This period is the money-time of the marathon training, the Monster Month - These 4 weeks are the most critical and most difficult weeks of the marathon training. Mileage peak (300 km/month), the longest long runs (35k), more hills.
And we're tired. Or injured. Or Both.
It is during this month that many runners get injured - pull hamstrings, knot calf muscles, get ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome), inflame knees, and more. If the injury is too serious, its bye-bye marathon. Every ache and twinge is a warning sign. It is a time of anxiety and stress.
Mental fatigue also catches up, getting tired of training, tired of 4am weekend wakeups, tired of energy gels, tired of the ice baths…
But now we need to get through Monster Month. And do it in one piece. Over-motivated pre-40-crisis amateurs stick to the training plan. No matter what. Even though something feels physically wrong, if the spread sheet says “this Friday 30k at marathon pace+10” - you do. And the cruelest side of marathon training – injuries don’t have a clear warning sign saying “stop here or get injured”. Since pain permanently escorts you from the day you start with the 30k long runs, it is does not serve as a stop sign.
The positive side of Monster month is to get to see the rewards of the last training months. A 24k weekend run is now considered as an easy long run that does not require recovery days.
As for motivation during Monster Month, runners are recommended to 'visualize the race' – ahh Verrazano Bridge, Central Park...
Till the Verrazano, its the 2nd Tze’ala race on October 4th.
Shana Tova!
It is during this month that many runners get injured - pull hamstrings, knot calf muscles, get ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome), inflame knees, and more. If the injury is too serious, its bye-bye marathon. Every ache and twinge is a warning sign. It is a time of anxiety and stress.
Mental fatigue also catches up, getting tired of training, tired of 4am weekend wakeups, tired of energy gels, tired of the ice baths…
But now we need to get through Monster Month. And do it in one piece. Over-motivated pre-40-crisis amateurs stick to the training plan. No matter what. Even though something feels physically wrong, if the spread sheet says “this Friday 30k at marathon pace+10” - you do. And the cruelest side of marathon training – injuries don’t have a clear warning sign saying “stop here or get injured”. Since pain permanently escorts you from the day you start with the 30k long runs, it is does not serve as a stop sign.
The positive side of Monster month is to get to see the rewards of the last training months. A 24k weekend run is now considered as an easy long run that does not require recovery days.
As for motivation during Monster Month, runners are recommended to 'visualize the race' – ahh Verrazano Bridge, Central Park...
Till the Verrazano, its the 2nd Tze’ala race on October 4th.
Shana Tova!
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