Runner's Forum: Marathon Training BAD Days

 This is a subject that's been broached before- and will be again and again no doubt; i'm no expert and the longest distances i've put in (so far anyhow) have been around the half-marathon distance, so you have both my admiration and sympathy.

There are days when for no apparent reason; like you, I've been in the right physical state and frame of mind, and I just can't hack it- I'm dead on my feet after a couple of miles, everthing feels out of sync., i'm knackered and the road ahead, however scenic, seems to loom away out of my reach.  I feel like I'm 85.  

I can go out on another day, having had a skinful of vodka the night before (I'm NOT recommending anyone add this to their training schedule of course!) I've not gone to bed till 3 in the morning, rolled out of bed at 1pm had a couple of paracetamol some coffee & a bowl of cereal - and I run 10 or 12 miles over hill and dale no problem. It just happens this way.

As per another thread on this subject, it may be that you are simply 'psyching yourself out' as you have this target which you have set yourself; just stick with your training, you seem to have it well thought out (avoid the vodka) and I'm sure you'll be alright when the occasion comes round. Everbody has good days and bad days, and however careful you are with your nutrition and training schedule-'the pits'  seems to happen at no particular point.

I'm empathize with you, about the bad days.  Somedays I feel like my legs are stiff logs and every step is painfully slow.  While others are fantastic, don't know why, but over all, the good ones, and good health, make it worth while.

Keep on running! 

Hi Rainmaker!

 It's good to see someone else following the same program for their first marathon! I've been getting a lot of grief from veteran runners about how unsafe it is to train like this as a novice. I am running my first marathon in Las Vegas on December 2nd and could not be more excited!

With that said, I too have noticed some runs are easy.......and some are just plain hard!  I've run 17 milers that were easier than 8 milers at times.  That is awesome that you got your 24 miler done! You will do great in your marathon!

I am heading out for my first 21 miler today. I am carb loaded and well rested. I am hoping for the best!

Good luck with the rest of your training and with the marathon!!!

Hi again Rainmaker!

I can't wait to hear how the 29th goes! Ireland, huh? It is amazing that on a board like this......you can meet people from all over the world with the same interest! I am from the Chicagoland area. The weather has been throwing off my runs a little, but I'm handling it ok and making do.

6.5 more weeks to go for me. Only 2 more long runs....a 24 and then I think we are going for the dreaded 26....(we'll see how the 24 goes.)

Can't believe in just a few short weeks I'll start my taper! Can't wait!

What pace are you training at? I'm training to finish at around the 3:50-4:10 mark. I will be EXTREMELY happy to finish in under 4. We'll see.

I cannot wait to see how the race goes for you and how much of a part you think the ambitious training played!

Take care and write when you can!

Carrie 

HI Kev....I'm new to the boards but wanted to say congrats on completing your first Marathon in such great time!

A friend and I are training for a Marathon in May. Here's hoping we do as well!

DebDay...

Hi Kev!

Wow! Your time was great! I can't imagine how you must feel! I am so glad it all turned out well for you. How was the weather for the race? Good, I hope.

Well, I ran my 24 last Sunday. It was really good for the most part. The last 4 miles I was hurting due to a shoe problem, but I made it ok. We were pretty much on pace for a 4 hour marathon.....may be able to finish a little faster with the adrenaline of the race.....hoping anyway!

I am still struggling with the energy gels. It seems they all upset my stomach. I hate how I feel after eating them. I would love to find one that doesn't make me feel so bad....:( Still experimenting.

We are going to run our 26 in 10 days........I know it will be fine. Then it's taper time! So excited. Only 4.5 more weeks til Vegas!!!

So glad it all turned out so well for you! When's the next one?

Carrie 

Hi again Kevin!

I ran my 26 last Sunday..(my last long run.) I've now started my taper.

The 26 was hard, but I did it without walking....(I've figured out once I start walking, it is extremely hard to start running again!) I finished in about 4 hours and 15 min. which was a little slower than I was hoping, but then again, I was not monitoring my pace at all.

The Marathon is in 2.5 weeks and I can't wait! I feel as ready as I could possibly be!

Thanks for the advice on the gels. I can't seem to find the hi5 brand, but have since found a couple that I can tolerate.

Have you been running since the marathon? Any more races in your future?

Take Care!

Carrie 

the_rainmaker:
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Hi there,

I'm training for the Dublin Marathon on October 29th, and I have been following the Cool Running beginners training plan, with great results. I have surprised myself with the progress I have been making.

Anyway on Sunday I was due to run 24 miles, I had run 22 miles two weeks earlier and, 20 miles 2 weeks before that, 18 miles two weeks before that, and so on. The runs weren't easy but I was completing them in a good time and in one piece.

The wheels started to come off this weekend though, as I only managed to run 18.88 miles of 24, and the fact I got that far, to be be quiet honest that was down to pure pig-headedness and bloody-minedness on my part. Usually I find the last five miles of a long run hard going, but I get through them because, well they are the last five miles. However this time I found it tough going from the outset, and I was struggling all the way, no energy in my legs at all. I followed my usual pre-long run schedule, easy 3 miler on Saturday, big pasta meal Saturday night. Wake early on Sunday for bowl of porridege before going back to sleep for a couple of hours. Energy drinks during the run.

I'm wondering whether most people experience bad days like this, I'm not sure whether I have been running too hard during my mid-week training runs, or I set off too fast on Sunday, or maybe have a bit of an infection. I didn't get too much sleep (5 hours 6am to 11am Saturday morning) Friday night because of work commitments.

I was really confident before Sunday that I could achieve a really good time for my first marathon, and now I'm worried that I might have crocked myself. Does everyone experience days like this?

Thanks!

 I've had many bad days, mostly from running long runs in 90 degree heat with 100% humidity in central Florida. It's finally cooled off to the mid 70's. But I would never run a 24 miler.  I feel 20 is enough when training.

15centz