No matter how smart you train, most runners have to face the bonk every once in a while. Try as I might to avoid it, it's not always possible. In my opinion, the bonk can be caused by one or a combination of the following issues: Inadequate sleep, improper fueling, dehydration, overtraining or crappy weather. I've had days where by some mystical alignment of the stars all of these issues occur at the same time. On days like this, there is no toughing it out or fighting through it. When you bonk, you bonk. I think being a runner means that sometimes you have to be flexible. You can try to plan out your runs and stick to your schedule but you have to realize that occasionally there will be a day where you just have to let yourself be human. Every once in a while you need to cut yourself a little slack.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that every time you feel a little achy or tired or flurries fall from the sky that you should call it quits and park it in front of the tube. I'm just saying that sometimes you have to cut your losses for the day and come back strong tomorrow.
If you do bonk, I've found that the best course of action is to fix the problems that caused the bonk in the first place. Rest up, drink lots of fluids and try to eat something healthy so that you can recover quickly.
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