A few weeks ago I had a pretty rough long run. I couldn’t get my fuel open. My hands were cold. I had to pee. (So I obviously peed on my hands to keep them warm.). Okay. Not really.
Things go wrong when you are running. That is normal.
Things can go very wrong when you are training for a half marathon or marathon and tackling long runs. The longer you’re out there running for hours at a time there are plenty of opportunities for things to go wrong with your body, the weather, your route, your gear, motivation, energy, your phone or GPS watch, your running buddy …
It happens.
Things that can go wrong during a run include, but are not limited to the following:
blisters, stomach issues, falling, getting lost, running out of fuel, chafing, water fountain broken, cramp, wearing too much or not enough clothes, phone dying, bee sting(!), injury coming on, hitting the wall, getting a call you have to take, crying, laughing, peeing, getting hungry, nose bleed…
Your job during training is to use the bad runs as a learning experience. It’s never a ‘throw-away’ run. You learn more from the bad runs than the good ones.
So, when you have a bad run – note it, learn from it and move on to run another day.
Training for half marathon or marathon is the BEST time for stuff to go wrong.
What?
Yes. If something is going to go wrong during a run you’d rather it happen during training and NOT during the race.
Trust me.
So, when something does go wrong use this process to fix it and learn from it.
What to do when your long run goes wrong:
First, be happy it’s not race day!!
(If it is race day – uh oh, you’re in trouble. Just kidding. Use the steps below to problem solve and fix it.)
Be a Problem Solver.
A. Identify the issue:
Be specific on what is going wrong.
example: If you are having a hard time taking in fuel – that is the main problem.
But that starts to affect your energy and stamina. And feeling depleted of energy can make you hit a wall psychologically. So it starts to snowball and then you might freak out and be unable to recognize and fix the main issue.
B. Assess how serious it is.
Is it major?
Ex. An injury? Something that makes you feel dizzy? Major stomach issues?
If it’s something you’d consider serious and/or needed immediate attention:
-> Stop to assess the issue. What do you need to fix it? Do what you can to fix it right away.
Consider:
Do you need to stop running? Do you need to walk? Do you need to find a restroom asap? Need to sit down? Do you need to find salt? Do you need water?
If it is a medical situation you should stop and get help. This could be anything from an Uber home to sitting on the curb for a while to locating the nearest place to get water/fuel. But ‘toughing it out’ and potentially making an injury worse or passing out is NOT good for you or your running.
Is it minor?
Ex. Slowing down. Harder course than expected. Music isn’t working.
-> Stop to walk or slow down. Do what you can to fix it – get water, fix your music…
C. Choose a solution and fix it.
Now that you know the problem and how serious it is – move forward to fix it.
Ex. Water, Fuel, Salt, Rest, Positive Thinking, Emergency Help…
Pick your solution and go with it. Fix it. Try not to let pride, emotions, fear, pain, stress… get in the way. This is you working as a coach for yourself and fixing the problem. You can figure out how this may impact your training later.
Is it helping? Good. Keep it up.
Is it not enough help? Okay. Problem solving is a process – what else can you do?
The key is to stay calm and focus on the fix (not the problem). You can get through it. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going.
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Definitely will happen to everyone who is in marathon training! I’ve had a lot of long runs go way way WRONG. haha! Once I was following a map-my-run route on my phone and then my phone died. I got super lost and didn’t know where I was. There’s a spot where the trail crosses a highway and I couldn’t figure out where it picked back up again so i was along the side of the highway for a dangerous amount of time! ridiculous! I ended up jumping a fence to get off the highway because I couldn’t find the trail! SO STUPID hahaha what a ridiculous run! So, when I finally found my way back to a place I recognized, I knew I was way too far from home to run or walk back ( i had already run 18 miles!!). But, I found a bus stop! Unfortunately, I didn’t have any cash on me! A very nice mother asked me what was up (I was clearly a little distressed and out of place) and paid my bus fare for me back to downtown! Very sweet woman who totally rescued me. Moral of the story: always carry cash and be nice to others!! And don’t run along the side of a highway!!
Today I hit a wall I run on the beach worked my way to 5 miles bee back to running since my 30s im 55. Been back to running 3 years lost 32 pounds for my blood pressure. Today was my 3day in a row nice weather 60s low tide legs got so heavy felt like blocks us all can push myself today my arms legs could not do it. I was so upset with myself I have been exhausted lately doctor is checking on. I jogged 2 miles and walked the rest back. I love it it helps me mentally and physically. First time it happened sorry I’m having a bad day 🙁 ♡RUNNING ON BEACH!!!
Remember when I was out training for a half marathon and my stomach completely failed me, cramped up to begin with then it got worse, you can guess the rest! Found the nearest toilets, made my excuses then when I felt slightly better I carried on running. Honestly believe that it made me a lot better and more prepared on race day even though the runner’s trots didn’t strike again. Taught me the importance of looking at the weather before heading out of the door though!
Ugh. That sucks, but it’s good that you learned from it. And you’re stronger today. Boom.
I write it off and move (easier said than done!!!). Typically I cut my run short and go out the next day or the day after…and “magically” things start to change. Most times we just need to change our perspective of things.
I am a super super new runner and I can only say that if I set out for a run and feel “off” at the beginning, I try to push through the first mile before I decide if it’s going to be a quick run, an interval run or if I’m going to push through. I feel like the first mile tells everything.
I haven’t had any of these problems running, but I do have them riding my bike. I think the absolutely most important thing you can do is have a cell phone with a back up battery so you can call for help if you need it. I got injured on a bike ride once and rode home with a concussion. I never should have done that. The second most important thing to do is make sure you are plenty hydrated (and yes, post child bearing brings a WHOLE new meaning to “support”) and have enough hydration to keep you going.
I love this post. I think we far too often let a bad long run really get us down and the reality is that you can learn a lot from these. If you didn’t have a bad long run before race day, how else would you know that you have already overcome some obstacles and made it through? Knowing you will make it through and how to handle a rough run is really a great thing to have in your back pocket.
Yes, totally agree. It’s better to handle it in training all the way.
I have had many of these issues happen on a run, but my most recent problem was my mist amusing…I recently had a baby and this has not only changed my ability but I now require slightly different support wear. On a recent run I was wearing a sports bra that zips up the front, but while out the zip broke free and opened…I was on a path with lots of trees but was also in clear sight of a bunch of university buildings….spent ages trying to sort out my zip problem without flashing everyone hard at work!
Oh no!! I don’t even know what I’d do! I feel like I get super shaky when I run and I would be fumbling to get it closed.
I have bathroom issues, often. Blech. But I’ve been able to identify some culprits and I do my best to stay away from those before a long run. I also make sure that all of my long runs have a bathroom along the route and if all else fails, I carry an Always https://www.amazon.com/Always-Wipes-Refill-Lightly-Scented/dp/B0029NYPY8 wipe. I’ve only had to stop running because I had intense knee pain and thankfully I was with someone who sprinted home and got a car to get me. Boo! I always carry a cell phone and make sure to let people know my route.
I thought of your bee sting this week when I ran near orchards by my house. They had bee boxes and I could hear them buzzing and it freaked me out! No bee sting though 🙂
Ahh! I would be super nervous running near bees. I’m extra scared of them now.
My tempo run from yesterday went really wrong when I hit the wall. But that was actually nothing compared to that time when I went out for a run not having enough clothes for the cold weather (I was visiting Texas so I wasn’t very familiar with the weather). Also, that one time when went out for a run at noon in Miami, and then felt like I was dying from dehydration.
Oh! and running with stomach issues became pretty normal for me at one time. Once, it started raining when I was running with a stomach discomfort. Ok that was a very very bad run.
To be honest I don’t know how I finished those runs…I think I just accepted the discomfort and kept going.
What doesn’t kill ya, makes you stronger!
Those are some super challenging runs! Sounds like you have a strong mental game too.
When I was training for my first/only marathon I had a mid-distance run that started with a little tummy rumbling and ended with me scrambling for a grocery store bathroom after I had thought I’d be able to find one much sooner. I tried to continue running afterwards but never felt right. I dealt with it by going home and crying and telling my boyfriend I was dropping the race. He dealt with it by telling me I could totally quit if I wanted to…. but I could not make that decision for another three days. By that point and time the bad feelings had faded and I learned to listen to my body a little better in the future.
Stomach issues are rough. That’s a good tip to wait a day or two before deciding to quit though! Did you end up doing the race?
My worst on the run issue happened during a 20 miler. Apparently the seam on the inside thigh of my capris wore out by mile 2 of that jaunt and by mile 4 I had major chafing as the seam unraveled and left a hole. It bled and somehow I had to keep going 16 more miles (last 13 were a half marathon….I did miles before race). I did and as soon as I got to my car I remembered I had a little cooler I packed with ice packs and cold drinks. I pulled out an ice pack and slapped it on the burn. I drove home numb from the pain. When I got home I treated it with antibiotic ointment and a bandage and now I always check my capris before putting them on. 🙂
Sally, ugh that sounds rough. OUCH! 🙁
I’ve never had trouble running before… yet. Because I’m just beginning!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Hopefully you’ll never have to deal with these issues 🙂