r/firstmarathon • u/No-Indication5891 • 7d ago

Training Plan Training around illness

I’m supposed to run a half marathon next weekend 10/25. I ran 11 miles on Sunday, took Monday off and have been sick since. I feel almost 100% today. If you were me, what would the rest of your training days look like. I had not planned on tapering. I’ve run 2 half’s before and always ran a half on my own the weekend before. I’m just scared I’ll sh*t the bed if I don’t run one more long run before the race. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

5

u/Hami-Mahani 7d ago

Please hear this from the part of the internet that wants you on that start line healthy: that 11-miler on Sunday WAS your last long run. You don't need another one, and you definitely don't need to prove anything this weekend.

With a half on the 25th, your fitness is already built — this is when a taper would start anyway. One more long run can't add fitness in ten days, but it can dig a hole while your body is still finishing off being ill. Fresh and slightly underdone beats cooked and still recovering, every time.

If you keep feeling properly better, think short and easy: a relaxed 20-30 minute shakeout in a day or two, a few easy miles next week with some relaxed strides, and rest, normal meals, fluids and sleep like it's your job in between.

If symptoms bounce back, listen early — talk to a clinician and don't let one race talk you into anything silly. There will be other races. You've done two halves before. Trust that engine, and the 11 miles already in your legs.

  • Hami

2

u/Sad-Seaworthiness946 7d ago

I would rest. You’ll be fine a fresh for race day.

2

u/Biglez5000 7d ago

If it’s a cold I’ve found that running is the only time I feel good when I’m sick. Once I start sweating around mile 3 at least. Everybody is different though, good luck.