My legs are locked up...?

Question

I run the 800 in track. I hit a 2:03 about 2 weeks ago. This weekend I ran two 2:07's (4x8, open 8), and in practice I haven't been hitting my times. I just can't seem to get my legs to turnover like they were before. It's not that they are tight, they just aren't moving like they were before. What do I need to do to get them back to where they were? Also any ideas why they got like this? Overtraining? I haven't taken a day off in awhile, a few weeks... Probably a bad idea... Or would this have more to do with the type of training I am doing...

Thanks!

Answer 1

Overtraining is a possibility, though you might also want to try various stretches in a different style, i personally stretch with a rope every day, i find it helps a lot, not only loosens you up but keeps you loose longer.  i'll put a link below.

It could be overtraining, to restate that, but it could also be what you are eating, or hydration, or a number of things.  try to think of what you've been doing differently of late than you were 2 or 3 weeks ago.

Answer 2

This is probably from overtraining. You might be burning out right now. There is a certain point where your times are going to start getting worse and you are probably in the best shape of your life, it is just that your legs need some recovery. It is okay to take one day off a week and just work hard the other 6. Trust me, it isn't because you are getting worse, you just need to let your muscles recover. Good Luck!

Answer 3

This actually happens to me allot. During practice i feel sore and tired(because I also haven't taken many days off) and as much as i try I can't hit my times but as soon as the gun goes off during the race, my body forgets that I'm tired and follows and incredibly fast pace, which will happen to you, I bet it is more mental struggle than physical. Just do your best to train during practice the rest should come to you... I hope. Well at least that's what always happens to me.