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Wise words.
I went for it today, had a support car as well at checkpoints along the route.
It was going totally swimmingly, making good time, but the difference in myself between 30km and 32km was unbelievable. It didn't help that 30km for at least 1.5km was an open golf course with a head wind.
I was looking to get a 3 hour 30 min marathon, but a nasty road traffic accident just east of Gullane had forced that road closed to pedestrians, let alone cars. I took that as a sign and threw the towel in at 32.5km. Turning back to make up the distance would have thrown me.Although disappointed, it has left me optimistic and wondering what I would have done had that road not been closed. Would I have still stopped? Or would I have pushed through the odd sensation I believe must have been "the wall."? I was moving purely on mental strength, I had just taken my last gel and some caffeine gel cube things, but they didn't have as much affect as previous gels on the journey.
Didn't make the full 42km, but have left the 32.5 feeling optimistic.
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Brum
up to 20 odd miles and you can wing it because your body carries enough energy to get you through it in a pinch.
but go to any marathon and watch the people hitting the wall/collapsing after the 21 mile mark when they've exhausted their glycogen stores because they got their nutrition and hydration wrong and you'll realise it's a pretty steep drop off and it can hit quickly and when you go, you really go. much like when you bonk on a bike ride.
just be careful and listen to your body and if it's a hot day make sure you take on extra fluids. it's probably overkill but maybe let someone know your anticipated route too if you're just going out on your own. it's rare but i don't think anyone who collapses running long distances wake up that morning thinking it will happen to them.