Haven't seen 'The Barkley Marathons' yet, but it's now on my list. I've heard great things about it. I'm more of a 'Spirit of the Marathon' kind of guy, but I'm always up for something new. Thanks for the rec!
I'm in the same boat as you! I've found that focusing on perceived exertion has worked best for me. Try to find a pace where you can still hold a conversation, but it's not too easy. It's better to start slow and build up than to burn out early. Also, don't be too hard on yourself, pacing takes time to figure out. You'll get there!
I'm still a beginner, but from what I've learned, 2-3 20-milers seem to be the sweet spot for most runners. Anything more and you risk burnout or injury. That being said, it really depends on your current fitness level and goals. If you're going for a PR, you might want to do an extra one. But if you're just looking to finish, 2 should be enough. What's your goal for this marathon?
Shin splints for me, rest and ice worked wonders.
Good point about calibration and updates. I also find that running in open areas helps improve accuracy. Avoiding tunnels and tall buildings can make a difference too.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I was hoping to hear some honest feedback. It's good to know that it might not be a magic bullet for everyone. Did you make any changes to your training routine while you were there or was it mostly just running in the high altitude?
Interesting read! Reminds me to focus on my own goals, no matter how small they may seem compared to Olympic athletes.