Fatigue - a marathon theme.
Fatigue.
This word is terrifying, humbling, restricting, and concerning, yet aptly describing marathon training.
Every time I set out to marathon train, I resonate with this word. This word becomes my friend, my pursuit, and the biggest damn annoyance. As I write this, I’m irritated. I want to have the energy needed for clarity while reaching for my mid-day coffee.
Pushing towards the upper limits, be it physically, mentally, or emotionally, takes a toll on us. How do we safely drive towards that ability while holding the duality between where we are today and where we hope to be?
To begin this pursuit, we must understand what fatigue is.
Fatigue is a feeling of extreme tiredness or exhaustion. It can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, affecting their energy levels, performance, and overall well-being.
A variety of factors cause fatigue.
Physical fatigue can be caused by prolonged physical activity, such as running a marathon, as a lack of sleep or inadequate nutrition. Mental fatigue can be caused by stress, anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues. Medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, and thyroid disorders, can also cause fatigue.
The symptoms of fatigue vary from person to person but generally include a feeling of exhaustion, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. People may also experience headaches, irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
Where do we go once we identify this fatigue? To continue pushing, overruling our body's alarm system, or taking the needed recovery.
The treatment of fatigue depends on the underlying cause. For physical fatigue, rest and adequate sleep are essential. Eating healthy, balanced meals and feel-good movement can help. Stress management techniques such as relaxation exercises, yoga, and mindfulness can be beneficial.
Fatigue can be managed; it is impermanent. While this exhaustion weighs heavy occasionally, it is not perpetual. There are ways out.
When training, take a step back to prioritize complete rest. It may look like ensuring you get the nutrition required for your daily output. Maybe it’s dialing back the intensity or the volume, ensuring that you genuinely let the bulk of your miles be at that base pace with a lowered heart rate and a slower speed.
Fatigue can impact the quality of life. It is essential to understand the causes and symptoms of fatigue and to take steps to manage it. Knowing when to speak to a healthcare professional if fatigue persists is crucial. Regaining energy and vitality can be done through the right treatments, strategies, and care.
If you are fatigued, take heart in knowing it is not forever. This is a moment, an opportunity to evaluate and prioritize the care required to restore your energy. There are ways to care for yourself throughout the marathon to avoid feeling this fatigue, but the distance humbles you and shows you your limits at some point.
