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I'm doing a slow 1/2 marathon in May (slow as in it is a challenge to finish looks hilly, although 2hrs is my target). I'm doing a Garmin plan thing which has a long slow run every two weeks, yesterday was 27km.
I'm finding that over 15km I begin to feel achy groin, not a pull, maybe more like a strain. It happens every time. How do I get round this? Stretches before and after don't seem to have an effect.
Mmmm good idea, maybe I'll try two back to back 1/4 marathons.
You certainly don't need to run 27km when preparing for a half. My first HM was my longest ever run at that point. The last couple of km were quite tough but I didn't fall apart.
Yeah, I had set myself a turn around point and fancied getting there. I've only done an accidental 1/2 in an event and it definitely wasn't pretty. The one I'm looking to do seems a bit lumpy so pushing myself a bit more can't be bad. (Assuming I rest and recover).
If you do the event then accept the damage it is going to do and possible recovery needed. Which is totally fine - plenty of people do that with marathons. If the big life goal is to finish an event - great - any minor/large consequences don't matter!
Then if you want to continue running, wind right back and see a chartered physio for some answers. Suspect they'll want the running throttled back to what your tendons/etc can handle (but will definitely keep you running unless the pain is over 3/10) and will find imbalances, lack of elasticity and stability etc, and give lots of various supportive strength (etc) work to enable your body to tolerate running [15km]
I'm no physio or expert, but I would say that when you get to that point something in your leg, groin, back area is prob getting tired and as this is all linked (posterior chain) you then feel this in your groin, even though the groin may not be the issue.
I used to have an issue around the same distance where I thought it was my hamstring, but it was my weak glutes! I would say speak to a physio and be prepared for some cross training or gym work to focus on making it all stronger.