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Runner's Training Tips: Running on Empty?

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberB-Grrrrl
    • CommentTimeAug 28th 2007
     
    B-Grrrrl

    Hi all

    I'm in week 7 of a 12 week training plan for my first half marathon.  My long run this week will be 9 miles.  I'm doing 3 runs in between my weekly long run and these are all increasing in distance as I get closer to tapering it back 2 weeks before race day - 1 race pace, 1 interval training and 1 really easy jog.

    I reached a point where I was 'almost' enjoying it (running is a love-HATE thing for me) but this last week I've been finding it especially tough - even the shorter runs.  I feel like I've got nothing in the tank; like my legs are made of lead and my lungs are running at half capacity.

    I''ve introduced a little more carbs into my diet, I'm not drinking nearly enough wine Wink , but am drinking enough water to keep a camel going and I'm getting plenty of sleep

    Any ideas why I feel like a sloth as soon as I put my trainers on?

    Any advice appreciated!

    Hx

     

  2.  
    runnin'Dave
    Do you have any running experience other than the last seven weeks?
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberB-Grrrrl
    • CommentTimeAug 29th 2007
     
    B-Grrrrl

    Yep - I've been running for just over a year; 2 x 5k, 1 x 5 mile & 2 x 10k races already under the belt, so I'm used to training, but this is the first time I've ever trained my body to this extent!

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberl_white
    • CommentTimeAug 29th 2007
     
    l_white
    you need to get a bit more rest by the sounds of it. how long in between each run?
  5.  
    runnin'Dave

    Two things to consider,

    I would say you are resting enough, we need rest but at this level and mileage its not as critical.

    I would look at Iron deficiency. Are you supplementing your diet especially during your "Off week"

    Look at the heat, heat will make you feel like you are carrying 200 pounds of weight on your shoulders.

    Other than that a lull is common, maybe you are just wanting to see more progress and you dont and that is causing your enthusiasm to diminish. Look at the two items above and see if they may be a factor.

     

    dj

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberB-Grrrrl
    • CommentTimeAug 31st 2007
     
    B-Grrrrl

    HEAT??? C'mon Dave I live in England where we've just had the wettest summer since records began!! Wink

    You may be onto something with the iron thing though.  I don't eat a lot of meat at all - I'm a part time veggie!  So I'm off to get a nice juicy steak for my post-run dinner tomorrow.

    I decided to cancel my planned 5 mile training run last night and went to the pub instead, and I feel much better for the break (and got some iron from the red wine.......)  I know I'm not training that intensively but I think it's just what I needed.  I'm doing a quick 20 mins round the block tonight to loosen up and then my first ever 10 miles tomorrow.  I'm quite nervous!

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberB-Grrrrl
    • CommentTimeSep 5th 2007
     
    B-Grrrrl

    I did my 10 miles yay for me!!

    1 hr 43 mins 10.3 min/mile average

    I'm very proud of myself but my hips ached like hell afterwards so I'm a bit worried about the 11 miles I have planned this weekend Frown

    I'm feeling a lot more positive this week, although I still feel a little sluggish but I was given some advice last weekend that the mind will give up a lot sooner than the body so I'm keeping that in mind during my last 3 weeks of 1/2 marathon training.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberjhendricks
    • CommentTimeSep 18th 2007
     
    jhendricks

    First of all, good luck on your race!    I was a ball of nerves for my first half - but survived it (even through 12 miles of rain!)...and had a great time!

    I know exactly about legs feeling like lead, etc... I've trained for 2 more of these (running my 3rd this weekend) and hit that point in my training every time.  I call it "burnout".  Basically, I just take a few days off & do something else (biking, weight training, etc.).   Even a little break helps. 

    I've trained for 2 century bike rides as well and ran into the same problem... took a week off of biking completely and felt great after & even finished in a better time than I had hoped.

    Either way, listen to your body...  you don't want to overdo it and injure yourself...

     

    Good luck & have a great race!

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberjacanz
    • CommentTimeSep 22nd 2007
     
    jacanz

    I found that the best way to train for a half is to take a little longer to build up so I can train 2 weeks hard then one week easy. That said this time through I have added in a bunch of cross training and didn't drop that back fast enough so I am 5 weeks out and definitely heading into overtrained. I plan to take next week's easy week very very easy.

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberB-Grrrrl
    • CommentTimeOct 2nd 2007
     
    B-Grrrrl

    Thanks for the advice folks.   

    Completed my half on Sunday.  There's a thread about it in Runners Forum so I won't repeat myself here Smile

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdg12
    • CommentTimeOct 9th 2007
     
    dg12
    One is that think you need more carbs? You need at least 60% of your diet in complex carbs. You've been running on empty. Wine will only ad dehydration (alcohol) to your system. You should be hydrating with water and electrolytes. Get more sleep and avoid stress like the plague because you're already stressing the mind and body.

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