skip to content

Marathon Overtraining: tips to avoid it

Marathon & Half-Marathon Training Advice,Videos: Running Training & Motivation

Marathon Overtraining: tips to avoid it

Are you in marathon melt-down?!

Don't panic! Just keep reading.

In case you hadn't noticed...it's the month of March. In approximately 2 to 6 weeks, many runners will be heading to the start of their chosen marathon. It's the time when reality starts to hit home. It's really happening!

Yesterday, I had a lovely customer. (This in itself is not in the slightest bit unusual - we pride ourselves in having wonderful customers)... but I'm going off topic.

So, back to my customer.

As she walked into the shop, it didn't take a genius to see that she was feeling the pressure. Her lovely face was tense and her eyes showed mild panic.

She admitted that the London would be her first marathon, and that she was in melt down over it. She had caught a cold and had not been able to train for over a week.

Does this sound familiar?

What to do?

Believe it or not, (as long as you haven't picked up a serious injury), it's quite simple. This is when common sense comes into its own.

Press play to find out 2 top tips to get to the start line - happy and ready to run :)

As always, if you would like to share your top tip to beat the mad March training, please go ahead and leave me a comment in the box below.

GOOD LUCK!

All the very best,
Dipika

This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. The exercises in the videos are ones we've found very useful and want to share with our customers. But we're not certified instructors. Always consult your specialist before beginning any exercise programme. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises or advice, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

Dipika Smith

More by this author »

Marathon Training Tips for Beginners »

Marathon Training Schedule »

Leave a Comment

fionaMay 6, 2014 at 12:37pm
Marathon in less than 3 weeks and managed at 20 mile run last weekend so I am in taper now but struggled with a sore left calf which physio says is just tight and have had a sports massage which has helped.

My programme still says 3 x 7 miles and a 13 mile this week but I am exhausted - can I cut down more now and still get there in the end? It is my second marathon and feeling like I have done less miles due to injury but more speed / races and better mentally prepared.

Any ideas for cross training during taper that would have the same effect but rest my legs?

Thanks

Fiona Reply
- Dipika SmithMay 6, 2014 at 3:01pm
  
  Hey Fiona, you're doing great! If you've already done 20 miles, I'd suggest you enjoy the taper time and forget about the 13 miler. This way you'll be as fresh as a daisy on race day.
  
  Do a couple of 5 milers this week and take the time to do some extra stretching - using the Grid too.
  
  For cross training, do something that your body is familiar with, but don't try anything new at this point. Swimming is a great one, or put in a session on the stationary bike.
  
  If all else fails, just do something fun and take the pressure off of yourself.
  
  Wishing you loads of luck! Relax and enjoy your marathon :)
  Reply
JoanneApril 28, 2014 at 11:50am
4 weeks to marathon and first one and then the other knee appear to be injured. I rested for a week and then managed 3 miles until the pain returned . My longest run so far is only 13 miles and I was quite fresh after that. I'm desperate and don't know what to do. I know I need to rest my injury but is that me done? Is my first marathon over before I reached the start line? Feels like 6 months wasted. :-( Reply
- Dipika SmithApril 28, 2014 at 1:03pm
  
  Firstly Joanne, don't worry, nothing is wasted. All the hard work that you've put in during the past 6 months, has made you stronger and fitter than you probably realise, and this doesn't disappear over night. So congratulations are in order!
  
  I totally understand your panic, so here are a couple of suggestions:
  
  1) Click here to see if you can take advantage of one our free drop in clinics. If this isn't possible, then find a good physio to visit asap. We also have a list of practitioners here.
  2) Sometimes knees can be a problem due to tightness in the muscles surrounding the area, so check out the Grid.
  
  I know these things really test our patience, but try these two things and I'm wishing you loads of luck!
  Reply
Steve WickensMarch 31, 2014 at 8:12am
Thanks Dipika,
A little common sense in the run up to the big day is very welcome.
I seem to be hitting the wall very hard at the 14 mile mark at the moment and struggling mentally and physically to break though, how on earth am I going to get to the end of the marathon?
Steve Reply
- Dipika SmithMarch 31, 2014 at 12:30pm
  Hi Steve. Firstly, 14 miles is no joke-so congratulate yourself!
  Secondly, I'll let you into a secret-the first marathon I did, I was in exactly the same position as you are right now. I was beside myself with anxiety.
  
  I'm going to offer you the same advice that my dear dad gave to me at the time. He told me to trust that I was at the right point in training for my body, and to stop looking around at what others were or weren't doing.
  
  This really helped me. I relaxed mentally, and felt a lot happier.
  So, heed the wise words of my dad, and you'll be absolutely fine. Have a great few weeks and enjoy the day, soaking up all the good vibes. You will be great :) Reply

Back to top