3 year runiversary and doubts creeping in

[runningdad]

So yesterday it is 3 year's since I started running and tomorrow it will be 3 years since I started C25K, after realising that I needed some structure and encouragement if I was to stick with it! Im now in the midst of trying to train for my first marathon at the end of May. A lonely experience perhaps, but I'm definitely ready for the challenge mentally - the body I'm not so sure. Ive been having real difficulty with my lower legs. Left achilles and soleus to be precise. Physio advice is helping and while I'm not experiencing any pain I definitely feel them tightening and pulling in a way I'm not completely happy with. For now I'll keep up with the strengthening exercises and tailoring the training plan where necessary. But I am starting to doubt I'll be in a good place by the time my event takes place. The long runs coming up will no doubt give me a real sense of where I'm at and what is possible.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Happy runniversary!Those doubts sound to be really messing with your head and taking the enjoyment out of the training.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things and the end of May is a good way off yet. Don't let those gremlins get the better of you!

[runningdad Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you for the wise advice! Yes it’s some way off, so plenty of time.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to runningdad]

I do know that EXACT feeling though. Not so easy to ignore...

[misswobble Marathon]

As soon as we enter a race we start having doubts. It was ever thus and you’re not alone. Every niggle seems magnified as we feel the pressure of having to get ready for what we know is going to be tough. I only have to click “buy” on a race entry for my body to start giving me gyp somewhere ☺️

I’m injured now with a race weeks away. I was the same before my marathon. I think possibly we get tense and therefore the easier it is to succumb to injuries. That’s only my theory 🤷‍♀️

I’ve never not competed though - although I’ve been close as per my last marathon.

Linda is quite right. Don’t talk yourself out of things at this stage. See how your training goes. I’d knock off fast intervals though, if you haven’t already.

I wish you the very best of luck 💪🙂👍

[runningdad Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you! Yes, have been thinking giving up on the intervals for a while. There’s not too many in my plan, but running fast then slow on repeat just feels like courting disaster!

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Best of luck!

The soleus is one of those muscles (like the adductors or the inner glutes) which you don't realise is there but can suddenly start grumbling for no obvious reason. I've been having a little fun with mine the last week, too.

[runningdad Marathon in reply to nowster]

I didn’t even know I had one until a few weeks ago. Troublesome thing lurking underneath waiting to grumble. Slowing things down and strengthening seem to be helping.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Happy Runniverary! And how exciting training for your first Marathon 💪

It sounds as if you’re in consultation with a physio which is brilliant and surely she/he will help you during your training.

If you’re hitting higher mileage then I guess it’s normal to get a few niggles but you’ve got the physio to work with you which is good.

Wishing you luck and keep us updated 🍀

[runningdad Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you. It’s all a big learning curve. But keeping upbeat and following the advice!

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Start massaging your own legs or have regular, professional massage. It makes a huge difference. As always keep your hydration on point. Try not to overthink the "marathon" part and just see if you enjoy the longer runs. Focusing on the big numbers can ruin a nice adventure run.

Good luck! 🤞🏻👍🏻

[runningdad Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Good suggestions thanks. Hydration is always something I think about when it’s too late, so I must get better at that. Massage sounds like a goer. Thanks for the tips.

[Cmoi Marathon]

Happy runniversary runningdad !

Even though I've only ever done one marathon I can so relate to the "Will I be OK on the day?" feeling. A fortnight before my event I struggled to complete a 25km run that was neither my longest run ever nor anywhere near as demanding as the actual maratrail, and I thought I'd never, ever manage it. Come the day, I did, and you will too.

Why not give yourself the chance to take it easy, particularly on longer runs - grab the oppportunity to practise hydration and fuelling! I know you've already done a metric marathon and several HMs, but I personally found that while I could get away with minimal or no fuelling up to HM, that was out of the question for a full marathon.

All the best with defeating both niggles and gremlins!

[runningdad Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you for the great advice! I'm definitely a worrier. So letting letting go of trying to make sure everything is as I want it to be is hard, but part of the journey I guess!

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to runningdad]

I can empathise with that too. I have a tendency to fret about details and "what ifs?" but ended up realising that as long as I'd prepared as well as I could, the rest was down to fate. The advantage of my having chosen a fairly challenging event was that there was no worrying about optimum performance on the day, no pressure to achieve a good time - I just wanted to get round!

Good luck with your preparations!

[RunWillie Metric Marathon]

Happy runniversary runningdad 👍🏻

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

Happy runniversary! Great advice above so good luck!