how do you finish a marathon?

I finish my last long run on Sunday. It was 20 miles.  my average time was 9:44 a mile. 
So here is my question, How did you finish the last six miles.  At mile 19 I was questioning why have I wasted my last 15 weeks in sub-zero weather for this. 

I know that I am getting nervous about my first marathon May 2nd in Cinni. Ohio, but just want to here from some other people that have been in the same spot that I am now.

thanks

shane

raw determination.  you are physically good to go with a 20 mile run in the books.  it's all mental at this point.  is it going to hurt?  probably.  but for me at least, i just got into blue collar mode and just ground it out mile after mile.  you'll do great, you're ready.

Aside from Bill's solid input, you have to make sure your nutrition is in "Check"... About that point in a marathon, you WILL hit the "Wall".... You need to start hydrating and taking in nutrition consistantly throughout the race, but I am sure by now you have that dialed in. Just focus on your pace, have fun, push through the pain, and it will be a moment you will treasure for the rest of your life. The 1st is way sweet!!!

Shane,

I had the same doubts when I was training last year. My longest run ended up being 23 miles. Prior to that I had done an 18 mile long run and wondered the same thing. On the day I did the 23 miles I was only suppose to do 20 or 21, but I had not planned my route as well as I thought and I was going to have to go over any way. When I got to to 21 I still had 2 more to get back to my car. That was when I realized I could do it! Got a real rush of adrenaline. If I would have had the time that day I would have gone ahead and ran the 26 miles.

6 more miles seems like a lot but if you have got your base built up and it sounds like you have, then you will get thought it. I broke it up into smaller segments and at about mile 23 I told my self only a 5k left.

pan head

Hey dude!!  The training is almost done.  You are on the good end of this thing.  You will hurt but you will NOT quit!!  You might have to walk a little bit, but don't worry about it.  If this stuff was easy everyone would be doing it.

Put on your big boy drawers and KNOW that you have done what is required to be successful at this thing.

Darrell

You know I was just about to commit for a full marathon for the fall, but your post really made me pause.  It is such a daunting task when you really think about it.  Crazy in fact!  Having run my first half a couple weeks ago, and a 15k yesterday, 26 miles seems SO far away, like Mt. Everest.  

Its impressive you ran 20 with a pace of 9:44.  It was intimidating to me on the half to run those last three when my longest was 10 and change, so I can imagine in this case its so much more.  It only should encourage you to go for it and get to the top of this Mt. Everest!  Man you came this far, you know its in reach!  

The main thing is to keep going.  I was pretty emotional when I hit mile 21 when I realized I'd never run that far before, but I also knew I'd made it that far, and could do 5 in my sleep.  Like I said, you just do it and are soooo happy when you finish!  What a cool feeling!

Linn 

thanks for your support.  I ran my five miles today at the fastest time I have ever ran and it felt great.  So I will finish the marathon and I signed up to the Chicago on 10.10.10 already.

I second all that is said and reiterate what my brother Dan mentioned. Your nutrition is really all you have to worry about that day. Don't try to experiment with new things or make substitutions to what you have trained with. Good nutrition will carry you far, so you would do well to stick to your plan and get in your calories and keep your potassium / salt up. Otherwise, your base sounds solid and good luck.

FYI, the last three were hard for me and I hit the wall at 23. So plan for it happening so it isn't a surprise and just make the committment that when you hit it, you know you will mentally push through it. Once you make that choice, when it comes, you don't have to decide if you can go on or not, you already made the decision, so just get through it and the last mile will be awesome, the finish will be even better. Good luck and enjoy your training.

Jeff

One foot at a time.

Seriously, lots of people train for a marathon and don't run more than 20-22 miles in training. Race day is completely different than training and it pulls you through.