42,195 metres

[Holly62]

I'm training on 10k four times a week, for a chance at doing a marathon sometime between the 1st and the 15th of May, which apparently is the time to do it.
I did a half marathon six weeks or so ago, at my steady 22/23 spm, only my heart rate has reduced from 128 to 115 ish, which means I'm getting fitter but not faster.
Anyone who's done a marathon will have tips and advice for me, or why not join me, for this dangle your toes into the world of insanity part deux.

Global century and marathon challenge

https://log.concept2.com/challenges

[Holly62]

I love doing things people rate as impossible for me.

Or involve a sharp intake of breath through clenched teeth

[Dangerscouse]

I've done one or two of them . Do you just want to finish, or do you have a specific time in mind?

What you do need to know is that you're essentially training for the last 10k. Everything can, and probably will change from then on. Admittedly, if you're prepared to go slower than you're capable of you might not experience it, but be prepared. It can be a very unsettling experience when you're not.

There's a good thread dedicated to the FM and further that's worth looking at. If I manage to get over this lingering long covid I'll probably give it a go.

[Holly62]

Well, with the pace that I have in mind, I expect to finish in about four hours, I found the half marathon tough but my game plan of maintaining 22/23 spm and my heart rate 120 to 130 pm got me through in under two hours.
I expect my increased fitness of the same stroke rate but a reduced heart rate 112 to 120, will get me further...
I expect to have a sore arse and I expect to have to dig really deep in the final 10k as you've so rightly stated..
I've picked a decent track list with an inspirational bpm .

So yes I'd just like to finish

I'm going to use a kriega hydration pack, just a rubber straw, pack sits on your back, 1500ml capacity. Salt glucose water mix.
I don't plan to eat, although I'll probably burn two and a half thousand calories.

[Holly62]

Oh and I think you've done more than one or two
Mr Dangerscouse
Well this will be my first, all to learn....
Wax on wax off.

[jackarabit]

Roughly 5300 trips out and back on the slide with a 3+ lb bladder of water on your back that you got to suck thru a tube? Sounds fun. The only sport I can think of that requires humping a goatskin is MTB single track racing. Couple water bottles alongside or on the floor will serve anyone of reasonable dexterity and by about 30-36k most want to make a short rest/pit stop anyway. Believe me you don’t need a Camel(on your)back to make this a miserable chore!. Might consider a little fruit sugar along the way. Banana, orange wedges?

[Dangerscouse]

I'm going to use a kriega hydration pack, just a rubber straw, pack sits on your back, 1500ml capacity. Salt glucose water mix.
I don't plan to eat, although I'll probably burn two and a half thousand calories.

I always row one handed with a quick drink. I tried to used a hydration pack once, and it just didn't work.

I'd highly recommend a 50/50 fruit juice and water mix (I love Apple & Mango, but OJ etc is just as good) with a spoonful of sugar and a big pinch of salt. Fructose is a better source of fuel as it's slightly slower burning, and the bit of sugar helps make it more readily available.

In addition to fruit juice I always have plain water and a protein shake too, and I alternate between them. Energy gels are also a great source of fuel, but make sure you road (rowed ) test them as some may give you stomach ache. I can't have SIS gels, and they are the easiest to buy, and High5 gels worked well for me. They are easy to use and an effective food substitute.

If you're not eating at all make sure you eat enough before you start, but bananas, marshmallows, jelly beans and jelly babies too are all great if you do want to have something

[Holly62]

Roughly 5300 trips out and back on the slide with a 3+ lb bladder of water on your back that you got to suck thru a tube? Sounds fun.

Good point Mr rabbit, said Alice, how about screwing the water bladder to the wall, and have the tube dangling down, in a Heath Robinson over engineered but works perfectly way.

[GlennUk]

I'm going to use a kriega hydration pack, just a rubber straw, pack sits on your back, 1500ml capacity. Salt glucose water mix.
I don't plan to eat, although I'll probably burn two and a half thousand calories.

I always row one handed with a quick drink. I tried to used a hydration pack once, and it just didn't work.

Ditto that, i have a low table which is just the right height so i can pick up my drinks/snacks easily.

My energy drink, is orange squash, spoonful of sugar, 5g salt o about 750-800mls water.

For a marathon, i probably wouldn't eat, would probably not drink much either personally, unless it was too warm, although i would prep plenty just in case.

[Citroen]

Roughly 5300 trips out and back on the slide with a 3+ lb bladder of water on your back that you got to suck thru a tube? Sounds fun.

Good point Mr rabbit, said Alice, how about screwing the water bladder to the wall, and have the tube dangling down, in a Heath Robinson over engineered but works perfectly way.

Most folks sling the bladder over the back of a chair and make sure they can reach the tube from the seat on the rower.

[jackarabit]

Roughly 5300 trips out and back on the slide with a 3+ lb bladder of water on your back that you got to suck thru a tube? Sounds fun.

Good point Mr rabbit, said Alice, how about screwing the water bladder to the wall, and have the tube dangling down, in a Heath Robinson over engineered but works perfectly way.

Dang it, Holly. For a second there, I had an inspiration that a Heath Robinson might be some sort of repurposed sling like a sports bra for instance. See now it’s just a Rube Goldberg gravito-mechano mouse maze. Whatever you do, don’t drive the screw thru the udder—er ah—bladder.

[MudSweatAndYears]

Roughly 5300 trips out and back on the slide with a 3+ lb bladder of water on your back that you got to suck thru a tube? Sounds fun.

Good point Mr rabbit, said Alice, how about screwing the water bladder to the wall, and have the tube dangling down, in a Heath Robinson over engineered but works perfectly way.

Most folks sling the bladder over the back of a chair and make sure they can reach the tube from the seat on the rower.

A while ago I did try a bladder hung from the ceiling. Problem is that the drinking tube is a bit too short (slightly above a meter in length) so that I start yanking the bladder with my mouth unless I significantly shorten my stroke. I think a few bottles at easy reach next to the rower is the way to go.

[KeithT]

Stu already gave you the good advice with some hydration and snacks. I did a FM the last two years and this year will be doing a 50K. The FMs I was shooting for a specific time/pace so they were insanely hard but the 50K this year I plan to just finish - not go terribly slow but also not worry too much about time.

I found taking a drink every 5K (gatorade/juice/water) and eating a chunk on banana every 10K was good to keep me with some fuel. Your body will hurt and you probably will get some blisters and such but when you are finished you will be elated.

[Rick]

I’m also planning on my first FM in May. Great way to start the new rowing season! Right now I’m working to top 2M meters this season, so when I’ve completed that, the May Challenge is a great next challenge. Hopefully we can all return here and celebrate our success in May!

[mitchel674]

Don't underestimate and get behind in your hydration of electrolytes. Try to remain diligent and replace both every 5k. I tend to sweat heavily on the rower and had some pretty bad cramping in my hands and feet over the last 8k during my first FM.