This is a photo of me after my 14.2 mile “run” today.
I have no idea what is going on. I have been a pretty avid fan of running for two years now, have completed 11 half-marathons since October 2010 and am training for my first full marathon this October. But lately I seem to have hit a wall.
I Just Am Not Enjoying Running.
That is difficult for me to type and say because running has been the place for me to leave all my worries behind and just be free in the elements. Just me, my music (if I choose to listen) and the sights along the way. Lately I feel dread when I see the quarter mile long hill at the beginning of my runs and tackling the mile long hill as the end of my run just makes me feel defeated.
This is far from doubting my ability. I have trained in the past and had pretty good showings during races. I know I can do this. But somehow, I am feeling runner’s fatigue. I start running and am just not interested in continuing to run so I walk.
I wish I could pinpoint why this is happening so I can get over this hump. I certainly don’t want to be the person crossing the finish line of the marathon in 8 hours. The thought makes me shiver. However, if I continue training the way I have been I’m afraid that I indeed will make the marathon a day long endeavor that I doubt I’d ever complete again.
It has gotten so challenging for me when I’m out there that I have seriously considered deferring on the Marine Corps marathon until next year and running the Disney Marathon in January as my first full.
I suppose much of this may have to do with the fact that I am concerned about my training. I was utilizing a plan given to me by Team in Training but I felt like it wasn’t challenging enough and it was a week behind my actual race date. I’ve recently looked at other training plans and feel that I am behind in my mileage and ability at this point.
I have about 8 weeks left to get myself together for this marathon. I need ADVICE and help to do it! Do you have any suggestions for me? Should I defer? What Should I Do?????
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Renee — Know that you are not alone. I have a number of running friends who are struggling with the same challenge right now. In fact, my best running friend has decided not to run Chicago next month for the very same reason. She has found that she is not mentally in it and not enjoying it. There is nothing wrong with listening to your body and/or taking a break. Last week I wrote about how to overcome a mental rut, inspired by all the people I knew who are going through just what you are. Hope it helps a little
http://www.runladylike.com/?p=549
And if you choose to continue, know that you can do it! I know you like to run solo, but if you need someone to help you find your mojo, just holler
Jes, your post is right on the money. Maybe I do need a group but my running is so sporadic I often get in groups and end up running alone anyway. I think new scenery might be in order.
I know the feeling and I think it is the psychology behind what it takes to run. It exerts us more than physically, many times it’s the emotional tailspin that leaves us burnt out. Personally I would take a few days off, cross train, cycle, etc. Miss it a little. It has worked, but don’t abandon all you have worked toward. Also change you location, run somewhere new, beautiful, inspired, run to explore. I would pick up my next long run at 16 miles, then 18, 14 or so, 20.. To make up for any time loss. You can do it, I see you crossing that finish line.
Well, I think my training plan is too conservative so I am actually skipping the 8 mile long run week because I have to keep up and be in the double digits. I think new scenery might do the trick. That and colder weather. Thank you for the advice!
I can so relate. I just wrote a post that sort of alluded to this as well. I started out loving to run but now I definitely feel that love fading away. My 2011 calendar was flooded with races but this year I have only done 2. The thrill is gone. I will definitely keep it up for health purposes but only on a recreational level. I think it’s time for me to move on to the next thing.
Some thoughts
1. Is it the best training plan for you? Some training plans are too much (for me anyway) and I just cannot run for 4-5 days midweek. The one we have with our group is 3 midweek runs with relatively low mileage and it is perfect for me. Quality over Quantity.
2. Are you recovering properly? Recovery walks/runs/swim/bike is very very important along with the hard ones. It helps take the time off for your body to absorb the training.
3. What about Nutrition (and hydration)? I’m the worst debbie downer if I’m not eating properly. Especially immediately after my runs. Protein shakes/chocolate milks and some good healthy carbs.
4. Can you change your route? Or run with people? Come to the Silver Comet this saturday and run with our group. See how you like it. If you can commit to Saturday mornings, you can find a lot of group support around ATL. And in groups like ours that are huge, you end up running with someone or the other. And 14+ miles all by yourself is hard! can you atleast recruit someone to run the last 4-6 miles with you?
5. Are you running your long runs nice and slow? (McMillan’s calculator is a good indication, almost a minute slower than race pace). Going fast makes it harder and defeats the purpose of the long run and prolongs recovery time.
And this might sound like clique, but the first marathon is about the experience of going 26.2 miles. It is a HUGE challenge. Yes, there are people who aim to qualify for Boston in their very first ones, but it is a very very small %. Take it nice and easy, enjoy the journey. You will get there and you will not be DLF. And even if you were, you would be way way better than those who did not attempt to start.
Thank you so much! You make some very good and valid points. I am going to try to find a group to run with. My schedule changes frequently so it is difficult for me to commit which means I end up running alone. But I will heed our advice and look at the other aspects of my training too!
Don’t be hard on yourself.
I found myself hating running at the end of 2011. I had set a goal for myself that year to do a certain number of races, and by September, I was over it, and 3 races short of my goal. The goal took all the joy out of running. I met my goal, and set a new goal for 2012: to not run at all! But I had to replace running with something else (enter roller derby) to keep from falling back to my naturally slothful state.
It took 7 months before I started running again. And 3 weeks later, I signed up for the Disney marathon. So, I went from “I’ll never run again” to “26.2 seems reasonable), it just took me some down time to get there.
Don’t know if that helps you at all, but you’re not alone. If you need a break, don’t beat yourself up over it. You’ll find the joy again.
I like what wRitErsbLock had to say. I’m in a rut now but I’ve only done one 1/2 marathon and I was going to do another this fall but not even close to being ready after taking most of the summer off on long run. My longest run all summer was barely 5 miles.
I know about ruts and was in one this time last year and just focused on a shorter races in the fall and by winter I got my running mojo back to sign up for the 1/2. I do think scenery is a big thing. I love good scenery but the neighborhood is getting boring no matter reversing the route, taking a block or two differently. I think getting out and exploring will help..that’s what I hope to do. I am mainly a solo runner (5am) but I do social running with groups on the weekend for the fun and getting the “mo”.
Ask yourself this..do you really want to do the Marine Corp marathon? Since you’ve done 11 halfs, haven’t you done Disney before? A lot a great advice above. Whatever you decide, I think the best thing to remember is why you run and which path will really answer that question and keep you running.
I can relate to how you feel. I am currently training for marathon #5 and have done about 11 half marathons. After my last full, I needed a break. I was completely burnt out, having followed a high mileage program to train for #4.
I think you should listen to you body and to your mind. You are dreading runs because you are perhaps trying to do too much too soon and it is overwhelming. When I read that you were at 13-14 mile long run and you were training for MCM, I worried because I have a friend training for that marathon. She is training with a running club and they are up to 18 miles.
While it’s true that for marathon #1, your goal is just to finish, you still want to be able to finish feeling good (well, as much as possible, after 26.2 miles!). More importantly, the training should be enjoyable, not a source of stress.
If I were in your shoes (and I have been in similar positions many times!), I would cut myself some slack. I would rethink my racing schedule in order to give myself some breathing room. I would cut the MCM in October and enjoy the 10K in September. After that, I would find a formal training program for the full and stick to it (Hal HIgdon has great ones). Use your halfs in November and December as part of your training. Then of course, knock ‘em dead for your 1st full in 2013! Just my 2 cents!!
Thanks Monica! I actually am following a formal training plan – I’d never try to wing it when training for a full but I’m looking around for others because I’ve been concerned about mileage for awhile but the coaches told me to relax. I’m just going to do what I can and hope that cooler weather will bring the spark back. Running in 93% humidity is not pleasant!
Renee- you’re too much of a rockstar to let a little bit of fatigue get in your way.
Real talk- it could be diet, sleep, stress, etc. getting at your running and your mental toughness. But assuming all those things are good, it sounds like you just need a day or two off to recover. When I was doing base training back in college, sometimes I’d need a full day of *no* exercise just to get me back in the groove.
Take some rest, change up your running route, diversify your training, and remember your goals. I’m sure you’ll get back into it soon! October will be here before you know it and the race will be a blast!
Thanks Derek! I’m looking at my diet and my sleep…both are lacking but I’m doing better! I am committed to completing the marathon and will do everything in my power to support that. Even asking friends for help when I’m feeling down! Thank you so much for your support. P.S. – I went to CrossFit today and am happy to have been so active!
{ 1 trackback }