Struggling Runner Need your valuable Advice

[james]

Some advice please. I have really struggled this week ( I went on vacation) and it was all I could do to actually go on a run. When I did attempt it, I was so tired and sore. It seems like my recovery times are so long. It has been rather discouraging! I am a new runner and am hoping to do a marathon this month, but without doing too much whining, it has been a major struggle. Any advice?

[willadean]

I think a marathon this month may be a bit much for a new runner. I can only tell you my experience, but I trained for a half marathon for 4 months and that was plenty distance for me. I used a training schedule that i found online and followed it as close as posssiable with cycling as my off day/ recovery activity. With out building up those months of miles I would have most likely gotten injured, as it was i was SORE!!! Too many miles too soon before your body is ready will really mess you up.
And on to your question, the thing I did and do when I really really do not want to run is tell my self I will go around the 1 mile block or a 2 mile loop, these distances are short and quick, and most of the time after doing that I will go farther cause you feel good by then.

[james]

Thank you all for your advice. I just turned 36 and I have always been really active:either swimming, walking, kickboxing, or weights. I think I may be doing too much as I try to exercise (swim or lift weights) on my non-running days w/ Sundays off.

[runking]

We all fall off the running wagon from time-to-time. I have been there lots of times. The first time back is usually hard, and then it gets easier and easier and easier. Your secret to success is that you just gotta' get back out there.

Other suggestions are to find a running/walking partner from the Saturday runs/walks. Set up a calendar with the running schedule on it and post it in your kitchen. Change your goals if you have to...maybe from a full marathon to 1/2. Stay focused.