678 357 6406

ask the coach

We are happy to answer your questions
WE'LL TRY TO ANSWER YOUR RUNNING RELATED QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE SOME NUGGETS OF WISDOM. KEEP IN MIND THAT DIAGNOSIS IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUR PHYSICIAN. COMMENTS POSTED HERE SHOULD NOT BE MISCONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE! USE THE FORM BELOW TO SEND IN YOUR OWN QUESTION FOR THE COACH. ASK THE COACH ARCHIVES ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

Have a question for the coach?

Radio
Lost stamina - Donna
I am a 54 year old healthy but slowish runner who has run 2 marathons, and 25 half marathons. I continued to run throughout the pandemic, doing several virtual races and challenges. I did my last half marathon on May 1st in 2:40 and for some reason ever since I have lost my stamina to run my long runs of 8 miles. Every Sunday this summer I've headed out feeling nourished and rested but keep having to take many walk breaks. I feel fine, don't think it's a medical issue, but guess I could get blood work checked for anemia or thyroid? I tried new shoes. Every Sunday it's been the same. 8 miles used to be easy, I don't know what's going on. Thoughts? Thank you!,
Reply - Coach Janet
Hi Donna Sorry to hear about the struggles with training. A few things could be going on here - see if any of these ring true to you. First thought I had was the heat wave we've all been enduring. Heat affects performance, there's no way around that. Usually if you slow your pace / effort a bit, and stay well hydrated you can endure but some people are affected more than others. If you're one of those that really gets hit in the heat - run at the coolest time of day, on a shady path if possible, and take plenty of fluid with you - walking for all fluid breaks. The next thought I had was - I wonder what her weekly mileage looks like now compared to when she felt running was easier (in May). You're a very experienced athlete, but if your mileage eased up a bit after that May Half marathon - did you bring it back up gradually? Are you back to the mileage you were before? The mid-week miles provide the foundation and support for the long run on the weekend. If for example, you previously were up around 25 miles a week when you were doing long runs of 8 and you're now only running, say, 15 miles a week... that can make a big difference in how hard that 8 miler feels. Third thought - I wonder what paces she's running the long run at? As the long run gets longer, it's typical to ease the pace a bit slower so you don't overstress your body. If you're trying to do it at the same pace you run mid-week on your shorter runs you may find that you feel less fatigued if you just take your foot off the gas a bit. Finally - you're at an age where perhaps you're perimenopausal or perhaps you're in menopause? For some women this change of hormone status plays havoc with their training and stamina. Honestly with your long successful history as a distance runner - I'm betting on the heat issue -- but check in on the other possibilities as well. If you've not seen your GP in a few years for an annual check up it might not hurt to go in and have some bloodwork done. Feel free to reach out to me again if I can be of service. Best regards - Janet Hamilton, MA, RCEP, CSCS, USATF-level 1, RRCA-certified coach
Our Athletes Share their stories
"We are undefeated coach! We prepared for 5 marathons together and we set a PR every time!" Paul S (NY)
"Janet's education, experience in patient care & as an educator give her a credible resume for advising runners. More importantly to me, she is able to reach out and see where I need a boost - nutrition, race day preparation, etc. She is intuitive in reading my running log and tweaks my training accordingly. I have worked with Janet for several years and I have been injury-free while snagging half marathon PRs." Cheryl (KS)
Over the years my running goals have evolved, and, thanks to Janet, I’ve achieved them all! Janet’s background in physical therapy and biomechanics was invaluable to get me back on my feet after a bad hamstring injury. Janet uses her knowledge of the latest scientific evidence to optimize performance. With Janet’s help, I’ve reached the podium for races from the 5K to the marathon and qualified for Boston. Most importantly, Janet has a positive, supportive coaching style, and is a pleasure to work with! Kathrine T (GA)