Hi, I'm currently training for the Liverpool half marathon which is in just over 3 weeks.
my longest run so far is 12 miles, which was comfortable,but ever since i've really struggled with my shorter runs.
legs feel heavy and tired,calves feel tight too.
getting really frustrated with myself.
i've just done a 3.60 mile run,and had to stop!!!!!
any advice would be great!!
lilybella x
Have a look at this thread.
therunningbug.co.uk/.../10008.aspx
Me too for the Liverpool half. A good course and should be a good race but a bit dear mind.
The good thing is that if it is in both legs that would tend to rule out an injury. If it is only a leg thing rather than a general body thing then that suggests that it is not an underlyiing virus you have picked up.
Best guess is that, although the 12 miler felt comfortable, if took more out of you than you realised which is not unusual and you may just be running on too tired muscles.
What might be worth trying is 2 else 3 recovery runs on alternate days. No more than 3 miles and the important thing is to go really really slowly to trigger the recovery action.
If you already have a 12 miler in the bag then you have the distance and dont need to go for another long one before the day. I would probably go for no more than a medium paced 8 miles at least 10 days before and the rest of your runs on shorter distances at whatever pace feels right.
Hope it clears and you have a good day.
Thank you for your advice.just had abit of a meltdown today!!! Panicking incase legs feel tired on the big day!!!
Will try a few shorter ones over the next week.
X
As we all do (even though some will deny it) you are getting a little bit of pre-race nervousness. You have done 12 which is perfect. It sounds to me like you are a little overtrained and tired. No worries though as you can start your taper off a little early and maintain your fitness. If you keep running, even at a much easier pace and shorter runs, you won't lose significant fitness and you will be fresh for the event. Better that than overdo it and get injured or sick.
Good luck
Slab
Thank you for ur advice, have done a couple of shorter runs, legs still felt stiff but my confidence is coming back (slowly!)
Race pack arrived in the post today! So hubby has done me a training plan for the next couple of weeks!!! Quite surprised how little I have to do (miles wise)
Xx
I am panicking too! Was doing 8mikes then have had problems with burning sensation on my toes joints. Changed my trainer's took them out for a test run & only got to 3 mikes before the burning pain happened again. Any advice welcome I'm new to this game.
You will be fine on the day. You are noticing a bit of stiffness still but you are probably looking for it more now. Mind you if you are not feeling stiff legs in the last few miles of the race you will probably be the only one out there who isn't so expect that and take it as normal.
Jo N, if your old trainers were causing problems at 8 and your new ones at 3, first thing to do is to try out the old ones again to see if the new trainers are worse for you or whether it is your toes that have got worse.
It is not an uncommon problem. Google it and you will find it. Provided your trainers are large enough, a second gel insole in them will help. It is likely to give you extra miles but if the problem is kicking in at 3 miles it probably wont give you enough but is worth a try.
I have the same problem myself. The feet niggle at 9 miles and really do not want to know at 11 miles. Last time out on a half, I took the shoes off and walked a couple of hundred yards and then managed to get going again for the last bit.
I will run because I know my feet with the extra insoles are good for the first 3/4 pf the race and take my chances on the last quarter but if I wasn't guaranteed the first 3/4 I would probably look more to 10 k's instead.