Readers Respond: What Was Your Worst Marathon or Half Marathon Mistake?

Responses: 9

Updated October 31, 2008

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What was the worst mistake you ever made at a marathon or half marathon walk? Share your walking mistakes. Share Your Mistake

About two weeks before a marathon, I bought my normal brand of sock, but they were a little thinner than usual. This caused my feet to slide around in the shoes because they were a little loose resulting in some tendon problems. I still ran the race but had to sit out the entire two weeks before the race. I crashed hard at about 18 miles and had to limp and walk the rest of the race.
—Guest rattlerdan

The weekend before the walking half-marathon in June I decided at the last minute to get some mileage in by doing a 5k trail run. I had done trail runs before (even in the snow) with no problems, but this was a monster. Rocks and tree roots, and more tree roots just thrown in for fun! At about the 2.5 mile mark, and past the really bad part, I thought, I might just get out of this alive when bam, I hit a root and ended up with a bloody knee and elbow. I did finish, but I was hurting. I did taper off a bit to heal during the week, and the first 6 miles of the half were fine, but the sore on my knee did open up. At mile 8, we were on another easy section and I tripped on the sidewalk, making the elbow again a bloody mess. No way was I not going to finish and the last five miles were uneventful. The moral is, don't do anything too risky that can injure you before the big day. I was not fully recovered from the trail fall, and that lead to my second one. Use your head and be careful!
—Guest Patty

I should have known better since I have completed 5 Marathons. Last summer I was training for the Philadelphia Marathon and discovered that Atlantic City was having a Marathon/Half Marathon the week before Philly so I signed up. I was feeling great that day (weather was warm for November plus the beach was sunny!) so instead of only doing the half, I completed the full marathon. Needless to say, the next week at Philadelphia, I was unable to finish the full - only finished the half. Stupid to do 2 full marathons back to back!
—CammieCleo

I wanted to do a half. All i knew were runners so i didn't know what a good pace was for a walker. I was afraid i was going to be last if i did it so i would go all out and obsess over it. I ended up bothering everyone around me and burning out. I showed up for the race and at the 10 mile mark i felt like i had a broken toe so i had to stop due to pain. I watched all the people i was ahead of and it turned out i was at the front of the pack. I watched everyone walk across the line while i had to stop. I learned that what was important was to finish. I now have major problems with my feet that will require surgery so i can't do it any more. I wish I could have finished. I earned it after 6 months of work.
—Guest Laura B. B.

The worst thing I ever did before a marathon was to drive six hours and arrive at the race one hour prior to kick off. Going into the race I felt tired but did well for the 1st 13 miles. Along with the long drive and hig temp. I posted the worst time I have yet to have. In the future I'll be avoiding any drive to a marathon longer then one hour.
—Guest Kevin McAree

There was a terrential downpour at the beginning of the marathon and my feet were soaked. Dry socks would have been the answer. I had them along but did not stop! Also stop to stretch muscles. It takes just a few minutes.
—Guest Linda Smith

I recently completed my first-ever half marathon walk. It was GREAT! Then, in the finish area where competitors can get hydration and food, I took a bagel. I never eat bagels when exercising. I have no idea why I tried it this time, but when that heavy stuff hit my gut, I was running for the porta-john. Stomach cramps and instant water through my gut (you get the idea). Bottom line: don't try anything new AFTER the vent, either.
—penguincity

I was walking a marathon in Dublin Ireland in 2001, I ordered a new pair of shoes online six weeks before we were to leave, they didn't come until two weeks before the marathon. didn't have enough time to train in them, at mile thirteen I started feeling a blister coming on, by the time I finished the marathon, my whole foot was one big blister.
—Guest Janice P. Stevens

You need to realize the fine line between starting slowly and when to pick up speed. Also to go all out the last few miles, If you are exhausted at the finish line that is all right.
—Guest richard karberg