in a funk
I meant to run 13 miles this Sunday, but I only managed ten. I guess I could have gone one more time around the Academy course, if it were a matter of life and death. But it was just the usual weekend trek, and my legs hurt even before I started. Sluggish, listless, and demotivated, I dragged myself through the hazy morning.
I have not figured out yet how I will fuel during the race. I feel pathetically unprepared. And I have lost the excitement, the frisson from a few days ago. When I think of the marathon, it's like "who signed me up for this?"
Paradoxically, my mileage this last week exceeded 40, while I never before went above 30. Just a quirk, since I ran the big run of the week before on Monday. A day here or there is a technicality that should not influence how I feel, but maybe I have not yet fully recovered. I'll try to squeeze in a massage in the days to come.
One way or another, I have to get my mojo back. Less than two weeks to go.
posted by runliarun @ 7:28 AM
11 Comments:
You'll get that mojo back. Perhaps you should take one unscheduled rest day?
I'm certain you'll do it, if by sheer willpower alone!
You'll do it. You'd best experiement with a few gels, or clif shots or something on your next few short runs. You want to find out what works and what doesn't before race day.
Lia,
Those sluggish days just make you appreciate the good days that much better!
I don't know what you have been doing for fuel as you run. Some folks just eat a big carbo rich dinner the night before, some oatmeal about 1.5 hours before the marathon and gatoraid during the run.
I'm thinking about designing a large cart that I can fill with food and push along as I run a marathon. I might even put an espresso machine on board. I could just graze on the cart as I plodded along.
The cart idea may not work for you so it's time you discovered what works best. Cliff Blocks, Guu, GatorAid, PowerAid, whatever, you need to bring some with you and try it on your run. Drinking and fueling are what makes and breaks you at about mile 22. If you are going to take guu then wait till you come to a water station and take it just before you get there. Then wash the guu down with at least two full cups of water. Don't be afraid to ask for two cups or just go grab two or more cups from the table. If your race does not have a large number of aid stations (every two miles or so) you may want to consider a water bottle. You can hand carry or use a waist belt. I run with a hand carry for marathons.
Have fun working these final plans out. We are here if you have questions.
Sounds like normal tapering ups and downs to me! You'll do it and like most good things, the reassurance will come not a moment too soon.
Lia you will do great, focus back in on your WHY & how great it will feel to accomplish your goal and CROSS that finish line... it was just the Devil messing with you this weekend & you know he is a LIAR!!
Keep Focused!! and yes try some of those tips Michelle & Eric gave you about the fuel before raceday...like try them this week!
hsI think the pre-race funk is somewhat normal. I think you'll bounce back!!
When it comes time to do it something will kick in - I don't know where it comes from but 'it' is in all athletes.
Everybody has a good day then a bad day. Sometimes goes on for more than that. But to begin again is always the start of a good day..
Hang in there.. Work on your nutrition. It is really the hardest part because everybody is so different..
I think "MOJO" is calling you again.
This used to be my Mojo before running. =) Mojo
When I taper, I feel a bit down and tired, but it's my body taking time to repair and prepare for the race. When I get to the start line, I feel completely different. I know you will get your mojo back. Look forward to your race report.
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