Next up on our Trials Time Q&A is rabbitPRO and 'worlds fastest DJ', Curly Guillen. Curly has run 12 marathons, including his incredible PR of 2:17:35 in 2017. Curly is also a father of two, who works two jobs, and who does most of his training alone on the roads of Santa Barbara. We are so very proud of you Curly and can’t wait to see you take to the streets of Atlanta this week!
1.) What are you using to fuel up?
I’ll be using Maurten drink mix and gels before/during the race. I have been using the drink mix since 2018 and the gels since last year. Easy on the stomach, and I finish every run with it still feeling well hydrated.
2.) Favorite part of marathon training?
I love seeing the progress made from week 1 to the final few weeks of training. The intervals have gotten faster and longer with less recovery.
3.) Least favorite part of marathon training?
Tapering has always been weird for me. The moment I start bringing the mileage down I feel all these aches and pains that I didn’t feel before. I get worried about making it to the start line in one piece.
4.) What is your goal going into the race?
I’m excited to be there and mix it up. It is an honor to be among the best American marathoners over the last 4 years. The goal is to finish as near the front as possible and hopefully PR in the process.
5.) What number marathon is this for you?
Lucky number 13
6.) What has been the hardest part of your build up?
I got stuck running 80 miles a week in singles for most of my training weeks. It was hard to find the extra time to fit in doubles. I managed one week of 100 miraculously. I wish I was able to get in more high mileage weeks.
7.) Advice for someone giving marathoning a first try?
Getting to the start line healthy is half the battle is what I always say. The first marathon is about learning the distance, gaining the confidence and experience to know you can push beyond what you thought was possible. Once that is out of the way and you set your initial benchmark, you can focus on adjusting things to do better in the next marathon. So get out there and have fun. I guarantee you will get hooked.
