I have been training for a 1/2 marathon for the past 18 weeks and things have been going fairly well.  I ran my "big" 11-miler a couple of weeks ago, and while it wasn't the most fun i've ever had, i did it and it gave me great confidence that i would be just fine with 13 miles.  The race is now 10 days away, so i've been tapering lately.  I thought things would be getting easier now, that i would look forward to my "short" runs and tackle them easily.  I'm not sure what it is, if i'm just tired of training, if I can't breathe because allergy season in Wisconsin has begun, or if i've just lost my drive...but my last 3 runs have been absolutely awful!  i couldn't even finish 5 miles this morning, i barely finished 3.5 and that was with walking!  what has happened to me??  what am i going to do in 10 days when my body shuts down after 4 miles and i still have 9 left?!?!

i'm sorry to be debbie downer, but i'm just frustrated that all my training has brought me here.  i hope this passes soon, i need to get my confidence back.

• Currently 5.0/5 Stars.

Tags: training, motivation, spirit

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Oops! Maybe I should pay more attention to dates! I'm glad you met your goal! :) Posted by: Alex on Jul 07, 2009 at 07:36 PM

You don't sound like a Debbie Downer - just like you are worn out. If your body needs a break, take it! One of the things that I have learned from running is that I am rarely in control! Your body will make it through. Definitely keep us posted - you will do great! Posted by: Alex on Jul 07, 2009 at 07:35 PM

Hey KatiaK! What was the weather like this go round? The weather has been so crazy in Chicago lately! Posted by: bmoore on May 27, 2009 at 02:41 PM

I ran the Chicago Spring 1/2 Marathon. It was a new race this year. They need to work out a few of the kinks, but overall it was a fun event! Posted by: katiakt on May 24, 2009 at 06:12 AM

You're welcome. I'm glad that the race went well. Which race did you run? Posted by: RoadsScholar on May 22, 2009 at 03:46 AM

The race went well!! Perfect weather, beautiful scenery and I could breathe!! My time wasn't as good as I was originally hoping, but with the way my last few training runs went, overall I am very pleased!!! Thank you for all of the great advice! Posted by: katiakt on May 20, 2009 at 12:11 PM

Taper, taper,taper. Bennett is so right. I ran the Nike Half last fall with a partner who did two six milers back to back the two days before the race and she barely finished - even though she had trained really strong up until that time. I am going to add to Bennett's "witches brew" - I also swear by a high quality Zinc supplement, which reduces inflammation and aids in healing. Do go slow on the supplements however - some people have intestinal reactions and you DEFINITELY don't want to deal with that on race day! Posted by: bmoore on May 11, 2009 at 05:19 PM

Hi Katia, I’m experiencing difficulty logging under my pen name, Roads Scholar. Rather than waiting until that gets resolved, I wanted to immediately give you some helpful advice that can salvage your frustrating situation. Your body is sending you a very clear message: “Katia, I am overtrained. I am fatigued. I’m fighting a cold or some other infection. Don’t you know that your immune system is compromised after a run that is longer than 90 minutes in duration like your 11-miler? (See BMoore’s excellent February 9th post “Compromised Immune System”). Pay attention to me. Let me heal. You may not want to hear this message, but ignore it at your own peril.” Having run an 11-miler, you’re adequately prepared for completing the half-marathon. Your primary objective should now be to get yourself to the starting line in good health on the 17th. To maximize your chances: 1. Do not run until Thursday!! I’m very serious about this recommendation!! 2. Get extra sleep. Do not minimize the importance of sleep in allowing the body to heal. 3. Make sure you eat adequate amounts of high quality carbohydrates (from whole wheat grains and fruit) along with low fat protein. 4. Take additional vitamin C and echinacea. Although the scientific community cannot agree conclusively on echinacea’s effectiveness in fighting off a cold, but it can’t hurt to take it. 5. Try to minimize the stress in your life. I know this is easier said than done given our overly busy schedules, responsibilities and commitments, but try to avoid situations that you know will cause stress. Consciously change your reaction so such situations so that you experience less stress. 6. Run 2 miles on Thursday. If you’d grade this run a 4 out of 10 or higher, run 3 miles on Friday. If you complete this run without fatigue, you should be good to go on Sunday. No running on Saturday. 7. If either of these short runs leave you feeling tired, seriously consider delaying your race plans for at least two weeks to give your body a chance to heal completely. Most cities in northern U.S. have full race calendars until mid-June. You likely have a good selection of races to choose from. Running a half-marathon when not in good health will increase the likelihood of getting sick and will all but guarantee that your special day will be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Please keep us posted. Good luck. Posted by: bennettc on May 10, 2009 at 07:17 PM

Don't worry. If you're like most runner, the atmosphere at the race will get your energy and spirit up. Just keep working through your maintenance runs and enjoy the race! Posted by: DebCM on May 10, 2009 at 05:51 PM