My preparation for that marathon 20 years ago when I was 18 was terrible, really bad. In fact now I have done 3 in the past 3 years, it makes me laugh :)
A week before I ran 13 miles. That was the furthest I had run. So 4 days before the event I panicked a little I ran 16 miles.

4 days before my longest run at 16 miles and no taper :) :)

On the morning of the day, 26.1 miles seemed like a very long way. A friend asked why I was so thoughtful, I explained. That caused a few rather sensible questions - what time did I want to do, what pace was I going to go at, do I have a watch?
I hadn't thought of pace, but 9 minutes a mile seemed about right - slower than my normal pace, but a pace I felt I could keep for the whole distance. I didn't have a watch :) He lent me one - something I was and still am very grateful for!

Running the distance was comfortable, even a little frustrating at having to hold myself back. Many of those starting with me ran off quickly at the start and I had to hold myself back so as not to suffer later.

9 minute mile, 9 minute mile, 9 minute mile again and again and again. Runners joined at stages through the race - 20 miles, 15 miles etc - one runner tagged onto my shoulder at 20 miles and stayed there until I sprinted at the end.

After 16 miles, I thought 'Wow, this is the furthest I have ever run', then thought I still have 10 to go!
I kept on and on going, and after 20 miles starting overtaking some of those who had started much faster than me and were suffering. It was harder towards the end, and the hills in the last 2 miles were really hard. I suspect I was in 'the zone' until the last 2 miles and those hills.
On the long straight in I suddenly felt OK again, I tried to sprint - too early of course :), and had to hold myself back.
Stopping was great - catching my breath for 10 seconds, then a rush of endorphins!

A minute after the end, I was asked a few questions on video by a teacher and he said I look fit and could I have continued, and on reflection, I could have run another 5 miles or so.

Well, I think this partly explains why I feel I was fitter at the age of 18, though I am getting there now. Vienna was the first time I ran a full marathon since then and I am faster now, and continue to lose weight.

This last week has been good as well - there will be 4 runs in total, and the distance is increasing. My Sunday run will probably be 15km - all looking good, and the pace seems to be there as well!

I will try and keep the mileage higher in preparation. If the recovery continues, then I need to start with some hard intervals and tempo runs.

The next question is what time am I aiming for in the Budapest marathon... Let me wait a week or two and see.

 

Oh, my first marathon experience didn't finish there - the next morning I woke up after a really really good sleep. I was lying on my back, and tried to sit up. I couldn;t - I had no stomach muscles left. I had to roll over and out of bed. :)