Fallen off track

I am training for a half late April. I ran a 10 mile race 2 weeks ago. Since then, I’ve fallen off my training and have gained 5 lbs. I’m concerned and need help getting back on track. I was doing extremely well in the 2 months prior to the 10 miler. Honesty runs over 6 miles drain me for at least two days.

[Nictwit]

Did the 10 miler just exhaust you?

[Hidden in reply to Nictwit]

Yes. And when I’d run 6+ miles.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Do you mean that since the 10 miler you have been feeling really drained after long runs?

If so it rather sounds as though you've had a virus, so be kind to yourself!

I wrote out an idea for a plan to rebuild distance for a HM after travelling and jet lag on a recent post by runfasterdoyle. It covers a slightly longer period than you have until your half, but I wonder if you might find it useful?

Hope you feel better, and good luck! Let us know how you're getting on

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

I felt good training up and until 6+ miles. I would be exhausted for a few days afterward. I ran an 8 miler the week prior to the 10 mile race snd, again I was exhausted. Sort of a separate note, after I ran the 10 miler, which was 2 weeks ago, my training and drive to continue training fell off. I’ve gained 5 lbs as well. My half marathon is in 3 weeks and I really need to get back on track.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

The only thing you can do to get back on track is get out there and run.

To investigate your tiredness and weight gain I suggest you keep a food diary, monitor your sleep, look at other habits such as screen use, think about how the everyday demands of work and family could be affecting you, are you feeling anxious or depressed? Maybe see your GP. Running is tiring, though - but the more you do the better it will probably get.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to roseabi]

Thank you

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon]

It would be difficult to gain 5lb of fat in such a short space of time, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Weight fluctuates for various reasons apart from fat gain. I would just try to get back into a routine without pushing too hard.

[Hidden in reply to Hillrunner2201]

Thanks @hillrunner2201

[ju-ju- Marathon]

Perhaps your body felt it was time for a rest. And as Roseabi has said, it may be worth getting checked out by your GP. The HM can be done but only if you feel up to it. Could you pick up your plan again for the final weeks?

[Hidden in reply to ju-ju-]

I’d have to agree. Back at it, but limiting running. HM is in 3 weeks! Thx for the support peeps😊🏃🏽‍♀️

[C3PO Marathon]

You've had lots of good input, so I just wanted to focus on being positive. You ran 10 miles. That's far. It also means that you're ready for your HM - as long as you get some running done in the next couple of weeks.

[Hidden in reply to C3PO]

Thank you. That’s my goal!

[Anniemurph Half Marathon]

Are you fueling at all for your longer runs? What do you eat before?

[Hidden in reply to Anniemurph]

Usually when I run it’s first thing in the morning, or after a long day of work. I try to keep the longer runs - 6+miles- for the weekend. I’ll eat a piece of fruit or a hard boiled egg prior to morning runs. Nothing in particular prior to evening runs. Just try not to eat anything at least 2 hours prior to running. After runs, if it’s late, I’ll eat a small dinner. If it’s the AM or afternoon, I’ll eat a piece of fruit or protein bar. Any suggestions?

[Anniemurph Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I can only give you my own experience, which might not apply to you at all. I am a very slow runner, so it took me 2.47 for my HM. A friend pointed out that I needed to fuel therefore. I have always had porridge before anything over a 10k run, which takes me anything over 1.15 normally, and I make sure to have this about one and a half hours at least before I start. I also make sure I am well hydrated the day and evening before I run.

For my HM, I ate a bite of flapjack or a Clif Shok Blok square every 3km and had a few sips of water with SiS carbohydrate stuff in it. I'd practiced with this and the advice was given to me after I'd whinged about being knackered after my first 16k run without fuel. I'd do it again but I'd expand the distance to 4k in future, I think, as I didn't feel tired and the stops slowed me down.

You might not need this if you're quicker. However, I'd definitely try a more substantial breakfast before you go out or try eating at late lunchtime if you're running in the evening. See if it helps. Best of luck!