Jeez, at times this can be hard. A toxic mix of imbalanced sleep pattern, mistimed breakfast, life chores taking me sideways, warmer temperatures during a HM run, all made my today’s mileage a bit of unwanted struggle. Breathing fine, tempo slower but comfortable, route a bit hilly at times but familiar and manageable.
My stubborn, childish, refusal to ever walk never helps. This has been my 4th HM distance (one was 25K) where l simply ran like a battered wildebeest deranged, stopping only when crossing roads but today l thought of misswobble and one of her great points, thinking, Lord, l could walk a few meters at least, my legs are fatigued. Please convince me, Lord!
Except that l didn’t, l never do and that will prolong my attempt at full non walking marathon. I will have to compromise and train by implementing walking parts when going gets rough and then shorten those bits as my engine parts become more agreeable (IF they ever do become fully agreeable).
Oh well. At least l’ve managed to clock in nearly 60K of clean running this week which probably have played part in today’s struggle.
We’ll see how the play develops next week with an easier schedule.
How do you guys cope when legs disagree with brains? (I fear logically composed adult replies)
Written by
mrrun
Ultramarathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I'll have you know I'm gunning it at the moment. Doing fast five k's like a woman possessed. Whether it will amount to a hill of beans in my next race is anyone's guess. For sure I won't be running up the vertical slope that starts when the gun goes off. Sigh
True, this skill can be employed in many a way. l recently negotiated an airport and its crowds getting from a wrong to a correct gate beating the final call in such speed and grace that even my luggage remained unruffled!
I didn’t run a meter more than the marathon training plan for that week. Hours later l was absolutely fine. You simply need to change a lot and commit even more should you want to do this right, especially when running Tue/Wed/Thur with cross-training and then a longer run. Small hiccups and you’ll feel the consequences on the track. Never mind, I’ve got time.
I think there are a few more wildebeests here, we could form a herd.
mrrun ....I did my first 10k on Friday and I had to have a word with my legs...they were tired...so you, doing a 60k week are a machine...and yes, stubborn! You have to be kind to your legs, it’s ok to have a little walk you know, just don’t make it a habit...but who the heck am I telling a fantastic runner like you how to go on?!! You’re amazing 😉
Ha, thank you but I need to be honest. I had no idea the total would be 60k, l just went with what's on the sheets and if the weather was a bit cooler l probably wouldn't be posting this. I remember when l couldn't do that distance in a month so I am a bit chuffed. Today there are no ill effects whatsoever so the body must be ok after all.
I'm nowhere near those distances but my carefully selected music tracks keep me going.
I have a good idea these days when the "slumping" distance hits so I have really upbeat tracks timed for that. It really works for me - seems to help getting a second, third, fourth etc "mental wind.
A cocktail of Cris Stapleton and Lyle Lovett will entertain my shorter runs nowadays, the same way as Johnny Cash storytelling did in my early stages. But when fatigue employs its dark forces and I will be out there for several hours, l will run naked and focus on getting the job done. A few times even music irritated me when l had to pull all l got.
I admire y'all that can run in urban environments. I love the isolation of my runs. The Park is handy because it's flat and measured, but my true Joy is the nearby Compound. No people to manouvre around, no leaping dogs, no "Prammie Mammy's" blocking the path - and usually two prams abreast! - and if I want to run trying a different gait, speed or pattern...who cares?
Oh...and no smelly car exhaust fumes, noise and uneven kerbs etc.
Like I said - I admire you Runners who cope with all that
It's called 'urban slalom'. I always hope that if l collapse, a passer-by will, on an off chance, ring somebody to collect me. Although in London they would probably take a selfie with me and stroll away. On the plus side, l always run through massive parks and only get in touch with the humans when running through connecting roads but even then, through local knowledge, l find empty slots.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Tell me your terrible run stories please, friends
Shaved almost 3.5 minutes off my HM time – nice one Jeff!
Top section of HM route done. 
Blimey what a Hoohaah! 🏃♀️That’s Wimpole HM....
HU Spring 10K challenge
