So I'm scheduled to run my first marathon this weekend (40/M) and TBH my goal is just to cover the distance and try to enjoy it. As a lifelong running fan and dabbler I've done more 10 milers than I can count, but I just did my first half marathon back on Thanksgiving and it went really well so I set the goal of trying to train for a full.
The last three months I've only ended up averaging about 30 miles + 3 days in the pool per week. This is partly because I'm injury paranoid (I was a high-mileage-overtrained-oft-injured teen) and I've taken a day or two or three for ice/rest/recovery after particularly challenging efforts or when I feel muscle issues coming on. Nevertheless my long runs have progressed-- 10,12,14,12,16,18,13,20 and I've survived them all (actually felt best on the 20 when I was finally able to slow myself down to almost 9 min. miles).
I had a recent scare when I'd already begun my "taper" when I woke up with a few throbs of hip pain and it happened again a couple times over the next 12 hours. I was able to get an MRI to determine it wasn't a bone issue and I haven't had the problem since. For a few days though I was reluctantly coming to terms with the idea of having to stop running if it turned out to be a stress injury.
Anyway, I'm trying to adjust my mentality back to plan A (although any time goals I may have previously considered are out the window). Just hoping to share the experience of covering 26.2 like so many other hobby joggers. If I can safely get to the finish I have unlimited time to recover as I have no other short term goals. Any advice?