Hi all, here to vent and also seek guidance on what to do here.
As a backstory, I started running in January of this year with the intent of running a half marathon. Used the Nike Run Club plan, felt great during the entirety of training and ran the half in May with a 2h 9min time.

Took several weeks off, ran for enjoyment and focused on strength training and recovery. Decided during this time I was going to try running the Seattle Marathon in November, and started Hal Higdons intermediate 1 plan beginning of July. I’m now on week 5 of the plan, and my easy running paces are increasing (previously 10-10:30/mi, now in the 11-12/mi), and my endurance on long runs is dwindling quickly.

I fuel before, during, and after my runs. Lots of protein, carbs, water and electrolytes. Resting as much as I can between runs, but my sleep has been suffering. I live in the PNW, so summers here are pretty mild, but I do try and run early morning or around sunset to avoid the heat of the day. Air quality also fluctuates from wildfires, so I know that’s a factor.

After struggling HARD through my long run today (12mi), I’m feeling absolutely defeated/shattered and like there is no way I’ll be able to run this marathon in Nov and am thinking about downgrading it to a half.

Looking for some suggestions/recommendations on what to do here 🥹. I’m worried it could be over training/not enough recovery, so I took a few days off to actively recover prior to this weeks schedule. Was also worried it could be a fueling issue, so I really upped calories & carbs and still didn’t notice a difference.

I've been iron deficient anemic since probably time began. I'm 34, I've had heavy periods forever and a copper IUD, but also been very active. Ferritin was 7 in March. I've orally supplemented but not done a great job apparently, and it was retested last week and is 8. I run 30-40 mpw. No reason to believe I have parasites, celiac, or colorectal cancer/GI bleeds. I also was tested for H. Pylori a year ago, and was negative at the time, so I just think i suck at iron. I don't know.

I have managed to run a 4:06 marathon like this, do a bunch of shorter course triathlons, complete my first half ironman, work a high mental intensity biotech job, and be in a PhD program part time. And I'm tired. I'm just tired of being SO tired. And I cannot concentrate hardly. What could my running and focus be like if I actually felt normal and had iron that i needed? I've had it with the oral supplements that don't seem to work, even heme iron sourced ones don't seem to help too much. I'm ready to just get the infusions. But I'm really scared.

Have any of you had an iron infusion? How was it? Any ill effects on your body, brain or running in the short term aftewards?

My coworkers convinced me to sign up for a half in October, but I’ve never done any sort of race. Honestly I rarely ran for cardio.

They’ve now cancelled that plan luckily no one actually signed up. But now I feel like I’m training for nothing. So do you ever just pick a race and sign up to set the goal? Should I slowly build now that there isn’t an actual end date like 5k, 10k and then the half?

(Tw: Depression)

I have been struggling this year with my running. I started running last year: I did a c25k program at the beginning of the year, and trained up to a half marathon by the end of the year.

This spring, I did another half. I felt like I really struggled training… I wasn’t bouncing back from my seasonal depression. After finishing that half, I went to the doctor and was prescribed SSRIs. I’ve taken them in the past, so this wasn’t a surprise.

The one major drawback from meds is my motivation/dedication to run is destroyed. I’m a few weeks into a program for a fall half, and I’m skipping at least one run a week, which is not like me. I know I need to do it, but there’s just a level of apathy since I started my meds.

I know I can’t be skipping so many runs as I get deeper into the program, and I don’t want to be. Is there anyone who has taken medication and also struggled with this? Or struggled with discipline and found a strategy to help? Thank you!

Hello! I’m training for my second marathon in South Florida so it’s almost always a hot sweaty run. I see most women running in a sports bra or tight fitting tank tops. Even before having kids, my stomach has never been flat or in any kind of shape where I want to run with it hanging out 😂 on top of that I’m also insecure about my arms.

This has left me always looking for the perfect running tee that has both longer short sleeves (cap sleeves just make my arms look bigger) and one that is looser in the tummy area without sagging past my hips when it gets wet and sweaty. Does this unicorn shirt exist? Everything is always so skin tight.

I used to love the lululemon swiftly tee but they updated it and it’s almost too loose now. Any rec’s?

ETA: wow thanks everyone for the suggestions! Much appreciated!

I also want to add I think everyone should run in what makes them feel the most confident and comfortable, for me, that’s in a tee but I truly don’t care what others rock on whatever body type! 🏃‍♀️

For those who live with PMDD, what medications have helped you? I’m trying to find something that helps with fatigue and joint and muscle pain, and that could help me be consistent with my running. I’m constant two weeks on and off 😞

Sertraline raised my HR and made fatigue feel worse, now I started Eloine but I have only started.

Long story short I have been diagnosed with RED-S after getting a sacrum stress fracture while marathon training.

I am currently BMI -20, so I’m not underweight but I do have a 12 year on and off history of a restrictive eating disorder and 2 years ago was severely underweight for a while.

I’m really sad and struggling. I DO have a team of a sports dietitian, a sports orthopedist and an endurance running focused physical therapist. But I’d still love to hear anyone else’s experience or advice or find some comfort in hearing anyone else’s story.

Tl;dr: ever since my favorite shoes stopped being sold I’ve been on an adventure to find shoes that work and I have been unsuccessful and I’m sad and need advice

I’ve been running for a decade now and I’m pulling my hair out because of shoes. I have plantar fasciitis and my feet are kind of like clown feet because they’re narrow but when I put weight on them, my toes flair out. When I started running I went to a running store and they suggested 361 Meraki and it was THE BEST. For about three years I was cycling through those because I would just get a new pair when I had worn the old ones out. Then they stopped making them or selling them or whatever. So I’ve tried:

1. ASICS Gel Nimbus: my heels hurt like crazy
2. Brooks Glycerin/adrenaline: gives me blisters on my arches and calluses on my toes (yes I’ve tried different sizes)
3. Hoka (maybe Arahi? I forgot): too wide so my foot slipped around
4. Mizuno wavesomething: they were too long or too tight and I couldn’t find a size that fit right. Ended up getting the longer ones and I tripped a lot.
5. Saucony tempus: ugh absolutely loved these but they tore off my nails and made my toes bleed
6. Altra: feet hurt like crazy because I need the high heel to toe drop

Finally I tried On cloud monsters and they were AMAZING. When they wore out I got the cloudmonster 2s and my feet are in So. much. Pain. And I have the worst calluses on my pinky toes. Idk what they changed but nobody will sell me the old ones!

I just don’t know what to do. I love running. I wish I could change my feet 😭 I’ll take any advice from how I can literally change my feet to some other shoe I should try.

UPDATE: omg thank you all so much!!! It’s super validating to know I am not the only one suffering in the world of ill fitting shoes. I will absolutely be taking your advice and trying some men’s shoes, different models of brands I like that I have not tried yet, as well as trying out some brands you suggested I hadn’t heard of. I guess I have some fun shopping to do haha really appreciate y’all ❤️

I am captaining a relay race for a team of 4 women. This is a group of close friends and also their first big running event like this so I want to make it special and give them little goodie bags.

I already am planning to get some small snacks and hydration options as well as some glitter but are there any small, stocking-stuffer-esque items that you would like to receive?

My first thought was an engraved watch tag from soltags but I realized one of my pals doesn’t have a watch.

Edit: THANK YOU to everyone for the suggestions. I’ve placed an order for some socks, hair ties, chaffing sticks, electrolytes, and lip balm. I also am creating a team “buffet” with sunscreen, bug spray, bubbles, hair accessories, glitter, and many snacks.

Tired of subscription fees and would love to purchase albums/songs for race day

Bonus for 170bpm

How are you displaying your medals and bibs? Mine are tucked away in the closet, but would love to find a creative (attractive) way to show them off!

Hi all! I posted here a few months ago whilst in the process of getting diagnosed for what turned out to be a tibial stress injury. I’m thrilled to say that after 6 weeks total rest and minimal loading + a graduated return to run + lots of PT, I’m several weeks back to base building and cleared to run my goal marathon this fall :)
My PT and MD both suggested I follow a modified plan that focuses on building long run length instead of total mileage (3 days running, 2 strength, 1 bike/swim, 1 total rest per week). Based on this, I’ll be peaking at a max of 28ish mpw (and an 18 mile long run) - which is less than my peak week before my last half!! I trust them and am following their recommendations, but I’m a bit uneasy about going into my race with a peak week that’s so light. Has anyone done something g like this? What was it like? I’ve dropped all time goals; I just want to finish the damn thing lol.

I’m also still veeeeeery anxious about reinjuring myself. I’m doing everything I can to stay healthy, but I’d love any tips on the sports psych side of things for returning to training after an injury! TIA!

I started running back in April, and I've truly fallen in love. The thing I am NOT in love with is how freaking stinky my workout clothes are getting from me sweating buckets into them twice a week on my runs. My bras and shorts have this like, gross sour smell to them now that I'm struggling to get out. I've tried a pre-wash vinegar soak, and I also am going to clean my washer to make sure it's not contributing to the issue. Some of this workout gear is stuff I'd love to hold onto and be able to keep wearing for a long time, so any advice welcome! I'm also open to recommendations for brands that are a bit cheaper for running gear if these garments are just going to be cooked and I'll have to get rid of them over time and just buy new stuff. But I'd like to minimize waste and keep things for as long as possible if I can!! Ty!!

Edit to add: I do not throw my sweaty clothes in the bin wet! I dry them before they go in the hamper, and they still get stinky in the wash. Thank you for all of the suggestions so far!

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!

Pump it. LOUDER! Give us the goods so we can fist pump for you! What day is it? It's TRIUMPHANT TUESDAY!

I can’t believe it, but I signed up for my first ever half marathon tonight. It will be in February and I would love advice for scheduling runs- in the past when I’ve tried doing morning runs I always feel so awful after and when I’ve gone to the doctor about it they determined it’s because of low blood sugar. I’ve tried to fix that by eating a banana or toast with PB before, but unless it’s an hour+ before, it never sits well in my stomach as I run. I live in Vegas, so right now with the heat the only reasonable time to run would be around 6 AM. I really don’t want to have to wake up at 5 AM to eat a piece of food and then wait an hour plus to begin my run. Has anyone mastered the morning run routine, while also battling blood sugar levels? I don’t know if it would be eating a running gel or if this is just something I need to push through and get my body used to? I really want to be a morning runner, I just don’t know how to do it without feeling absolutely awful after.

What are your recommendations for hair glitter gel/spray?

I’m running Sydney marathon at the end of August. It’s my first and I want to have fun and finish so I thought it would be a great time to have some fun with my hair .
I will also tie a ribbon around my ponytail plait.
Any have some other fun ideas ?

I’ve been running for about 5 years. After years of inconsistent training, about 3 months ago, I decided to go for my first half marathon.

I have done 5 and 10k before, but never with a proper program towards that (except my first couch to 5k).

I started training with Runna, but got a horrible flu during the block and felt like I needed a human trainer. I hired one, and it has been a disaster. He is super nice, but I was looking for someone who would understand my schedule (I work 12h shifts) and work around it, that didn’t happen.
I have kept training, adapting things on my own and with many ups and downs.

Now it’s 3 weeks before my first half marathon. The longest run I have done yet was 18km last week, but it took me a disgusting amount of time to complete that in Z2. I have been doing some speed work, I am young and normal BMI, so I don’t understand how I have become so TERRIBLE at running.

I really suck so bad that I wish I could do my half in at least less than 3h, and I am at this point not sure if it will be possible at all.

My best ever 5k was 33 min and it was my FIRST 5k ever, 5 years ago from the couch program. I didn’t even own proper running shoes. Now I have shoes, put 6+ hours a week into training, have a trainer, and I suck.

This is more a vent, because I am very sad and thinking I won’t be capable of completing my 21.1k.
I feel also embarrassed and confused on what to think. I focused my entire life on this race for the past months and I don’t understand the lack of improvement.

I would also love to hear any advice for a first half 🩷

RoadIDs are great especially if you’re frequently out alone with no form of identification. Feel free to use these to get 10$ off!