Hi everyone! I am playing a little catch up from the weekend. Saturday I drove into St. Cloud to run with my running group. I was really looking forward to it because it had been such a long time since I had ran with them. My plan was to run eight miles. I thought that I could break it up by running four before our 8 o'clock picture and then going out again and running another four. I pulled into the parking lot at 6:45 AM and spotted Deb and Paul. Deb asked me if I would be ready to go soon. I put on my visor, locked my car and was ready to roll! Deb and Paul are training for a marathon and it was their 20 mile day. This seemed perfect to me because I wanted to go at a slower pace. We started running and I knew it wasn't going to be a great run for me. I felt like total crap! I know that it takes time to recover from a marathon but I honestly thought I would be back to normal by now. Part of my problem was that I needed to use the bathroom and there was none. We ran by a grocery store and I was so tempted to make a pit-stop....I didn't want to make them stop so I continued on. Big mistake! The farther we went the worse I felt. My legs are feeling strong and I had no issues with them but I started to get that icky feeling again. It reminds me of when I ran Grandma's and the Team Ortho half. My stomach was messing with me and I hurt. Deb was chatting as usual:) I was not talking as much as I normally would because I was attempting to just big girl up and run through the yuck! The loop that we ran was seven miles....the longest seven miles I have run in a long time. I really needed to use a bathroom and so many times felt the urge to stop and walk. Well, that never happened because I toughed it out. We had less than a mile left when we stopped at a Perkin's to use the bathroom! Oh happy day! The joy of a bathroom:) We ran back to the Meeting Grounds for the group picture. I knew that my next run was not going to be long. Most people were planning on doing another seven to four. I started running again and felt no better. My plan was to turn around at the mile mark and make my way back. Yep, after mile one I turned around and slowly headed back to the parking lot. I was so done! I ran a total of nine miles on Saturday.I went home and felt terrible the entire day. Seriously, I had been doing so good! I have had no real GI issues since July. I don't know, I feel like my body is telling me to slow down again! WTH! I have a half marathon on Saturday and I don't know how that is going to turn out! It could get ugly! I wil just have to play it my ear and see how I feel!
How long does it take to recover from a marathon? I am just a little frustrated and want my great running days back!
Happy running, biking, swimming and lifting! Cheers to you all!
I don't have any advice, but I do wish you good luck on your half!! Take it easy if you need to.
ReplyDeleteugh, sorry your issues came back! I keep hearing that it can take 4 - 6 weeks until you recover, which is forever when you're raring to go! You're doing the right thing by listening to your body, hang in there! : )
ReplyDeleteI think its like 1 day for every mile you run, or sumfin like that. Patience! You will be back to your old self soon.
ReplyDeletemaybe you were okay training for a marathon, but the marathon itself was just too much (wrt GI issues). Patience....
ReplyDeleteTake it easy this weekend! You've certainly done a lot recently so just try to take it easy and enjoy this weekend's race would be my advice!
ReplyDeleteWow--you are sounding human for the first time! Usually you are able to bounce from one race right into the other. In all seriousness, though, marathon recovery can be a bit deceiving. You think you are ok, but you're really not. As a master's runner, I think a full month is not out of the question before you are really, truly back to normal. Just take it nice and easy this week and don't have super high expectations for this weekend, although you may surprise yourself. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou run SO many races! Not only does it take a lot out of you physically but mentally as well. I'm sorry you weren't feeling well! It has only been 3 weeks since the marathon though. I was back running quickly after Boston but even 5 weeks out, at a half marathon I still wasn't feeling 100% and back to my old self. Take it easy-listen to your body-UNLESS that is you want to end up on crutches and watch your ass double in size...lol!!!!! I'm super annoying-I wish you the best of luck this weekend and I hope you get that bounce back in your step! 9 miles is 9 miles-Great job!
ReplyDeleteWow! You are a trooper fo sho!!I have no idea how long it takes to recover, but it definitely sounds like your body is telling you to slow down.
ReplyDeleteBTW thanks for your comment on my post..it did make me feel better to hear that you only ran 4 long runs before your marathon....and you rocked it!! Thanks for the encouragement!
I can not speak from a runners stand point, but for triathlons they tell us that running is the last thing you should do while recovering, they make us swim, bike, ellptical, then after a bit of healing, then a running again.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure the GI issues you had Saturday is related to the marathon. Maybe just a bad stomach day. Recovery becomes quicker over time but for your first marathon I would say at least a month. I believe in active rest and I’m sure it speeds up recovery for me. Active rest for me is slow running up to half marathon distance during recovery time. I can’t say if it will work for anyone else.
ReplyDeleteRunning when you need a bathroom is THE WORST!!!! You learned that lesson, huh! You know, I have never run a marathon, but judging my tri's and my halve's, I think recovery is different for each race. Hope you are back to "normal" soon!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you're just coming down with a nasty stomach bug. They seem to be going around these days! Hope you feel better quickly.
ReplyDeleteUgh so sorry about that run! I think you can expect to feel less than 100% for a good month post marathon...maybe more or less for some, everyone's different.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck at your half! Listen to your body.
sorry I can't give advice on this yet. But hang in there, girl. *hugs*
ReplyDeleteNo advice, but lots of sympathy. It has all felt like an uphill slog since the half marathon and trail run. My stomach and I haven't been on good terms lately either. Hopefully this last run(s) got the rough runs out of your system and it'll be smoother sailing from here on out.
ReplyDeleteMake sure to foam roll and maybe try some swimming! Swimming really helps flush the lactic acid from the legs!
ReplyDeleteOhhh....I'm so sorry you had issues again. I definitely think your body is still recovering. Take it easy, which I know is hard to do, and you'll be back at it in no time!
ReplyDeleteIt is possible the GI issues might be something seperate from Marathon recovery needs. Only you know way or the other on that. I just had a dinner I typically don't eat, celebrating my sons birthday last night. Just now finished 5 miles after doing 17 a few days ago - my stomach was jibbly as well. Yet, I think it was more the Steak at Outback than recovery. I think the big thing - the really big happy thing - you said your legs felt good. Knowing that, I think you are probably ready for the Half on Saturday. It is up to you, and you are one WONDERFUL person and runner. You know yourself best.
ReplyDeleteThey say that for every mile you raced it should take a day to fully recover, so essentially 26 days post-marathon to really be at 100%. There is a chance that your speedy 5k right after the marathon could've caused some additional recovery needs since your legs were still repairing themselves. I know that I FELT recovered much sooner than I really was, and that's why I ended up having stupid little injuries in the 6 weeks post marathon. Listen to your body. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha was just going to post what Jeri just did right ahead of me...something I only just heard last week. You'll get there!
ReplyDeleteDerek
Take it easy, 3 words, Recovery comes quicker when you pace yourself after a long one. Regroup so that you don't regret it down the line. I'm not saying anything is going to happen but take your time getting back into it. The races are taxing on our minds and bodies!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support, as always. You are a gifted motivator!!
Good luck in the half. I hope you feel better!
ReplyDeleteOh Man, that sucks. I could totally feel your pain as I was reading your post. No matter what time I run, I always allocate time to you-know-what, even if it means getting up that much earlier.
ReplyDeleteHey Julie, Sorry you had a rough run. You did great to hang in there for 9 miles! Listen to your body and take it easy. Just have fun at the half this weekend. You deserve it! Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, a marathon takes a serious toll on your body. You'll do fine at the half; no racing it though!
ReplyDeleteThat group photo looks too cold! Brrrr! You have been the racing machine the past few months-it could be your body is letting you know it needs a little break and TLC. Rest this week - you will do just fine at your Half. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteMan, look at you and your perseverance. Major kudos to you. I know I would have wimped out right away once my body wasn't feeling super happy. Go you!!
ReplyDeletejulie
ReplyDeletehope you're ok..chill a little
as a rule of thumb (though every thumb is different!) you need a day per mile raced..so 26 days or a month before you resume any serious tracing / effort
the more marathons you do over time the quicker your body should recover
id suggest using the 1/2 as a training run..very steady 7/8 miles then pick it up if you're feeling good..but DONT go shooting off the blocks..better to have a slower time and finish happy for this one than have any bad experience
lesson over!
enjoy it
I remember it taking me a long time to get back into the swing of things after my Minneapolis Marathon + Grandma's combo. While my body felt okay the days after the races (minus some of that "heavy leg syndrome") my recovery was more of a mental battle. I felt so mentally tired and exhausted that I hardly had the energy to go out at all!! That's when I ended up doing more biking and swimming. Just hang in there, it'll get better!! And good luck at the Monster Dash!! One of my friends is running under my name, so if you see an "Average A" on a bib, give her a shout out from me! :P If it's not a killer race for you, at least you have some awesome costumes to admire! Enjoy your week, Julie!!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
A
sorry to hear about that....I'm wishing for a fast recovery.
ReplyDeleteNever a ran a marathon so no tips here but I read you've got some great ones already.
ReplyDeleteI do think you should take it easy a bit, you're not a machine. I'm so impressed with all your running, truly a motivation but you have to listen to your body sometimes too.
So .. take it easy. Promised?
I'm so sorry about that run. Take care and Feel better soon Julie!
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better hun! Good luck on the half!
ReplyDeleteJulie, hope you're feeling better. recovery can be slow. take it easy. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletei like you rarely have bathroom issues...and seriously I don't know how folks who deal with all the time keep running! hmm recovery...I have to say I always think I'm ok a day or two after, then about a week later my body totally melts down. I'm sure it's different for everyone, but honestly it's longer than any of us would like :)
ReplyDeleteI got two days off after my 10K but I begged my coach and she let me run with one day off ... but no watch, no music, and only 2.2 miles (3.5 km).
ReplyDeleteSo I'm guessing since a marathon is 4 times longer you need 4 days if you are like me ... ok this math makes no sense ... we are all different!
Hope your 1/2 goes great, and you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteHow awesome to have a running group like that!!
I don't really have any advice that you haven't already been given, but do take it easy on yourself. Plan on running the half easy - you can always pick it up partway through if it feels good.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie! Yes! I am able to do Vegas RR now. So, if you make it out - love to meet up. I think Jeri from S. Dakota is coming out for it as well. It will be a busy weekend for me, because my wife will be at a conference - but some sort of a meet up is a must. email me at bcp6@cox.net.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your GI issues...rest up and hopefully, by the weekend, you'll be feeling better. I have to say I'm impressed with the number of races that you do! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMy father-in-law always says it takes 1 month to recover. I know from experience (last year) not to push it too soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd despite your stomach issues, you still logged good mileage. I would've stopped earlier, but there's something to be said about running a long 7 miler :-)
Have fun at the Half and trick-or-treat with your ninja turtle.
After my last marathon I took 7 days off and I needed another month to recover (totally 5 weeks). About your next half, listen to your body and, in case, take it very very easy.
ReplyDeleteVery nice running group!
The coaches at TNT told us that we shouldn't race for as many days as the marathon was. Everyone is different in their recovery needs, but it's safe to say that your body goes through a lot of trauma doing 26.2 miles. The GI issues might have been unrelated to the recovery process. I read a few months ago that most people have stomach problems on average of once every 6-8 weeks.
ReplyDeleteAt any rate, I'm sorry you were feeling icky!
See you on Saturday! I probably won't get there until about 8am but I will look for you.
ReplyDeleteAre you starting near a pacer? I am trying to decided if i want to run with a pacer and try to PR or run with my friend and just enjoy myself. I will be wearing a pirate costume. Are you dressing up for the race?
The Wobegon Trail marathon sounds pretty awesome! If I like running Grandma's perhaps I will have to run it the following year.
I so feel your pain. Take it easy in the half if you need to. Recover can go so slowly.
ReplyDeleteGood luck tomorrow. It takes awhile to recover from a marathon. The furthest I've run since twin cities is 8 miles and I just incorporated speedy stuff last week. Just take it easy and enjoy!
ReplyDeletegood luck on your 1/2 this weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the GI/recovery issues. It took me a good month to recover from my first marathon. Listen to your body and give yourself time. I hope you have a good day at the half- I'm cheering for you!
ReplyDelete--wishing for a fast recovery..
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better by now? Hmm... I am always learning new things from you guys! (You, Mike & Meg are my favs thus far, even tho you guys are all much more "advanced" than me.) Your runner's group... I need to find one, I think, to get me thru winter... or I should say, to help me discover & attach to winter running? We have a group called Monadnock Milers. Maybe I will pay the membership & see if I can connect with anyone(s) in it... thanks for the ideas!
ReplyDelete