
training for a spring thon. This time I've decided to train with an
organized group. The last run before the Sunday race (like many published
programs) calls for rest on Thursday & Friday, with a 2 mile run the day
before the race. In the past I've always rested the 2 days prior to the
race. What is the theory, or physiology behind that last 2 miler? Granted,
if you have done your miles, then another 2 will seem like a stroll around
the block. But, could there be any adverse effect on glycogen stores?
Thoughts?

I'm in the camp that says two days off right before the race will
make you feel more sluggish than doing short, quick runs in the
same period. Running a couple miles (2 in your case) with some
high-turnover, relaxed pickups will do better at keeping you in
a fresh, ready-to-race mood. Glycogen loss isn't an issue with
really short stuff like that. You'll more than top off whatever you
burned as soon as you eat something following the workout.

If you want to schedule a rest day that week, make it Friday.

cheers,
--
David (in Hamilton, ON)
www.allfalldown.org
www.absolutelyaccurate.com

"SwStudio" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I'm in the camp that says two days off right before the race will
make you feel more sluggish than doing short, quick runs in the
same period.

I agree that two days will make you feel a bit sluggish. For the
marathon distance(and beyond) I find this sluggishness a desired
feeling. I know I'm sluggish yet I also know I'm in good condition and
the sluggish feeling helps me hold down my urges from the start. If you
feel too revved up at the starting line, and a proper taper will do
that, you will likely go out of the gate too fast. Going easy those
first few miles is important to allow your body to warm up so you use
your glycogen efficiently.

-Doug

I advocate not changing ones training
too drastically the few days before a 'thon.
I know I'd be climbing the walls if I took
two days off in a row. Lighter than
average runs will keep satisfy the itch
and not tire you out for a 'thon.
Trying some diet suggestions like
carbo loading can backfire too if you havent
practiced them in advance. They can leave
with an unfamilar digestive state or worse.