My Biggest Running Frustrations

Thanks to the help of some blogger friends (Elina & Melissa) I survived my first 20 mile run of my Boston Marathon training. I am planning on doing another 20 mile run in 2 weeks and am toying with the idea of a 22 miler the last weekend in March before tapering back big time.

I spent the week prior to my run eating REALLY well. We normally eat good food, but I bought another tub of Super Red Drink Powder, which I have been drinking every morning or evening, depending on my kale smoothie schedule. Our smoothies have been veggie powerhouses, and I even ate lean chicken a few times. I have been trying to introduce new sources of antioxidants, have been drinking more green tea and in general spent lots of energy focusing on feeling good for the run.

I woke up Saturday morning, confirmed my route online, and suited up before eating 1/2 of a banana with 2 spoonfuls of almond butter and a cup of green kombucha tea.

It was snowing lightly when I started, but before I went 1/2 mile, the sun came out and the South Boston waterfront shone in the light.

Running along, I felt great overall except for frustration #1. I was too full and started cramping up. I let about 40 minutes pass after eating, but even after years of running, I can not seem to figure out a good eating before running balance. It is almost better if I go on an empty stomach, but being super hungry isn’t fun either.

If you have figured out a good running before eating strategy – How soon before a run do you eat? What do you normally eat?

I was able to stretch my sides a little and to eventually get over that full feeling. . . and then spent most of the run with a growling stomach. Then the doubt started to kick in. Even though I have completed many races, including 3 marathons, I still doubt myself on pretty much every run. Do I need hypnotherapy? Positive self talk helps to an extent, but I feel like the negative thoughts drain energy, and I would like to banish them forever if possible!

What do you do to keep a positive mental outlook on runs? Do you ever feel like your mental state totally throws a workout?

My final frustration is the biggest. Overall I am in great cardiovascular shape. I can run at a good pace without breaking a sweat for a long time and don’t have trouble gasping for air or feeling tired in that way. What does happen is after a certain number of miles, maybe 13 or 14, my legs start to kill me. Obviously, some of this is normal, but it is frustrating to have to stop and walk or stretch when I feel like I am not even pushing myself! I would love for my legs to feel less painful. Its not even fatigue, it is just aching all over.

Do you have any suggestions on how to curb leg pain in longer races? Is it weight training for stronger muscles? Stretching more during the week? Popping ibuprofen during the race?

Any and all tips are welcome! And if you have any training questions for me I am happy to answer them.

Please consider my charity raffle for The ALLY Foundation! $10/ticket at http://firstgiving.com/meghanmalloyteamally

The prizes so far? A custom me & goji mix, a one month membership to Healthworks fitness, a case of wine from Wine Cellars of Stoneham, a tour and private tasting for 10 at Westport Rivers Winery, and a $100 Williams Sonoma gift certificate. There aren’t a ton of entries, so there is a good chance of winning!