Hmmm. Well my Pilates teacher has a diagnosis for my health and running problems.

[turnturtle]

I told him all about my chronic cough and exhaustion and also my joint aches and pains after my long run and he says he has seen this all before and it probably means I have been overtraining and my immune system is on its last legs. He suggests that I forget my HM in May and take two months off running while I look after myself and concentrate on building up my core strength and balance. Since my GP has failed to come up with a diagnosis, let alone a potential cure for my ailments, I am ready to be convinced. It is a lot easier to overtrain at my age than when you're a young thing and it's very hard rto finds a training programme that is aimed at seniors. I also know that my core strength and stability is rubbish (I wasn't able to stand on one leg for more than two seconds when I started Pilates) and my trainer says he is surprised I can run as well as I do with this basic core weakness.So, I think my mind is made up. After Park run tomorrow (I aim to go out in a blaze of glory) I plan to cut right back on my running, duck out of the Leeds HM and focus on strength training for the next two months before commencing a 4 month marathon training plan for the Berlin marathon. Sorted!

 

[potato_jo]

OMG T. Turtle!  No running for two whole months.  I have no medical training, so your Pilates instructor might be right...  I just hope you are feeling better soon.

Stay positive and keep that body moving.  

[benwill Marathon]

Sounds like a good plan as any, good luck with your core strengthing, I know it's something that I hardly ever do and maybe I should do. 

I guess take it easy when  you do come back 4 months is a long time to tain for your marathon  and you will not have lost all your endurance in 2 months. 

And good luck with your parkrun your smash it! 

[Hidden]

Maybe try a course of ginseng. It does wonders for the immune system and energy levels 

[AncientMum Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Great idea. I took Siberian ginseng years ago and felt it did me good.

[turnturtle Marathon]

Ginseng on order from amazon! Did my celebratory Park run at York racecourse this morning but no blaze of glory for me. I blame the strong head wind up the finishing straight for my slowest time for a year. But it could of course be a sign that my Pilates teacher is correct  and I need to consolidate and take loads of ginseng...

[aliboo70 Half Marathon in reply to turnturtle]

Sounds like a good but of advice there TT,  You will come back stronger and able to take on the world and that marathon!!😊😆

[AncientMum Half Marathon]

I think you're probably wise to take a break and let your body recover. However do make sure you don't lose your aerobic fitness, as it's a b*gger to get back again. Very best of luck TT, you can definitely do this! xx

[boptillyoudrop49]

Do you have to take a complete break from running? Wouldn't cutting back to 3 slow, short runs be fine whilst you work on strengthening your core?

[turnturtle Marathon]

That's exactly what he said, but I am going to play it by ear. I know my immune system is shot. It's happened before and I know the symptoms. Last time I ended up in hospital with pneumonia! So I will cut right back and maybe trot 5K twice or three times a week when the weather's good until all these infections I can't throw off disappear.