Honolulu Marathon 2024, with no training

Warning: Don't try this at home (or maybe do) I generally do not like running, but I have always been pretty good at it. I am also a habitual under trainer. I have run 3 miles (5k) a bunch but rarely further, especially in the last 15 years. I have never paid for a race. Last year I broke my ankle at the end of September, 2 months later I volunteered at the 1st water station of the Honolulu Marathon. The water station was fun, thanks to Hawaii Lacrosse Club, and the Marathon looked kinda fun. Some of my coworkers were running it and after the water station shut down I went to the finish line to support my coworkers. At the end of December I registered the day it opened, before any of my coworkers, thinking maybe this motivate me to run and speed my ankle recovery. Also registering early got me the cheapest price and an extra free T shirt. I also bought a nice running vest. In January one of my coworkers mentioned he planned to run 100 miles every month this year, I replied I plan to run under 100 miles this year. He replied with "didn't you just sign up for a marathon?" We both seemed to think the other was crazy. Only one of us succeeded in their resolution. By late January I was able to run again without too much ankle pain, and I ran a half mile twice (1 mile ran). I also started to play some ultimate frisbee and Lacrosse but don't count that running. In April I did my first longer run at 3 miles, and another 3 in May (7 miles). July I ran another half mile (7.5). I planned to ease into running over the summer, but didn't run a single mile. In the fall my focus was the annual Lacrosse tournament, so I continued to put up zero miles. After the tournament I needed to recover and put in zero miles. November came and one month to the Marathon. I ran 2 miles and a single mile (10.5). At this point I felt like running would likely be more harm than good in my marathon prep. The good thing about the Honolulu Marathon is that there is no time limit. You are welcome to walk. As usual I am under trained, but still well under my 100 mile year cap. I have done some hiking this year but nothing over 6 miles. Still, I am pretty confident I can cover the 26.2 miles but nothing idea how fast. I have some plan, run slow the first 6-7 miles, walk up the hill, run down the hills, walk to the mile 17 then maybe try running again. The day before the race arrives. Because I haven't trained at all, I don't know what shoes to wear. I think at the distance more cushion will be better, but I have never ran in my Hokas, but the shoes I've done all my runs in for the last 3 years are pretty worn out and not much cushion left. I also don't know what shorts or shirt to wear, and I don't own running socks. I take the tags off my running vest, which had sat unused for a year, and fill it with water, energy chews, gummy bears, gum, socks, body glide and spare earbuds. I charge up my two aging smart watches, hoping that thier batteries can still survive the 26.2 miles (one did not). Sunday morning, race day, I didn't sleep nearly enough. Woke up before 1 am to final prep and get down to the start for the 5am race. By 3:15 I am at the start and the crowd is building. I find a place in the start area, that was back way too far, for my planned run at the beginning. It takes 25 minutes to reach the starting line. The zig zag around the walkers adds extra distance to my first few miles, and requires me to run faster than I want. Since I have water in my vest I skip the mess of the first few water stops, other than kissing my wife and saying hi to my Lacrosse Club at water station one. I am feeling good and make it to mile 7 running. Longer than I have ran in years, and still feeling good but know there is a long race ahead. I transition to speed walk, keeping about a 14min/mile pace, and break open the first pack of energy chews. Make it up the hill and run down. Stopped to use the bathroom and get gator aid from the aid station at the bottom of the first hill. Get back into a slow run and reach the highway. Closing in on 13 miles, my first half marathon I mostly run with some speed walking 2 hours and 38 minutes. If I was better trained a sub 5 might still be possible, but I know I've been going too fast this far. I commit to walking the next 4 miles, and then see if I can still run. I mostly can't and run only to pass slower walkers. By mile 22 I can't even run to pass any more. Mile 24 starts the hill up and I chug along a little slower than before. I reach the down hill and my legs are too stiff even to run down hill. We reach the park and the finish line is in sight, most of the people around me start to run in a final push. I keep walking, until the last 100 meters I run for the finish line camera and almost regret it as I can feel my calves are about to cramp. 6 hour and 10 minutes after I crossed the start line I have completed my first and maybe last marathon (36.7 miles), and without any injuries or even cramps. I get my medal, t shirt, banana and malasada, then find a place to lay down in the shade. I remained there for about an hour drinking, eating and wanting to cool off. It was too hot and humid, cooling off didn't really work, if my legs still worked I could have crossed the street and jumped in the ocean. Headed home for more water a long cool shower and a nap. Woke up feeling even hotter and stiffer, turns out my AC stopped working. Fixed the AC and took in more fluids. All in all I had a good marathon experience. I have no regrets about under training, but it may not be right for everyone. https://strava.app.link/JSMMJakLdPb