I will be running my first thon this spring. Does anybody have a good list of tips that I can read in preparation for my thon?
I will be running my first thon this spring. Does anybody have a good list of tips that I can read in preparation for my thon?
Don’t call it a “thon”
The best pace is suicide pace and todays a good day to die or something like that.
If you’re looking to run around a 3:11:45, get there early to park at the McDonald’s.
First, you spelled it wrong. It’s not thon, it’s thong. And my advice for your first thong would be comfort above style. Make sure it fits well, you don’t want it riding too high. You’ll end up constantly picking at it and pulling it down. You may find a thong with great color and design, but don’t sacrifice comfort for that, especially when wearing your first few.
Hope this helps.
No.
I don't even know what a Thon is.
0-1 - EASY PACE
1-13 - Easy Pace minus 0:30 per mile
13-18 - Look for porta Potties, evict poop before THE WALL
18-22 - Strip off shirt, don't want any extra weight before THE WALL
23-24 - Strip off shorts, still ditching weight.
25 - One last porta potty stop, use socks to wipe. Now down to just Alphaflys and Underwear.
26. THE WALL
26.2 - Finish line, find mylar blanket to wrap yourself in.
What the f is a thon?
first tip wrote:
Don’t call it a “thon”
+1
Also, 20 miles is halfway.
first tip wrote:
Don’t call it a “thon”
Yep, anyone using “thon” deserves dnf at the 24 mile mark.
some basic things to consider. I think I've run about 25 marathons so far:
run long - make sure that your training includes long runs no less than 13 nor more than 20 miles
hydration/fueling - start including water and gel or some other form of fuel in your longer workouts and get some sense of how much you need to stay hydrated and avoid bonking. You can easily drink too much if you aren't careful and people have died from this
group workouts - if you can find a local group that does either longer runs or interval track workouts consider joining them as it will help push to do these important workouts and provide some structure as they are usually run by people with some experience
pacing - "fly and die" is not a very fun way to complete a marathon. You need to figure out what pace you can hold for the 3 or 4 hours the race will take you. No awards are given out for the fastest first half in a marathon. Running with a pace group can work very well provided you pick an appropriate pace. Runners used to write their target time for every mile in races but with GPS watches now this is less important. I can tell you from experience running too fast early in a marathon and you will be totally amazed at how much time you lose when you run out of gas
Throw away clothes - you normally have to get to a race well before the start and often have to sit in rain or colder weather waiting. Make sure you bring with you clothes you won't worry about losing. Many races will have bags that they bring to the finish for you but I usually don't bother
Squirrel Nut Butter / Vaseline - what happens in many races is your nipples or the area between your thighs gets chapped and begins bleeding. Both of these areas hurt like hell - there are little band-aids you can put over your nipples and the nut butter for the inner part of your thighs
Study the Course - even if you aren't a front runner it is good to know where you are at relative to the finish or other key waypoints
Shoes/socks - if simply finishing is your goal whatever shoes you are training with should be fine. Blisters can be avoided if you use lubricant and proper running socks at least I don't get them anymore
Don't listen to JS.
Everything you need to know
Go out fast to bank time.
Find and wear a Boston Marathon singlet.
Vaporflys.
26.2 sticker on your car immediately after the race.
Collapse at the finish line. Chicks dig the drama.
If pacing off someone, run directly behind them without much space.
Stop at all aid stations and take your time. Don't worry about moving out of the way, people will run around you.
Cover yourself in Crisco to shield your body from the elements.
Serious advice- practice fueling. The marathon is somewhat of an eating game. You can avoid bonking if you know how many calories you need to take in.
Pacing: the best marathons have been run with even or negative splits. Halfway in the marathon is 20 miles. Get there feeling as cozy as you can.
Training: don't skimp on the mileage or long runs. Get out there and log miles. It isn't perfect but generally those who have logged miles perform the best at the distance.
Des Linden: "The entire sport" has changed since she first started running Boston.
Ryan Eiler, 3rd American man at Boston, almost out of nowhere
Am I living in the twilight zone? The Boston Marathon weather was terrible!
Matt Choi was drinking beer halfway through the Boston Marathon
2024 College Track & Field Open Coaching Positions Discussion