“Hitting the wall” as a runner
I watched the remake of Jumanji some time ago. The characters find themselves inside this game where each has three lives and spectacular strengths and weaknesses. I thought how neat it would be to have a “remaining power indicator” when you are on a long run.
Today I hit The Wall. Yes, that can happen to anybody, especially if you are overconfident. I did not have time for sufficient breakfast before my 30k run, so I just had a small quantity of cereal. I did not take anything along to eat on the way. I thought my water bladder would be enough. It is, after all, “only” 30k.
Around 22k, I started slowing down. At 25k, I was walking. Around 28k, I found an open store and got a banana and some chips and rested while I ate. Soon after, I found I could run and kept going until I reached home at 31.5k.
I remember at least three other instances of hitting the wall. While cycling, I found you can go from feeling fine to unable to pedal within minutes. I vividly remember how a friend and I cycled in a race about 25 years ago. We passed cyclists left and right just to later watch those same people pass us with wistful smiles while we were sitting on the pavement, utterly exhausted. Embarrassing.
When you “bonk” or “hit the wall”, your glycogen stores in your liver and muscles are depleted. Prevention is better than cure. This article does an excellent (and even humorous) job of explaining how to prevent and overcome hitting the wall. It comes down to eating protein and carbohydrates in the proper form at the right time and giving your body enough time to store the glycogen that is needed. I usually rest one or two days before an important race which helps with this.
I found that eating a protein bar or some raisin/nut mix during any run lasting more than an hour and a half helps prevent bonking. Sports drinks also help. You have to experiment to see what works well for you. When I could not prevent hitting the wall, fast-release carbs like coke or chocolate have been most effective in getting over the wall.
While we do not come equipped with a “remaining power indicator”, we should be sensitive to the signals our bodies give us and be well prepared.
Spiritually and emotionally, we also often get tired and feel like we hit the wall. We have to remember that God is our source of strength.
…for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak. (Jeremiah 31:25)
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:31)
Keep running
Stephan
