Yesterday I decided would be an off day… but I wanted to eat pizza last night.
So it wasn’t an off day.
My weight is creeping up on me again. For some reason even running 4 miles a day it is moving in the wrong direction. I don’t know why.
Yesterday was pizza night at my house. Normally the Friday that I get paid we get pizza for dinner and relax and enjoy.
I got home from work and decided to go run. It probably wasn’t smart as my body is sore from running all week and yesterday makes 8 days in a row. But even with not taking a day off this week, I’ll only be at 30 miles, so that isn’t too bad.
I’m off in a few to meet @BigBigGeek for some miles at the state park. That is always fun. We are going to run 6 miles which will be my long run for the week.
Question… Does anyone know or have experience on how long it takes to recover from a marathon? I mean fully recover. I feel like even almost 4 weeks later I am still a bit stiff in my running. It could be the heat that has popped back up or the fact I took a few weeks off.
Yesterdays run averaged about 10:00 pace with walking. At the end I pushed the last quarter mile down to a 6:40 pace just to get myself used to pushing through at the end (something TJ taught me).
Have an awesome weekend!!!
278 to Boston 
I know you are supposed to take a full week off everything after a marathon to help recovery. Personally, it takes me a good month to six weeks before I feel “normal” again. Give yourself a break, even though that’s probably hard to do!
I thought I had taken enough time, but I think I may have pushed it too hard. 30 miles doesn’t seem like much in a week, but I may take a couple days off just to make sure. Thanks for the help!!!
I found this article on “reverse tapering” after a marathon. I also think you should add in time for those of us over 40 years old.
http://www.drpribut.com/sports/mararthonrecov.html
I never thought about “reverse tapering”. I agree about adding in time. Once I got to the Masters class in racing, I knew something was up. 🙂
Thanks for the link!!!
It usually takes me well over a month, but if you can do 8 days in a row at any distance this soon after the marathon, I think you’re doing awesome! You could also check out Hal Higdon’s website – he has a pretty specific post-marathon training schedule on there that you might be able to use as a guide.
I’ll do that. Thank you for the encouragement. I hope things get better!
Hi Tom,
I usually give myself a month, and follow a ‘reverse taper’ type programme. I personally refer to the Hal Higdon and his ‘zero week’ recovery plan:
http://www.halhigdon.com/training/51152/Post-Marathon-Zero-Week-Training-Program
Thanks Bernie. I’ll take a look. I just thought I should be over issues by now, but I don’t think I am.
Don’t be hard on yourself! My first marathon took me six weeks before I could run any ‘long’ distance again. You’ll be at full tilt very soon I’m sure!
That helps. I am a bit shocked by the amount of time it has taken to recover. I guess my 50 year old body needs more time than my 20 year old mind thinks it does. 🙂
Also, I was just on RunBlogger, checking out a review on the Newton Energy as a possible new shoe for my LSD runs and I saw your post pop up is his Blogroll. Nice one!
It is cool. I get about 8 to 10 referrals from RunBlogger a day. Pete really wants to help bloggers.
By the way, let me know if you like the Newtons. I used them a couple years ago, but haven’t since. I think some of my aches and pains are shoe related, so I want to try a different shoe like the Newtons. Thanks!
I agree with all the previous comments…I’ve only run one marathon, but I felt like it took me a good 5-6 weeks to recover. Take it easy on yourself…the weight will stabilize as your body adjusts.
That is good to know, especially about the weight. I have been worried. 5 – 6 weeks is a lot longer than I thought I needed and is good to know that I’m still recovering!!! Thanks!
I agree as well with the previous comments. After all of my marathons, I did not run at all for 2 weeks. Then I would honesty say that it took me 6-8 weeks to feel energized again, with no longer runs over 8 miles. The marathon definitely takes a toll on your body.
I knew the marathon would take a while to recover from, but I honestly had no idea how long it would take. This is great info. Thanks!
My one marathon experience (15 years ago) left me pretty wiped out for a while. Suddenly my easy 5 miler was a chore, when just a few weeks before I was running 15 comfortably. So… more time than you would think, and if you want to make long distance running a long-term thing, all I can say is listen to your body. Maybe replace 2 runs each week with a bike ride for a few weeks. That will keep your fitness (and calorie burn) up while giving your running legs a rest. You don’t want to end up burned out or injured!
Sorry to be so wordy… I just learned that lesson the hard way a while ago. Good luck!
Thanks. Lots of good information. I was just telling @BigBigGeek today our run that I need to get the tires in my late sister’s bike filled so I can start riding. I think deep down inside that I am afraid I’ll like riding a bike more than running. 🙂
I’ll be careful. Thank you for the info. Good to hear from you!!!
So I shouldn’t run a half next weekend??
Have you tried cross training? I have found that doing something different helps my body work out the stiffness and lagging fatigue faster. But to answer your question as to how long-I think a month to 6 weeks to feel normal IS normal. Just keep gradually building in distance and speed and you will push thru the recovery wall.
Here’s hoping I take my own advice….😉
I need to so some type of cross training, but I just haven’t done it.
BTW, did I get this late? Aren’t you about to run??? I’m praying for your marathon.
It’s 5:19 here…..Our hotel is a few blocks from the start. I still have a good hour to panic in the room.
Wow. So exciting!!! I’ll be anxiously waiting your sub 3:30 time! I’m heading out to trail run with my sons on a 69 degree morning.
HAVE FUN!!!
Thanks! I’m hoping for “fun!” Have a good run!
Thanks!
Oh, and have a good half next weekend! 🙂
I’ve only done 3 marathon (and 2 of them were 8 weeks apart – I don’t recommend that!!) – but I’ve found 4-8 weeks of low key running is needed – physically and mentally. When recovering, I like to run every other day or 2 days in a row then a day off. Last Fall, about 6 weeks after my marathon, I was itching to ramp back up after about 6 weeks – but it was a long, slow ramp up!
(I really enjoy your blog by the way!)
Thanks! You are so nice!!! I appreciate your comment and it really helps. I’ll take it easy for a bit more before I try to my mileage. I appreciate it!!!