Long runs make me sick?

[mnowac]

I have been training for my second marathon this winter. I started in Jan. Everytime I run over 15 miles I end up really sick a few days later. After my 2 - 20 milers I was definitely down for the count. It’s like I get a really bad cold. Not congested, but sore throat, headache, stomach issues, etc. It almost seems to me that everytime I do a long run my immune system just completely breaks down and I feel crappy for a few days afterwards. I take a vitamins everyday, get plenty of sleep and always take a least one (sometimes 2!) rest day a week.

Does anyone else find that this happens to them too? I don’t know if this is kind of normal or if something is wrong with me. I don’t remember being sick all the time last marathon, but I was also doing a novice program and only running about 20 – 23 miles a week and really just running. Now I am running 24-30 miles a week, as well as biking and swimming b/c I am training for a tri now too. Just curious if others feel like the long training breaks down their bodies and makes them sick too. I am trying to figure out a way to combat this for my next 20 miler. Maybe I should start taking airborne the day before I do my next long run? Anyone know of any immune boosters that are really supposed to work? I already take a multi vitamin, vitamin C, choromium, fish oil and glucosamine daily (well when I remember, but I almost always remember the multi v and vitamin C)

[bberk1]

Are you doing it too fast? Your long runs typically should be 30-45 seconds slower per mile then you want to run your race in. Are you eating and drinking during the long run enough? You should try to get some food in you at least once per hour. Also the post run food. You need to replenish your bod with food. Good food. Like a pint of ben and jerrys. Some good food. I'm not sure why you'd get cold symtoms. I've never heard of that unless it's just really bad timing.

[speerka]

I have had this problem numerous times before, it's very frustrating. The key for me is getting out of my wet clothes (including the sports bra) as quickly as possible before I start getting cold. Eating helps too. I generally try to take a nap or just do some reading with my legs elevated to relax afterwards before I get to bogged down with weekend activities to give my body a chance to recover. I think that helps too. Good luck!

Katy

[bberk1]

A good old fashioned ice bath cures all.

[bprack]

I have had these same problems this past training session. I had the same thing after 2 of my long runs. About 2 days later I got sick, varying degrees. I had also had brochitis and was down a little bit. I think the 2 most important factors that drain the body would be rest and nutrition. With the weather being crappy you add a 3rd factor into the degredation of your immune system. Then the motivation leaves. These all play integral parts in your bodies stress levels, stress them all and like you,I and many others your body fails and your training suffers.