Sunday 4 April 2010

Heavy legs, niggles, and apathy.

I was planning on heading to The Peaks on Friday for a good, long scamper about, poor weather forecast led to postponing this. As it turns out this was also a good thing for the sake of my legs. I struggled round 4 miles of trails on Thursday evening. Seriously heavy legs. I think the half marathon combined with being away, travel, lack of sleep, stodgy food and more alcohol than normal had all just taken a bit more out of me than I realised. The long run would have to wait.

I headed out again yesterday afternoon. The legs felt normal again but everything else just wasn't going right. My iPod headphones were annoying me, it was raining and one sleeve of my jacket instantly wetted right through, wrong socks, etc. If you're a runner you'll know how several small niggles can just really get in your head and ruin a run. 2.5 miles later I was home again, feeling a bit peeved. The long run would have to wait.

Today, I just can't face the idea of a 20 mile run. It's the first time during the marathon training that any kind of apathy has set in. Part of me has had a panic that the wheels have dropped off the plan, that the marathon is going to be a disaster. And then a more logical bit kicked in, and reassures me there is still a month to go and as long as I get the 20 miler in the bag before this time next week there is still a good 3 week taper to enjoy. The "apathy" is actually just my body feeling tired and needing a bit more recovery from the half. Eat right for a few days, plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, some sleep. Keep calm and carry on!




7 comments:

Julbags said...

I found it took me a surprising amount of time to get over my half marathon and I never factored it in to my marathon schedule at all. My legs forced a couple of easier weeks.

Give yourself a bit of a break and the motivation will come to knock that last long one out before the main event. However, take taper seriously!

jumbly said...

Julbags - I'd entered the half before I even thought about doing the marathon so likewise it hasn't really fitted in too well with the schedule.

Taper advice duly noted, thanks.

kate said...

just catching up-well done on the half. sounds like an excellent 'mini break'. you're bound to be feeling a bit apathetic after all that fun. i like your 'keep calm and carry on' attitude.

Runningbear said...

Don't worry, sounds pretty normal to feel the way you do near the taper. Half marathons take a lot out of you too. Recover well and you'll be full of spring. RB.

trio said...

You wouldn't be normal if you just kept going with your schedule without the odd time it just doesn't happen! My furthest run before my marathon was 14miles (not recommended) and I got round so you will be fine!

Red Bike said...

It wouldn't be a challange if it didn't feel tough. I think a little bit of apathy is normal.

At least you're not thinking "You must be joking, no way!"

Anonymous said...

Agh, happens to everybody. Rest and recovery has to be just as important as training and thats why :)