Oh dear

[Tasha99]

I just finished 16 miles. I knew it was going to be hard as I’ve been exhausted after last Thursday’s 14 miler. Weird. I’ve done these distances before and felt much more comfortable than this. Had to keep stopping for the last 2-3 miles. I hope it’s just the pressure of marathon training. Luckily I’ve got a stepback week next week. Please tell me everyone has runs like this 🙁 I don’t see how I’ll ever do 26.2.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Well done. Some are just tough. A bit like the old w5r3, we think we've cracked it and forget it's still all hard work. 👍🏻😁

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you. Yeah I remember that 🤣🤣🤣

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Tasha99]

Are you fuelling and hydrating enough on the way round?

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Excessively so today 🤣

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Tasha99]

🤣🤣🤣👍🏻 well too much food can weigh you down. Best to space it out.

Also consider your route, a route where you have to repeat sections feels harder in a "this again" way than a circular route that comes back to the start/home to me anyway. I can usually finish strong when I can feel that "almost home" pull.

[Hidden]

I'm sorry to say... I don't have runs like that. I can't get anywhere near 16 mile, don't think me or the pooch would survive that. Outstanding stuff!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

🤣you will one day I bet

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

Hi Tasha. Sounds all too familiar! Three weeks ago, I ran my 2nd 20 minute interval at 5:31/km, a week later, all I could manage was 6:49. Since you've got a stepback next week, I guess it's a while until your marathon so I'm sure you'll be fine.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

October 20. It’s coming round fast though 🙁

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to Tasha99]

Know what you mean! My HM's on 29th September and it's starting to feel close. Still, a bad run can usually be followed by a good run, especially after a stepback week. Sounds like the plan's got it right in terms of pushing you then easing back.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Yes I guess that’s true! Thanks 😊

[Ripcurlrana71 Half Marathon 10 Miles]

I can’t offer any advice just applause for how amazing your running journey has been! You’re a strong runner and I’m sure it’s just one ‘bad’ run - I have them too. You’ve got this. 🙌🏼

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thank you Alka. I guess we’ve gone so far. This morning I was quitting running so I guess I should be pleased with myself 🤣

[Ripcurlrana71 Half Marathon 10 Miles in reply to Tasha99]

😳🤣Don’t you dare!! But I get how you must have felt. Next run you’ll nail it I’m sure. 😍

[Hidden]

Sometimes the body seems to dig its heels in prior to going up a level, like it’s rallying it’s resources to make a breakthrough. I bet your next run is fine.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I hope so Flick. Thank you 😍 I knew I was tired.

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

I’m tired too. I’ve overdone it, exceeded the runs for my plan, and my watch is telling me I’m overreaching - but I think

that’s different to your experience, as you’ve done similar runs without fatigue

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I’m tired too but I’m only doing the plan. At least you’ve got good reason to be tired 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Tasha99]

I'm an idiot. It won't happen again!!!

[Whatsapp Half Marathon]

Well you were tired, and you went out there thinking you were tired too. Body and mind working in tandem to confirm your expectations.

Some runs are hard; some runs are easy. However, although today it was a hard day, you still did it - and that is a great boost for you to know that even on days when the going gets tough - you still got it covered.

You should be proud and reassured at how you dug in.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Whatsapp]

Thank you! I guess I did 👍🏽

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon]

My last long run was a tough one too. I think I got too much in my own head regarding reaching distance and time as well as thinking of the marathon as a whole rather than chunks. Whatsapp has it right.... if my head isn't in the game then my run isn't great! You did your run anyway - these tougher runs are our real training for the Marathon. The ones we dig deep and push through. My marathon is October too and I have panicked if I'm doing enough runs and distance! I then googled and around this time before a marathon is when a lot of people panic and start to overtrain! I'm following a heartrate plan to time rather than distance and that is worrying me... but it does force me to pace well and hopefully not overdo it if I follow the plan! I think overall the Marathon is scary but acheivable but mostly it is our mind we have to train as much as our legs! Your next run will be great, and a relaxed week will help you chill and enjoy running again.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Clairecandothis]

Thank you for your reply. I say it’s a stepback week but I’ve still got 3,6,5,12 miles to do 🤣 Good luck with your training. It’s hard work!

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Yeah my training is by time not distance so it's a different kind of hard. I'm just having to trust it and hope lol

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

It seems to work. The longest run I’d done with the plan, before last Sunday’s stupidity, was just over 7k yet I still managed 4K short of HM I’m my idiot run. We will do it! The hr training is good.

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

I'm hoping so Flick. I'm back to silent panic at not doing enough. You run way more than me.... I've changed my settings too but my runs haven't changed. I'm really hoping that running slow for long lengths of time is equivalent to running distance. I'm going to add a 4th run and run my longer run on the flat. I think it is just pure fear kicking in now though..... essentially it's about endurance and not stopping! Slow, steady and enough in the tank to finish! I just need my brain to go back to believing. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

You really have got this Claire- it’s just your mind playing up. Perfectly natural. Short of illness or injury ( and both seem unlikely) there is no reason why you can’t do it. You did two half marathons in quick succession last year, and you’re a stronger, more experienced runner now. If I could drive, I would be there to cheer you on - xx

[Clairecandothis Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Hidden]

Awe Flick thank you. 🥰🥰 I know most of long distance is how our mental attitude and our legs work together. Your right, I will try to stop the panic and believe again. I'm okay when I'm running.... it's just when I'm not lol. Even dreams are about running! 🙈🤣

Yeah you could be right with the intensity of the plans. I will definitely look into using it for London Landmarks.

Thank you 😘

[Hidden in reply to Clairecandothis]

Btw, regarding me doing more with my plan, I bet the 10k plan is even more intensive. I’m going to use it to prepare for Oxford Town & Gown next spring xx

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Well all I can say is whoa, what a fabulous distance Tasha! I scraped 18k last week (11 miles I think isn’t it?) and I’m steeling myself for 19k next week as long as it’s not too hot/humid. Arghh, it’s getting serious! Massive kudos to you for running that far. 👊

The weather at the moment has caught quite a few of us off guard. It’s energy sapping. Hopefully, come September and October when lots of us have races (GSR in my case), we’ll be fresh as daisies. Hopefully! 🤞🤞

I have every faith in you - you have so got this. 👍👍

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Awe thank you. Yes you’re right about the weather. There was also a brutal headwind in whichever direction I turned last night! Bring on cooler temperatures! Good luck.

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Awesome effort Tasha. The heat is a huge influence. Even I am carrying mid run drinks! Today was tough, even oop north, so just pat yourself on the back and celebrate a really good run!!🥇🏆🏆

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Awe thank you! Hopefully all of this summer training will stand us in good stead for autumn races!

PS VO2 max has dropped another point 🙄

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Me too....but I got my 10 miles in today....really slowly 😊

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

Well done 💪🏽

Only a parkrun to half marathon 😜

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Behave yourself....I am too tired to climb up the stairs!!!😊

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

🤣 I know that feeling!

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon]

Absolutely no advice to offer but just wanted to say that you will do the 26.2 miles because you're awesome 💥🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

🤣 thanks

I’m not so sure Marie !

[pianoteacher Marathon Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Believe in yourself! Remember when you thought you'd never get under 30 mins for 5k 😁

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to pianoteacher]

🤔

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Hi Tasha99 I am training for my first marathon and am yet to do more than 9 miles. I was also wondering if I will ever get the mileage done. Currently on holiday but next week I will have to get my arse into gear. I have done 14miles before but think it's the pressure plus others telling me you need to do xyz doesn't help. I am planning to do 2miles out and 2miles back three or four times to get 14-16miles done. The cross road method my way.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

Yes we’re doing the same marathon aren’t we! Dreading it. Good luck Pippa 👍🏽

[Pippa49 Half Marathon]

Yes Yorkshire Marathon 20th October. I am dreading it too despite Yorkshire Marathon assuring me that if I need more than 7hrs that I will be supported by the back marker to the finish line. Good luck to you too Tasha 99.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to Pippa49]

We can do it Pippa!

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

Yes we can. I veer between panicking about getting the mileage done before Cardiff Half and yes I can do this lol

[316neil 10 Miles]

Well done on your 16 miles, brilliant! You ran 16 miles. Keep telling yourself that! I bet you never thought you’d be doing that back on Week 1 of C25K?!

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to 316neil]

Ha ha this is very true! It’s the 10 I’ve still got to add on that worries me 🤣

[C3PO Marathon]

Marathon training just gets to you sometimes. I often experience what you’ve talked about - definitely on my last two long runs. I just try not to be too unkind to myself about it.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to C3PO]

Yeah my physio just said it’s hard 🤣

Just had a nice massage to loosen up the legs. Thank you