Resilience Long Run
Workout - Resilience Long Run
- 15min @ 6'30''/km
- 90min @ 6'30''/km
- 10min @ 6'30''/km
Nicola Runs recently shared her experience running a marathon while on double antibiotics for a tooth infection (Day 1 of 5 Marathons in 5 Days). We’ve pulled together the key takeaways from the video so you can apply them to your next long run. Don’t miss the full video for the complete story.
Key Points
- Mental resilience: Pain, according to Nicola, is 75% mental—a signal your brain creates. She counters this with positive self-talk to reduce its intensity.
- Early start: Nicola starts at 8:30 am, 30 minutes ahead of the main group, giving herself room to take antibiotics and handle bathroom needs without rushing.
- Course layout: The route follows a classic trail format: you head out and return via the same path, then do a complete lap around the reservoir.
- Gear & foot care: Double-layer and waterproof socks, paired with occasional shoe swaps, protect against wet-trail blisters.
- Fuel & hydration: Nicola fuels with regular small snacks—biscuits, warm buns, bacon sandwiches—and drinks water throughout. She pairs each antibiotic with a full glass.
- Pain management: Timed painkiller doses, controlled pacing to avoid crossing her pain threshold, and occasional “happy dances” to lift her spirits.
Workout Example (adaptable to your own paces)
- Start early – Leave 30 minutes before the rest of the group does.
- Out‑and‑back warm‑up – Run 1 mile at an easy pace, concentrating on rhythmic breathing.
- Full loop – Run the remaining ~25 miles around the trail. Stay within your comfort zone (around 65–75% of max heart rate) to keep pain manageable and medication timed right.
- Fuel every 30 minutes – Grab small carb portions—biscuits, fruit, whatever works—and take regular water sips.
- Foot checks – Every 5 km, swap socks or shoes if they’re wet. Keep waterproof or layered socks on hand.
- Medication breaks – Take your antibiotics on schedule (roughly every 2 hours), always with a full glass of water.
- Positive self‑talk – Remember that pain lives in your mind, not just your legs. A quick “happy dance” at each mile marker helps too.
Closing Note Put Nicola’s playbook to work on your next big run: get an early start, keep your feet dry, eat frequently, and maintain a positive mindset. The Pacing app lets you adjust pace targets, timing, and nutrition to suit your own objectives. Enjoy the effort, and don’t skip Nicola’s full video for more of her story!
References
- 5 Marathons in 5 Days - Day 1. Running a Marathon on Double Antibiotics due to a Tooth Infection! - YouTube (YouTube Video)