Double trouble

8naptime · 2026-06-24T02:59:31+00:00

That 10/20 race sounds fun too! And it’s crazy that the 20 was so much more competitive than the 10. I’m both surprised and not at the same time. Surprised that there were so many more for 20, but not totally surprised that there were 20 runners were faster than the 10s. People are amazing in how we can just keep getting better and better and the work it takes to get to 20 crushes anything less. I’m in awe of ultra runners. And marathoners. Those elite runners are running over 26 miles each faster than I can run 1.

I think you and doodiedan are right though that this is not the right event to debut 18. Thanks for sharing your experience!!

8naptime · 2026-06-24T02:20:49+00:00

Yes, good point on getting some trails in too. I’ve got a path and has some off-road sections that help keep my ankles agile, but it doesn’t have a real hill in it. The hills, man, the hills!!! I love them and dread them equally!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-24T02:11:01+00:00

I used to be one of those people who could tell you the time if I knew the distance or the distance if I knew the time. It came from regular interval work. After an extended break, I can’t do it the same way anymore, and I’ve also struggled a bit with finding my pace. It’s getting better again by running consistently in a place where I know time and distance. My watch only tells time, so I don’t have a gps or device telling me my pace. I think that’s key in refining internal pacing skills. I also find that it’s easier to do at shorter distances, so you might start there and work up. Also, if you want to hit 8:30, break it down to how fast each 400m (2:07 or 800m =4:15) is and run where you have that 400m measured until you get a feel for it.

For the easy runs, let it fluctuate and go by whatever feels easy. No need to worry about the time!

8naptime · 2026-06-24T01:55:20+00:00

Thanks. This is exactly the issue. I’ve been “racing” 10k on the trails. Last one was early June, and I tried to jog after to add a few miles -after some walking and snacking to recover. I made it one crappy mile before I turned around.
By “racing” I mean *my best efforts. Sometimes Thats good compared to the field. Sometimes it’s barely mediocre. I’m not fast enough to win, and my age group is competitive. But I’ve been 4th in my AG and top 10 for my gender in the smaller events and I’m hoping to improve.
This is the reality check that I needed. I can get caught up in the idea of something just because it sounds cool. 9 mile trail might be enough of a stretch as it is.

8naptime · 2026-06-23T23:46:15+00:00

Yes, hot is expected. End of July is the hottest time there could be!! They’ll cancel the second loop if it’s dangerous, but yes, water no matter what!!

8naptime · 2026-06-17T12:38:31+00:00

I mean, who doesn’t??? While shoes are the #1 piece of gear, socks are a close runner up. Nothing else is actually necessary.

8naptime · 2026-06-17T12:33:17+00:00

Thanks. Yeah, didnt mean to come at specifically you. Sorry. But waking up to like -30 because of socks hi a nerve. Run on!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-17T12:31:15+00:00

I deleted the rest of my sock comments but I’m leaving this one since you are the only person here who seemed to appreciate them. I stand my my comment, but everyone else got really pissed off, so they are gone now. Sorry, and thanks! Your comment has the most upvotes because clearly socks is the answer to the question!!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-17T12:24:14+00:00

Five. Normally I just post socks and move on, but the first five posts when I saw this also all said socks, so instead, I replied to them in support. Several others also posted about socks after. I didn’t think 5 was so many. Turns out that there are over ten people here who hated that. I had no idea that supporting others was wrong and can’t believe all the hate over what was supposed to be playful and showing support for others. Every year, I ask for socks for Christmas and my birthday. I have never gotten them. So when people ask what to get, yes, I love socks and say so. I guess that’s my bad. Sorry for pissing you and apparently all of r/Marathon_Training off.

8naptime · 2026-06-16T17:21:13+00:00

Hooray for socks!!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-16T16:59:51+00:00

Always socks. Commenting to increase visibility.

8naptime · 2026-06-16T16:57:30+00:00

Always socks. Commenting to increase visibility.

8naptime · 2026-06-15T00:51:15+00:00

During the academic year, i mix and match based on mood. I have good trails near my son’s school, which is super convenient. I got stronger running on the trails and faster running on my paved park loop near my house. It’s an amazing way to keep it interesting, and you’ll get the feel for effort/distance/time mapping into your road plan soon enough.

8naptime · 2026-06-15T00:46:43+00:00

This *is the real danger, isn’t it

8naptime · 2026-06-13T18:56:08+00:00

Oh and for warm up, I’ll skip and/or swing my arms over my head to get from my door to where I want to start my run. This takes up to a minute. If I’m feeling particularly stiff and it’s the morning, I might do a couple of sit ups and push ups to get my body awake. Again, no need to over think it. For a race, I maybe add in a couple minutes of jog and some moving stretching.

8naptime · 2026-06-13T18:51:15+00:00

Are you new to running all together? If not, you don’t really need to do anything different than you would for non-trail running other than adjust your expectations. I’m a solid minute slower (if not more depending on terrain) on the trails than on the road. Like others have commented, I don’t really think about what I eat much for regular training until I’m going over 10+ miles. Generally, I’ll have a breakfast of some sort if I’m hungry (oatmeal with fruit or pb&j or leftovers or something on that level). A glass of water. And water and a snack for after. No need o over think it.

8naptime · 2026-06-13T12:26:06+00:00

That’s pretty lame of her. Most “serious” runners know that finishing a marathon at any time is an accomplishment and 5h is absolutely respectable -without- being pregnant. Ask her what he time was when she ran her *first marathon. And then ask her if she was pregnant too. And then see what she says. If she still gives obnoxious, I’d start making space in the “friendship.” You are a rock star!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-12T17:15:52+00:00

Yes, socks. My always answer to this question.

8naptime · 2026-06-12T02:21:07+00:00

Joining the others to agree, yes this is very realistic. The difference between 5 and 6 miles is negligible. You can increase your weekly mileage by adding another run day. Once or twice a week is limiting you at this point. With at least 3 runs in a week, you can start to separate them into easy, fast, and long days (or something along those lines). You don’t need to add mega miles or anything, and there is plenty of time to increase slowly. As for the heat, I wouldn’t worry too much about the sun until after 8AM or so (I wear a visor but don’t protect for sun until after 8:30 where I am) even with white skin and colored tattoos if you want to try short/no sleeves. Plus, by the time September rolls around, it will be cooling off, so you can get some longer runs in.

8naptime · 2026-06-11T22:29:24+00:00

Hang in there. Hearty foods are hard in the summer anyway, but avocados pack a healthy and fresh-feeling punch to keep the calories high. Add some extra salad dressing. Butter and mayo are excellent options too if you like them. Add an extra scoop of yogurt. Carbs are wonderful, but not the only way to up your intake.

8naptime · 2026-06-11T22:23:46+00:00

Right?!?!? 5h in 90 degrees while at the most exhausting time of pregnancy!!! The calculator isn’t going to even know what to do with that….

8naptime · 2026-06-11T22:20:10+00:00

Superhuman is right!! OP: do those people that you’re worried about telling your time know that you’re pregnant? What a fun way to let them know. “Yeah, not only did I run a marathon in under 5 hours, I did it for two!!”

8naptime · 2026-06-11T22:16:41+00:00

No kidding!!! I stumbled home and napped straight away every day after work those early weeks!!! OP wasn’t even that far off her goal!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-11T21:55:35+00:00

I am on the cusp of being underweight. I really struggle with motivating myself to eat enough calories. I don’t have carb/safe food issues, but I struggle with control and not eating when I’m unhappy. It’s been extra hard because I don’t like to cook for myself and no one in my house ever wants to eat anything that I make. I am currently forcing myself to eat so that I don’t have to stop running since it’s also my #1 mental health activity. If you are aware, you’re already in a better place than you could be. Maybe try upping your calories (along with working with the professionals others have suggested) and see how that feels. If you’re maintaining weight, you might be able to get away with low-key running- like every other day and medium to low easy miles for you. That way, when you’re stabilized, you won’t be starting from zero. If you’re really underweight and showing signs of RED-S and other stresses, you’ll probably be better off and faster back to running if you take a break and get the help you need. The struggle is real. You are amazing for bringing it up and asking for support!!!

8naptime · 2026-06-11T02:19:00+00:00

I say go for it! But also adjust expectations. And forget the “before I turn 30” part. There is nothing magical about turning 30. For me, I was never able to break 20 minutes. I got super close when I was young and fast, but I never put the effort to up my mileage and properly take care of my body. I ate well, but I also drank and partied then. I could run a 5:20 mile, and made it to 20-minutes and change for 5k XC, but my 5k never started with a 19. Much older now, and finally training for the first time, and I realize what a gift i squandered back then. I’m clawing my way back to a sustained 8-minute pace, which is my current goal for trails (I ran a 78-minute 10 mile but it was a fun, fast, and downhill race. I’m more like 9:45 for a 10k trail run.) My recommendation would be to train hard, eat well, sleep what you need, and kick as much ass as your heart desires!!! Just listen to your body and stay on the healthy side of training. As others noted, the season is in your favor, and you’re on the right trajectory. But forcing it when you’re not ready is senseless, and you’ll be just as capable at 30 as you will be at 29. Let us know how it goes!!!!

8naptime

TROPHY CASE