So, I decided to run the San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon last weekend with almost no prep. I say almost because I still run about 10 miles a week. Usually 20-30 mins, 3-4 times a week. I lift weights and stay active, but definitely didn't train in any way shape or form. Here's what happened:
I felt great through the half. 8:00 first mile and kind of cruised through half in ~1:38. My feet and legs were aching pretty bad, but I wasn't breathing heavily. It was aerobically very easy. I kept that up for a while, was looking forward to mile 16 and counting down the final 10 miles, thought I'd finish in 3:20 or so. Then I guess I hit what they call the wall at mile 17. I still wasn't aerobically tired, but my legs literally stopped functioning. Cramps started in the calves, then the hammies, and eventually the quads. The quads ended up being the death of me. So I walk/jogged the last ~9 miles in excruciating pain and the inability to use my legs. Finish time was about 4:03. I didn't sign up for the race so I'm not in results.
Background for me: former average college mid-distance runner, 1:54 800, 4:20 mile, 26:26 XC 8k, 1:18 half-marathon. Haven't trained since fall 2013. Also ran flotrack beer mile earlier the same week, 8:45.