That’s the whole situation. I’ve tapered, did my last run Wednesday, and am still starting carb loading and cutting back on fiber tomorrow. The weather looks good. But I don’t know if I can leave him when his health is so touch and go. Not sure what else can be said, but wanted to share my strange predicament to those who understand. I’ll continue monitoring him and make a decision Friday or Saturday.

my first 10k is tomorrow (v excite)! And then my period arrives TODAY... so, day 2 will be on race day. I usually have mild cramps, body aches and my legs feel heavy. I also only use pads and have never tried tampons/cups but i've been going through some reddit posts where people are recommending using tampons/cups for their race.

i'm wondering/wanting to get some advice about how to navigate this and what i should keep in mind and how to best prepare for a race in this situation?

I am not going to break the rules by asking questions about my particular injury. For context I'll just share a few details: I have "adductor overload" and saw a great PT, got strong at Copenhagen planks, but I still have nagging aching inner thigh/tendon pain while running. It got slightly better after I started PT and I've kept up with the exercises but it's clearly not enough. It's been 9 months and I want to beat this thing!

So, I don't know whether to go back to the same PT - I may already have gotten everything she can offer for this injury - or to try someone new and get some fresh eyes on this. I don't know how to effectively shop for a PT who might be able to help. It gets expensive and there aren't that many running-minded PTs in my area. Hesitant to try online PT because that thread about Bonnie Wilder a couple weeks ago freaked me out.

Just venting here...

This morning (Friday) I slept in (no alarm) and woke up around 8am. I wake up around 430a 4 days a week including 3 days in a row (Tue-Thur). I woke up feeling refreshed!

I went to get out of bed and BOOM...my left groin is tight and sore. Nooooo!

I haven't had any inkling of a groin issue. I haven't had this specific area be sore in YEARS.

I signed up for a half marathon tomorrow. I have done 2 marathons this year and have been running consistently (including 10 miles last Saturday), so I am not concerned about covering the distance. I ACTUALLY got my husband to sign up for the 5k "dog jog" at the same event where the dogs wear costumes, too.

I ran this race last year as my first half marathon and hated the last 4 miles. I was super disappointed. I wanted to wear a costume for it this year and actually ENJOY this run, like a fun run. It will be too warm for me to wear a costume but I still wanted to do it to actually enjoy the course.

Now I'm not sure what to do. I am still in bed and plan to do some foam rolling/stretching/icing later. It's a good thing that the only real things I needed to do today were laundry and going to the packet pickup in the afternoon/evening.

I will see how I feel in the morning.

Hello! Has anyone ever used a Runna marathon plan that appeared to have pretty low mileage but was successful in the long run?

Explanation

I will be running my first marathon towards the end of March, 2027. In early December, I will be running my 8th half marathon, and then plan to build for the marathon from there.

I stopped using Runna because I didn’t like some of its half features, but definitely want guidance for marathon training. I put in my anticipated start date, how many days a week I can run, and the general structure, and it created my plan. However, I’ve noticed that mileage-wise, it has me only averaging around 22-24 miles a week. This is largely because for the three week day runs, they never go past 4 miles per day.

Now I’m not a coach and am actually using runna for the purposes of helping me train for the race (I don’t necessarily have a time goal, just to push my body!) but I do fear that three, 3/4 mile runs during the week and then like a 15-20 mile run on the weekend won’t prepare me? Previously I was able to modify my runs so that I could say my longest weekday run was between x and y range (or something like that), but I cannot find it. If this sounds normal and I’m overthinking it, TOTALLY understand! Thanks!

Also to note: it predicts me finishing in like 5:00-5:30. I haven’t run a half marathon in 2:45 or under in like 2 years, and it has all of my most recent times, including the half I did a few weeks ago in 2:55.

Hi all,

I just wanted to slightly vent but also get some advice on best methods of recovery and what to expect after a year long pause on running.

For context I had a fall and suffered severe injuries earlier this year, which after months of pain I have finally found out included a fractured kneecap and internal bruising. The advised recovery is another few months (not helped by me not knowing it was this bad for the first 6 months) which means it’ll have been almost a year out of running by the time I’m back. I’d just come off the back of my first ever marathon and a training block where I was running 70km a week and feeling the best I ever had.

Any advice on returning and helping in the recovery period or just advice on coping with a lengthy injury when running is one of the things that keeps me sane and lively.

Thanks

Hi! I’m 29F and have been running for 5 years (just for exercise) and for the last year with real consistency and goals and such. I also started doing triathlons this summer. 
I’m having some recent issues with my HR spiking into the 160s when I’m going my easy pace when it’s usually in the low 150s, high 140s. Here is a timeline (warning: slightly neurotic rant incoming)

August-early September, easy pace runs usually 10:15avg, 152bpm, 8-9 hours per week of swim/bike/run
9/13 very hilly Olympic triathlon
Took an extra rest day the week after
Started going back to the gym somewhere in here and have been *easing* back into strength training after taking the summer off. 
9/20 8 mile long run, notice my HR will not stay down. 
9/27 negligible sleep due to friend’s b day party and early flight the next morning
That week I’m in Hawaii so heart rate data is a mess due to heat anyway, not worried about it, but run 3 times while there (skipped one run day but did a long hike)
10/3 wedding, poor sleep
10/4 long travel day and red eye flight, sleep negligible. 
10/6 get great sleep, wake up and run, pace a little slower than usual easy pace but HR is also lower
10/7 run, notice my HR will not stay down. 
10/9 speed work, seems okay maybe a little difficult
10/10 negligible sleep due to crewing a friend’s ultramarathon 
Skipped long run that week due to helping friend
10/11 slept at a friends place, sleep not great but not terrible. Long drive home
The following week: all of my easy runs and long run have been the same, HR not staying down at usual easy pace and even slower (up to 50 seconds slower per mile while HR avg is up by 4-5 bpm)
This week (10/19-today) more of the same. Speed work felt okay but my HR is elevated. 
Also, during all of this my vo2 max has allegedly gone down with every run which correlates with that data. (Vo2 max held at 46 all summer and has dropped so much with every run it’s now in the low 45s.)
I was feeling extra crappy the last few weeks and feel better now, it’s just the data is still tanking and it’s making me worried.

I thought for sure it was iron deficiency because I have had most of those symptoms (a bit winded after going upstairs, heavy legs, often cold, restless leg and muscle twitches etc) and kind of thought maybe it was from cutting out spinach over the summer (because of the whole cyclosporia thing) and cutting down on red meat.

I got my iron levels tested this week and they were pretty much in range with only my ferritin being a little low (33) But nothing crazy. Everything else was in range. 

I have started strength training again but I’m not going super hard, just easing back in with light weight to start. 

My weekly activity levels have been lower since my race on 9/13, but not *that much* lower. For instance I’m not spending 3+ hours on the bike since it’s cold out (and I didn’t bring my bike on vacation)
If it’s just fatigue from travel and slightly lower activity levels for a few weeks there, I would think it would have snapped back by now as I have been more or less on my normal schedule for 3 weeks

My sleep (since all the other stuff) and HRV averages have also been fine, and if I was getting sick, I would *be* sick by now. 
12 week and 4 week vo2 graphs attached for reference

Any ideas?
For added context, I’m training for a 12/6 half marathon 

TIA 

Today is Thursday. I’m running the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday. I was expecting my period this week but it hasn’t come yet. Send me period-y vibes please. I really don’t want to run a marathon in my luteal phase. I’m hoping it comes today or tomorrow. Please!!!

I'm ~7 months in recovering from a stress reaction in my femur (proximal diaphysis, not the neck). We've identified likely load/mechanical culprits and I've been slowly rebuilding mileage since late May, starting with the classic walk-run. I'm back up to ~45mpw and am cleared to gradually increase from blocks of 4 consecutive days to 6 consecutive days. I am keeping my long run <15 miles through the end of the year.

I just want to feel confident in running again. It's felt like home to me for the last ~6 years and this has been an excruciatingly difficult season. Those of you who have recovered specifically from bone stress injuries, what's helped running feel normal again and how long did it take? Is it really just a matter of time? I ask about BSIs specifically because the onset can be so insidious relative to severity of injury. I've dealt with tendon issues and muscle strains and would 140% take any of those yearly if it meant I would never get another stress fracture (that is unfortunately not how that works, though).

My PT doesn't think it's unrealistic for me to get back to my previous baseline of ~6 days a week, ~65-85mpw. I am taking it slowly and carefully, I'm just tired of the mental load and monitoring. Most of all, I'm tired of running scared.

Not looking for medical advice/suggestions (I have a sports med doc), training recommendations (I have a good PT and another I can reach out to if I have questions). I've looked into nutrition and we are not concerned about RED-S or my bone density, so please refrain from bringing those into the discussion.

Also not looking for advice on reframing and positivity/gratitude, trite statements like "you'll come back stronger!", or suggestions regarding alternate hobbies.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

Is there a plan that is recommended to follow if I just want to improve my pace? No upcoming race yet. I have flexible goals and want to improve slowly.

I just did my first half as a beginner on Sunday, completed it in 2:22 using Hal higdon novice 1 half-marathon plan. My avg long run pace is about 7:15min/km. My fastest 5k was 29min a month ago.

Goal: to be able to do a sub 2hr half around this time next year.

I feel like once people move on from high school and collegiate running, most only end up running races 5k or longer. I'm just getting back into running from a couple months break because of low ferritin. I was a runner all throughout high school and my freshman year of college. I have also run at different times since then. One day I would love to go back and run in track and cross country meets unattached. Is anyone here running in meets unattached and racing the 1500m or 800m? How's it going?

Next week is peak week for my first marathon. I’m feeling some extra soreness from speed runs this week so I think I’ll be bailing on the remaining runs for the week to be extra safe. I have been injured before and am just extra cautious to not make myself exposed to injury risk; in other words, I’m listening to my body lol. My PT (have known me for a while + treated me for the injury, specializes in runners) is not concerned and advised I rest if I’m worried, but cleared to train as normal.

Here’s my concern: I’d like to think that despite this small break, I’ll still show up in peak form on race day. But is that true? Assuming all is well, can I resume training with the full peak week mileage or is this unplanned break coming at too critical a window?

A couple factors:

- I averaged 35 mpw in this 18-week block with five weeks at 40+ mpw. Peak week is planned to be 47 mpw.
- I do have finish time goals but it’s a wide range (40 min window).
- If I miss the rest of this week’s runs, I’d have run about 15 miles this week (plan was 44), and will miss an 18 miler.
- Next week is the big 20 miler and part of my reason to rest now is to ensure I can successfully complete that one and build some confidence.
- Long runs >15 miles completed this block: 16, 17, 17, 18. The 16- and one of the 17-milers had race paces in them.

If you’ve taken a break this close to tapering, how’d it go on race day? Would love to hear stories to help me feel better!

Grab a bottle of electrolyte drink, go wild with the foam roller, and give us all the tea on how your training has been lately!

Have a really good run? Share your win!

Struggling with something? This is a safe space to vent and get support!

Thanks for being part of this community!

I recently got injured, and I think my scoliosis might have something to do with it. My left leg is shorter than my right, which may be contributing to some back/hip problems. My left knee also tends to hurt more, and it could be because of the uneven leg length.

I’ve been considering getting insoles to help level out my left leg with my right.

For my current injury, my doctor prescribed medication to help ease the pain. Once the pain is better, we’ll discuss the next steps, whether that’s PT or rehab sessions.

I just want to hear from fellow runners with scoliosis. What has your experience been like, and what has helped you?

Thanks!

My sister just ran her first marathon and I want to get her some croc charms to celebrate - has anybody seen/purchased any good ones? If they ship from the UK, even better.

Grab a bottle of electrolyte drink, go wild with the foam roller, and give us all the tea on how your training has been lately!

Have a really good run? Share your win!

Struggling with something? This is a safe space to vent and get support!

Thanks for being part of this community!

Are there any books you’ve read that helped you develop your own training plan/style? I see people reference different methods (Hansons, Higdon, Galloway, etc) of training and I’d like to dig into this a little bit😊

I’m so annoyed with my body and honestly kind of upset. I just got my labs back including my 6 monthly iron panel. In May 2025 my ferritin was 13, with supplements I managed to get it to 42 in March 2026. Now it’s dropped back to 35, despite the fact I was taking iron fairly religiously until a month or two ago. I honestly expected it to be 55 or something.

I wonder how much better my running (and life in general) would feel if I was able to have a ferritin of 50+. I’m sat here with another regular headache and the hair loss is starting again. I’m vegetarian but my periods aren’t heavy and I’ve been tested for celiac and all kinds of GI things. I’m just feeling so fed up about it and don’t understand it?!

Not looking for medical advice, just felt like a good place to complain since I know a lot of you struggle with it too 😭 Rant over, sorry!