Marathon...Sick...Help!

I'm running in the Marine Corp Marathon on October 25th in Washington, DC. I am beyond excited and have been busting my butt this extremely hot and humid summer doing the training. 

I've been feeling very sick the past week and haven't been running as much. Doing a 4 mile run was miserable (not good, as I have to run 26 in 10 days!!). 

I went to the doctor today and I have strep throat. When is it safe to start running again? I did run yesterday but I didn't run today. I haven't done a long run in a while because I've felt sick. I've just accepted that my goal time is going to be slower than I originally thought because my training has been screwy the past month. Any advice?

I don't have an answer for you, but I sympathize with you!  That sucks to train so hard, and then to be cut down through something you've got no control over!

Clint

My advice to you is rest. Training builds network of new capillaries to improve your oxygen transport to your muscles. They are not likely to go away that fast. In 2005 I got hurt just before the Boston marathon and could not train for 2 months. I went any way and had a great time at the race. My race time sucked but I had a blast running with my brother (only briefly - he left me in the dust). I went home and gave the medal for simply finishing to my older son who was struggling in college and said to him: "Persevere". Well he's graduating out of law school this coming May.

You will remember your upcoming race for a long time. That I can promise you. Good things come when you face adversity and smile and don't run away. That said, listen to your body. If it can't take it, don't force the issue. There will be more races to come.

Best of luck.

During the taper, you can't help your marathon, but you can sure hurt it!  

You are READY!  

Relax, get better.  If you run, you will delay the healing.  Get 100% better then do a few short runs to remind your legs and lungs of whats ahead for them!

Good luck!!!

Go into your marathon knowing that you trained the best you could and cut yourself some slack if you have to walk or run slower than you had planned on.  You will have no problem finishing your marathon you trained enough to get you to the finish line.  My last marathon I trained well going into it but my lower back and hips started to really bother me around mile 15.  Got so bad I had to walk several miles.  But I still finished, I still made it across the finish line and you can too.

Thanks guys. Yeah I'm just going to take it easy. I might go on a run tomorrow if I feel better, and if not I'll run Saturday. And I'm gonna go slow and probably the max I'll do is a 6-8 mile run. 

Thanks :) I'll keep yall posted after I finish the marathon!!! (hopefully)

I just ran the Loch Ness Marathon in Scotland and like you, had trained hard and got sick during the taper period. (I actually hear that it happens quite often, as our bodies relax). Anyway, like you I was really worried that I was going to tank 16 weeks of training just a week and a half before the Marathon.

Your priority is to get yourself healthy and that means no running for a few days.

After the weeks of training, nothing in these last 10 days is going to make or break your marathon EXCEPT not getting your body strong. Fluids, good food, lots of rest, etc.

I was still slightly sick 3 days before the marathon, but almost better. Extra carbs, extra fluids and no running. In the last two weeks before the marathon, I ran only 4 times -- the 4th was a 2 mile run the day before the race to loosen my legs.

HAVE FUN and good luck!

p.s. I ran the whole marathon without walking, despite the hills and serious legs cramps during the last 6 miles. I was slower than I had hoped, finishing just over 4.18, but I had a fantastic time and in the end, in my opinon, that is what really counts.

Thanks scaroppo your post is very encouraging :) That makes me feel better that you only ran 4 times in the 2 weeks leading up to the marathon!

I went on a 3 mile run yesterday because I felt better, and it was okay. But today I feel worse :( I don't know what's going on. I have fever all of a sudden today, but my sore throat is gone. I'm nervous I have something besides strep throat. I'm just crossing my fingers!!!!

do not run with a fever.

Original Post by fidget84:

do not run with a fever.

I'm not! Don't think I could make it even if I wanted to.

Hi jcl!

Its like you are me two weeks ago.

I just came back from the Chicago marathon, I was terribly sick the week before the marathon, i had to get antibiotic injections and a shot of cortisone because I got bronchitis, my dr gave me what he called the marathon emergency treatment and i got better and was able to run, but i was still coughing during the race, needless to say my time suffered a little, and my body was very angry with me so by Tuesday I got sicker again and ended up taking another antibiotic and inhalation therapy.

For a few days before the race I was angry and miserable, because my time would suffer but when the race came I was just grateful to be able to run.

The moral of the story, we runners are crazy people who are willing to endure anything to accomplish our goals. If you ask me if it was worth it..... definitely!

Go to your doctor and get better fast you still have enough time.

On a high note I did qualify for Boston with 3:42 and it was my first marathon.

I ran my first half marathon today. I was worried about it because I started having ITBand problems with a week of training to go. I rested all last week and finished the race today in 2:10:06. You are ready and if you have to make adjustments to your time goals so be it. Have fun!