How to Handle Missed Training Runs Before Your Marathon
1 Week of training to go for my Boston Qualifier
Missing a training run can be stressful, especially if it's your last scheduled long run before a marathon. But fear not—I'm here to guide you through what to do if you find yourself in this situation. I’ve got only one week to go before my Boston Qualifier Marathon and I just missed my last 22 mile training run!
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Missed a Run? Don't Panic!
If you miss a run due to conflicts or weather conditions, don't worry too much. Simply reschedule and complete it as soon as possible. However, if injury or illness caused you to miss your run, it's crucial not to rush to make it up. Here's why…
Personal Story: Learning from Experience
A couple of weeks ago, I experienced a hard fall during a trail race, injuring my knee just a week before my last long marathon training run—a critical 22-mile run. Although I attempted to run a few days before the scheduled long run, my knee pain prevented me from continuing. In the face of uncertainty, I got an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, who confirmed through x-rays that my knee had no significant damage, only a bruise. This meant I could resume running, but the missed long run remained a concern.
Should I Squeeze in a Missed Long Run?
The short answer is no. Having trained for months leading up to the marathon, missing one long run won’t significantly affect my preparation. The priority is to allow my body to recover from the injury, transitioning naturally into the tapering phase until race day.
Advice for Older Runners
As we age, our bodies take longer to heal from injuries or illnesses, making recovery all the more important. If you face an injury or illness during training, it's vital to prioritize recovery over making up for lost runs. Consistent training over time is where real progress happens.
If you miss a training run, avoid stress. Don't blindly adhere to a training schedule or double up to compensate. Focus on healing and trust that all your consistent preparation from past weeks will see you through.
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned for next week's post, where I'll cover my three-step race preparation process for my Boston Qualifier Marathon. If you're a marathoner approaching your golden years, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss out on valuable insights.
See you next week!
-Herb