Saturday, April 03, 2010
Burn-Out and Marathon Training
I have felt this way for a couple weeks, but today solidified the fact that I am burned out with running. I just feel done. I love running so I don't want to give it up completely, but I am done with training. I had a horrible half marathon this morning that I probably shouldn't have done because of a knee injury (I think it is just overuse), but I did it anyway and probably made the knee worse. We will see what the doctor says about it. I was just using this half as part of my long training run for this week so I went into it forcing myself to go slow, but because of the knee, I ended up a little slower than planned---and I didn't feel near as good cardio-wise as I thought I would. Oh yeah.......amid all this burn-out and being ready to quit, I am supposed to run my first marathon in 6 weeks. I ran a 20 miler three weeks ago and felt really great. I was supposed to do 22 today, but barely eaked out the 13.1. I am just tired of it. I am TIRED of long runs, I am tired of injuries, I am tired of everything. I am seriously ready to be done today. I feel disappointed that I have worked for so long (I have been training since November) to run this marathon, and now I don't really care if I just give up. I guess I am almost hoping the doctor will tell me I can't do it--at this point I wouldn't really care, while a month ago I would have cried my eyes out. What to do, runner friends, what to do......Any words of wisdom, advice, encouragement, or support to quit? I will probably feel different in a few days, but I just can't see myself doing the marathon anymore. How can I do 26.2 when I don't even feel like doing 5--ESPECIALLY with a knee that is very unhappy? All week long I have been debating whether or not to jump in on a marathon that is in 2 weeks because I felt ready now, but my run today told me that was not an option. I am hoping that if I decide to go forward with training (and the doctor allows it), I will be ready in 6 weeks. What do you do when you just want to quit?
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10 comments:
Your feelings are normal. Training is HARD. Being a wife, mommy and everything else that you are, is HARD. Don't give up though. See what the doctor says about your knee. Be smart about how to recover. Be patient with yourself. There are still days where I don't LOVE to go out and run when I'm training. I think that is just part of the journey. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it! And that is what separates US from them. Hang in there! Listen to your body and control your mind!
I so hear you on this! I came off of the Tucson marathon in December and jumped right into Boston training....and I was sooo not into it. Back Tucson up, I ran 5 marathons last year so it was one after another after another. I can't WAIT to get back from Boston and just run. Just run for fun. I think we just need to get away from a "plan" that tells us what to do and into a place where we "get to" run...you know? I've barely hit my Boston plan this time around because my mind just doesn't want to do it. But I know running is in your soul and you will be back at it, you will! I have not had one good long run for the past year and yet as soon as I'm done with a race, I have a few weeks of downtime and I can't wait to get back in there! Hang on, you'll be there again!!!
Kristyn,
The thing that came to my mind while reading your post is this: in time, whether it's only a couple of days or a couple of weeks or even a couple of months from now, you're going to feel better about this. After you get some much-needed rest to give your body and mind a reprieve from the incredible demands of training, you're going to feel better! If you give up now and don't run the marathon, you'll regret it. I guarantee it. Sure, there'll always be other races, but you've put in all the hard work NOW and you deserve the reward NOW. Assuming the doctor clears you to keep running, I really would encourage you to just take some time off to rest, recuperate and find the resolve and excitement to finish what you started. Don't let the temporary burnout take this away from you! Do what you have to do to feel better, then get out there and claim what's yours. Crossing a marathon finish line will change your life if you can find the inner strength to overcome the fears and doubts and make it happen.
Kristyn,
I love the comments that people have made about your post. I think your feelings are very normal. Training for a full marathon is HARD and it's so easy to get burnt out! I also know that crossing the finish line of a marathon make's all of the hard work you did worth it. I hope that your knee will be ok and you'll be able to do the marathon and then take a well deserved break :)
Hey Kristyn,
You know I am going to call you, but I thought I would write some things down first. As you have heard, this is very normal! We all hit this point before the marathon. You are mentally and physically exhausted. Give your body the rest it needs and feel confident that you have run a 20 miler. That alone is a huge accomplishment! Your knee needs some rest, but don't give up on your ultimate goal yet!! And, just to warn you, tapering messes with your head even more. :-) You are awesome and definitely take a break after your marathon. You have worked so hard and look how far you have come!! Love ya!
I've only ever trained for and completed a half marathon but went through the very same feeling. What worked for me is to cross train during the days you just "don't wanna"...and then eventually you miss it and actually perform better. Hang in there...and good luck!
Sounds like you need a break both physically,and mentally!! Training is hard and very demanding. Give yourself time to heal, then i think you will feel better about running. "This too shall pass"
Everyone has given you fantastic advice...I'm just going to tell you that I love you dearly and I KNOW you can do this. YOU ARE AMAZING.
GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!!!
I found a book a few years ago called, "The Runner's Book of Daily Inspiration" by Kevin Nelson. I keep it by my bed and on those days I can hear the chatter in my head screaming, "I don't wanna!" I flip to that day in the book. Usually it can at least get my shoes on. And normally I don't regret a run.
But for serious burnout, I really have to say listen to your body. Running is such an amazing thing, but our bodies need to be with us for another 70 years (since I do plan on living to be over 100). We need to listen to them. I highly suggest cross training before quitting and have had a lot of fun with yoga. You've gotten in enough mileage that you should have no problems completing, and really with a first marathon, that really was my only focus. You could also try taking a weekend off of running, and just relax, get a good massage, sit in a hot tub, etc. See if that gets your mojo back.
And please know that you are not alone, I call them my kicking and screaming days, I also find a good reward at the end can be very motivating. I'm hoping you get good news back from the doctor.
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