Dec 5, 1999

What can I do in my next marathon to keep from getting so rundown feeling for a month afterwards? This year after runningPortland, I was sick with the flu and took a long time to recover. I almost lost my love of running for about a month. (name withheld)

REPLY: Your feelings are normal. I've experienced them myself dozens of times. The rundown-ness is a natural reaction to the big effort, and your body-mind's way of protecting you against further damage.

If you push too hard during the time when you should be taking it very easy, the body rebels with an injury or illness. (I've done that too many times, too.) See recent the series of letters (starting November 2nd) with another runner that could be written by, for and about you.

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