Longest run ever, but aching while running.

[Bladerunner2049]

Hi all, I’ve taken part in a number of events the later part of this year. Great South Run and a few 10k races. I wanted to run a HM distance before the end of November, just to prove to myself that I could, I did a couple of HMS last year. So yesterday I ran from Winchester Cathedral to the Guildhall in Southampton, a total of 15miles, I took the long way round. My longest run ever. I was very happy.

I’m planning on running a marathon next year, already got my place booked for the York Marathon in October.

Im aware of the increased efforts in training that’s required to run a marathon and it’s a daunting prospect at the moment, however I’m committed to doing it and have the support of my family, all good.

Thing is, towards the end of yesterday’s run my legs were really aching, the thought of running another 11miles feeling like that (if that was even possible) made me doubtful of my marathon goal. Up to now the limits on what I could achieve seemed down to fitness levels, but this was different I really ached. I wasn’t injured, and when I finished I felt fine after a few mins walking and resting. I’d not experienced aching while running before, the next day sure, but not while I was running.

I’m looking for reassuring voices from you folks, that this is normal and as I consistently increase my mileage that this aching will go away. 😀

[GTFC Marathon]

Massive congratulations on your longest ever run!! That's a marker in the sand. I certainly know that feeling well of 'How will I ever do the next 11m etc.' It will come though with time and steady long runs. Inevitably the aching can hit at any point through being out so long on your feet but with fuelling, hydration and long run practice, it can become a little more manageable. Live in the moment for now and celebrate this huge success 🥳

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Well done for your run!

Since this is the longest run you have ever done it's not so surprising that you found it tough! So in that sense I would say these sensations are "normal", but can you think of any other reasons why you were feeling tired? And was it just your legs that felt achy? I'm just wondering if you're a bit under the weather at the moment because I have only experienced this kind of thing when I'm coming down with a cold or some other virus. Maybe take it easy for a week or so and then see what happens during your next long run.

Generally I'd think you will get stronger as you do more long runs, and they will start to feel easier. How are you planning to train for the marathon? You have loads of time, so it might be worth working on your overall strength for a few months before hitting the marathon training in earnest - if you're not doing so already? Also, working on optimising your fluid and food intake will be helpful.

[Bladerunner2049 Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Hi Roseabi

Well, all of me ached tbh, neck, shoulders, legs etc fluid intake may have played a part. I did take two gels, at 8k and 15k but no water. Maybe time to invest in a water vest if some sort.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Bladerunner2049]

I used to get very sore shoulders on my longest runs, but this has improved an awful lot over time 😊😊😊

Vests are certainly very useful for marathon training!

[Frenc Half Marathon]

That’s, amazing congratulations! You started out in my neck of the woods, although I’ve never contemplated running to S’oton 😊. Also you did that in a fantastic time, so you should be really proud. Well done 👏🏼.

[Bladerunner2049 Marathon in reply to Frenc]

Hi FrencIt’s a route that I’ve had in a mind for a while, and it fits nicely as a HM distance especially if you just follow the Bluestar 1 route 😀 I did the Winchester 10k a couple of weeks ago, boy was that wet and windy 😱

[nowster Metric Marathon]

This morning's HUHM had me start feeling a bit tired about 18km in. The legs were still moving but they definitely weren't happy about it.

I probably should have taken in a lot more jelly babies earlier on. I did have some, but obviously not enough.

It's also possible that by the 90 minute to 2 hour mark, the easy energy is all gone, and the metabolism is switching to using different energy pathways.

Definitely take fluids with you and remember to sip them. I drank only about 300ml on the run, but probably lost about two to three times that in sweat.

[Cmoi Marathon]

Well done on your longest run Bladerunner2049 !

As for the aching, you'll get stronger as you build up gradually, and that helps.

Do pay attention to hydration though. I personally would struggle considerably if I weren't well hydrated before and during a run of that distance. Are you stretching as well?

[Bladerunner2049 Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Hi Comi. Certainly need to sort out the hydration on these long runs. As for stretching, I can always do more as I’m sure we all can. I do try, it’s helped keep me injury free for longer periods of time, as I’ve gotten older injuries seem to occur more, but stretching post runs does help reduce them and faster recovery too. I don’t stretch before a run, but I do warm up.

I really like the longer distances rather than getting PBs for 5k or 10ks. Here’s to getting stronger and less aches.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

It's normal. Training will make those aches a thing of the past! When we're increasing distance, inevitably we are always at the edge of our tolerance level. You can definitely do this. That was a fantastic run, well done. And good luck with your marathon training. Believe and it will be!