It had to happen. Marathon training had been ticking over okay. Some ups and downs and difficult runs, but nothing like what happened this week when I had a shocker. I went intending to run for 7 miles and it was like I had never run a step in my life before. Heck, it was like I could barely walk some of the time. I developed 'stomach distress' about 2 miles in and had to stop twice. Everything felt heavy, out of sorts and horrible. I walked for at least half of it and just never got into any kind of rhythm. I got home feeling fed up, sick and a little bit scared in case this happens on Marathon day.
I spoke to an experienced runner friend who told me it happens to everyone and encouraged me/listened to my complaining.
Has it happened to you? How do you manage when it does?
Written by
AnnaKarenina
Metric Marathon
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There are so many factors that can affect a run, perhaps you’re coming down with a cold or something. I’ve had runs where my tummy isn’t right and I need to find somewhere in the bushes quickly! It’s usually food related for me or lack of sleep the night before. I’ve had runs where everything feels heavy and every step is really hard work and then the next run is a breeze. It’s just part of being a runner I think. On the runs it’s happened to me I’ve just carried on slowly and accepted that it’s going to be “one of those” runs.
I doubt it’ll happen on race day because you’ll be prepared with your food, water, sleep, etc in the days leading up to it and you’ll have trained for it. Anyway, I think excitement overrides everything, you’ll be tickety boo 🏃♀️🤗😂 When’s Marathon day?
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’ve thought about it and I’d had a rough day. I’d been at an oncology appointment with scans, tests and eventually a transfusion because of blood results being awry. I’d hoped a run would make me feel better but I don’t think, with hindsight, it was great preparation! I’d also run 3 consecutive days because I needed to adapt my plan due to other commitments so was a bit tired and grumpy.
I went out today and it was much better. I guess I need to see it as mental resilience training when these bad sessions happen.
Oh poor you, that sounds horrible! Yep, we've all had bad runs. I also had one run where my tummy was most unhappy for the second half of the run - luckily it was a relatively short run and I managed to finish without a stop. The way I look at it, this stuff happens - but not often. I've had a bad tummy run, that must reduce the odds of me having another one!
As Irishprincess says, there's usually a reason for a bad run and we work really hard to eliminate most of those reasons - all the ones under our control - before raceday, in a way we just don't bother with for most training runs. Keep it in perspective. You'll be great on marathon day 👍
I still haven't recovered from an october marathon and over training in August. I've been experimenting with ice cold water baths - doing 2 weeks every day. I'm on day 10 and my legs seemed completely fixed at club the other night. That was my first good run since August! I swear by them. 10 minutes then jump in a hot shower which flushes fresh blood through.
I do remember some of your posts and admiring you hugely you kept on going. I hold you in my thoughts as I plod through these terrible runs. I hope your legs begin to feel better soon. I am not sure I am brave enough for ice but I love a hot bath....
They're absolutely amazing. I think I've actually got used to them! My RHR has only just come back to what it was pre marathon training! Myphysio said ideally we should have them 3 times a week.
Bad things do happen but also they should not happen if you prepare well. 😉 I trained and ran the marathon on my own and I'm about to do it again and was more or less fine the day after the run, no ill effects and continued with regular running shortly after. I prepared and trained like a maniac that l am, and cannot remember any difficult long run in the run up to it. The obvious checklist including food/hydration/rest/shoes were all ticked but l also worked lots on cross training, making sure l get stronger and leaner and that in itself was a proper job. We are human so there will be slip-ups but the key is to try and eliminate as many as you can. Good luck!
I have to disagree with mrrun. I have had awful runs from time to time, but they have later turned out to be related to PMT (i.e. once my period turned up, I realized why). For women, it's just a matter of biology. Something strange happens to us in the run up to our periods. Once it kicks it, the runs improve.
Could well be the three days consecutive runs. I've had a similar experience. I did a quickish (quick for me) club run on a Tuesday, a club race on the Wednesday and then went out for a normal trail run on the Thursday. Neither of the first two were very long in distance. On the Thursday I got chatting to someone whose pace is much quicker than mine and set off way too fast. Two miles in and my legs turned to mush and I felt nauseous. I walked back.
I'm glad it happened because it's the first time I've run out of steam like that so now I know what it feels like.
I love your name! As a fellow tortoise I enjoy being with people who embrace the slower pace. Thank you for replying. I am glad I am not alone and, as you say, it is training of a different kind that we learn how to cope with these setbacks and build mental resilience. Long may we continue to be adaptable, even if a bit grumpy sometimes.
I can only repeat what others have said. I am inconsistent too and despite being almost 51 monthly cycles still seem to play a part. I am queen of emergency toilet stops. It gets me down at the time but bizarrely can make for amusing dinner conversation. Like the time I obviously hadn't gone far enough into the woods when a passing cyclist called out and asked if I was ok!
On the day things always come together against all odds. Put this one down to experience and continue with your plan.
Well everyone occasionally runs badly, and occasionally one can also get the runs badly. Best to avoid combining the two If I have a bad run day I check my heartrate its rhythm and my blood pressure. I have an issue in that reguard so that's my starting point, then I look at just what's going on in my world, pressures in work or private life, the weather whatever! I need be reasonable with myself, I'm not training for the Olympics or world records just trying to be me and stay active for the journey.
Oh Teresa, you poor thing - that is quite the bad run story and I think trumps my moaning. I am smiling, cringing, smiling and cringing when I think about you negotiating home holding up your tights. I am just off for my long training run and this will be an image that I think might keep me going when it gets ropey.
May all your tights have strong elastic in future!
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If I have a bad run day I check my heartrate its rhythm and my blood pressure. I have an issue in that reguard so that's my starting point, then I look at just what's going on in my world, pressures in work or private life, the weather whatever! I need be reasonable with myself, I'm not training for the Olympics or world records just trying to be me and stay active for the journey. 
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