The Last 6

beeblebrox82

So this past weekend I completed my first 26.2 mile run... It wasn't a true timed/measured race, just did it around town with my GPS for the virtual Beat the Blerch race.

my previous long was 18, I was supposed to go 22 as part of my real training program for my late October marathon, but I just couldn't say no to the Blerch. So yes, ,I know I was naughty already.


My question is... I started to experience some pretty epic joint pain in the last 6 miles. Hips straight through to the groin, outsides of knees (lower IT band) and a bit under the knees and in the arch and around the top of my left foot.

These are all areas I typically start to get sore in longer distances but this was different. I was expecting the exhaustion the queasiness and the dead legs, but these were all very real pain the hip/groin area especially. The IT band problems aren't as unexpected and I can typically run through it for awhile. My last 6 miles fell to 11 min/mile run-walking, compared to a comfortable 8:40 pace the 1st 20. I was wrecked.

None of the trouble areas gave me much grief by the next day; stiff definitely, but no sharp pain or trouble moving. Just curious if this is fairly normal marathon fun or if I just received a very clear indicator that I need to strengthen and stretch these areas more before my next race?

Any insight would be appreciated!!

Carrieendar

4 things come to mind:

- make sure you are doing some of your longest runs on same terrain course will be

- creat more structural stability by increasing mileage next time around (slowly and smartly)

-create more structural stability through lifting/resistance training -myrtl routine for hip girdle

-adequate recovery and recovery nutrition

vmclach

I would say this is pretty common to feel. I remember feeling this same way on my first. Sounds exactly how my first marathon went as well. It did scare me, but the next one was better. I think I still feel that joint pain but I just ignore it. In my first ultra I felt like I was a 100 years old. My joints killlled! Lol in it for the answers.

CarsonRuns

Did you taper before you ran this "marathon"? If not, then you ran a marathon when your body wasn't prepared for a marathon and you felt it.

I suggest you take it easy for the next couple of weeks.

There is a reason that training plans don't have you running a marathon before your marathon. You just experienced why.

Stoshew71

As I was reading this, i was thinking the exact same thing where Carson went.

DavidMartinez2

I almost want to pin this for ready reference the next time someone ask "What's wrong with doing a 26 mile training run to get ready for my first marathon?"

OP: as Carson suggested take it easy the next couple of days. If you can run go for a couple of very slow runs to keep your legs loose. If that is to uncomfortable use the elliptical for a couple of days. After a few days rest (and nothing ridiculous this weekend) you should be able to resume your normal training plan with minimal impact on your race in October.

beeblebrox82

There is a reason that training plans don't have you running a marathon before your marathon. You just experienced why.

Thanks all, I knew I was doing something silly going in, definitely not trying to defend it, the above quote drives the point home for sure. I was justifying it in my head by saying I would run it "easy." My main concern was that I'd uncovered a flaw in my strength/form... perhaps just a flaw in my brain activity lol.

I did cut out a run late last week, but I did hard hill and speed work in the beginning of the week before I got the crazy idea in my head, so I wasn't really tapered that much, I'm going to reign back the mileage this week as well to make sure I get a bit of recovery before hitting my last really long run in my training plan the following week.