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illness during training
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alisa
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 27, 2003 9:47 am    Post subject: illness during training Reply with quote

Hi - I'm a first time user - any advice would be great!
I've been spending the summer training for the Breckenridge "Marathon". It is a 24.6 mile trail race that ranges from about 10,000 to 12,500 feet in elevation. In the final two weeks of training I was running at 9,000 feet or above, averaging 35-40 miles per week. The Friday before my planned last long run, I came down with a flu like illness. This resulted in a "taper" that consisted of laying in bed and NO running for 12 days. I took my first run today - 4 miles, which I found tiring. The race is in three days. Am I insane to try to run the complete race? I will try to run short runs for two more days and take the day before the race off. Will my muscles remember my training? Additionally, because of being ill, I haven't gotten back up to elevation so it will have been two full weeks breathing (not even running!) at only 5,000 feet. Should I even try to run the half? I really, really want to run a trail marathon but I think this may have been the last summer I will have had time to train for something this mongo (mongo for me, at least).
Thanks!
Alisa
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Dan
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PostPosted: Wed Aug 27, 2003 10:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm not overly familiar with altitude training, but it sounds like that could be altitude sickness. If that's the case, then I would think once it passes, you'll be back where you were before it heats. If it is an actual flu, though, you'll probably have lasting weakened effects. In which case, your guess is as good as mine if you'll be able to complete the race and in satisfactory time.

Quote:
Will my muscles remember my training?

Altitude training wears off faster, but in general, you can go 2-3 weeks without running before you lose conditioning, so I would guess you'll be alright.

Dan
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Micah Ward
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 28, 2003 6:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alisa, you should be able to complete the race on your "stockpiled" training. You may have to adjust performance goals though due to the flu. Were you planning on running for the win or just for a completion? In either case good luck and let us know how you do.
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graeme
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PostPosted: Sat Aug 30, 2003 7:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good luck!
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alisa
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2003 5:19 pm    Post subject: well... I kind of ran it... Reply with quote

Thanks for your advice (and good wishes!). The night before the run, I felt like I had slid back a little in my recovery, although on the morning of the run I felt ok. I started the run at a pace to finish the full marathon in about 6 hours - an average time for the course. At 8 miles (and 11,500 feet), I had to decide whether to head up another 1,000 feet and do the rest of the run, or turn down for the half. I started up the "wall" feeling ok, if a bit slow. Then I realized I was running it because of my ego, not because I really wanted to - I just didn't feel well enough to have the drive for it. So, I headed down the half marathon cut off. Amazingly, my half time was reasonable despite being unable to push myself; and it was the right decision, I felt terrible by the time I finished. Feeling a bit healthier now and looking forward to getting back to running - but not going to push it; health is more important! Again, thanks!
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Paul
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 02, 2003 7:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice run, Alisa. I hope you continue to keep us posted on other races and training. When I first saw this post, I was even wondering about Lyme Disease with all the running in the woods you were doing.
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Micah Ward
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 03, 2003 3:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Excellent Exclamation

Sometimes the decision that is hardest to make is the right one. Looks like you made the right one this time.

Stick around and keep us posted on your adventures. Cool
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