Hey,
I have been running now for about a year now. Over this time I have been focussing on changing posture, getting good shoes and really nailing tecnique/ fast times.
I have improved my 10K time from 1 hour 10 to about 50-55mins and have shifted well away from heel striking. training usually consists of 5-6 days a week with runs ranging from 30 mins to 1hr 30 at varying paces.
The problem I am encountering has occurred over the last 3-4 months. I am tired.. even if I feel ok when I start a run, very soon my legs are heavy.. my breathing comes 'stridor-ish' and my posture goes to hell. I feel like my back and hips are weak.
I have tried having a few days off, I have tried eating more carbs/morr in general, I have even started taking multi-vit tablets. None seems to be working!
My life has been pretty stressful lately (University exams and general life stresses).. not sure if this is a reason.
Anyone got a magic cure?? or if not, some advice/suggestions?
Comments
A few days won't be enough. I'd take a week off. Your running won't suffer in a week.
Iron depletion?
That stress probably doesn't help either.
Have a week off running and just chill - see if that helps.
Thanks guys.. I hate resting! I feel like I am ready to run forever and then I start and feel pooped.
Ill take your advice and ease up for a week. I swan tonight and it felt nice.
I will also go get my bloods done, see if I need some iron.
To be honest it's probably in your head.
I get the same, when I'm motivated and "up for it" runs feels easy and I can push myself. When life is stressfull or I'm a bit bored with running it suddenly feels harder and I feel heavier / sluggish.
My advice is find some motivation, train for something or alternatively take some proper time off. Say 2 - 3 weeks maybe a month. Do something else, cross train or just stop. You won't lose too much fitness but when you come back you will be fresher than ever.
There is a chance it could be physiological so bear that in mind but with me it's normally mental when I'm having an off day.
I agree with the big cats above.
Running is suppose to be fun. It is a hobby. If you are not enjoying it stop doing it for a bit. You'll take the pressure off and find your running mojo again and with it feel less tired. Use the time to try some new hobbies - bake a cake, go rock climbing or take a dog for a long walk up a big hill.
also - do a bit of weight training and core exercises - that might help your posture etc.
Hi,
thanks for the replies.
Essexlion- I'm sure some of it is psychological. I have had some big exams within the last few weeks as well as a few 10k Races.
I am trainining for a half marathon in September and I am a motivated runner. I usualy enjoy running and look forward to doing it. It has just been the last few months that I am feeling I'm not hitting my targets and feeling sluggish.
I am taking the week off running, been doing more swimming and cycling and I am feeling a lot better (actually tempted to go for a run!). But Ill leave it and let you khnow how I feel.
15West- what type of core training do you usually do and how often?
How much stretching are you doing? Regular stretching would help to relax muscles and aid recovery after running, or any sort of training.
To be honest mate.. not a lot. I try and stretch after a run but I usually have to run out the door to get to other places. I will start doing more!!
I also think I pulled my piriformis.. my hip hurts when i put it in a certain position.
sigh...
Year and years ago - when I was good at running, every year (normally September time I think) my coach always advised a 2 week break with no running what so ever, and no other exercise)... Quite often I'd come back to race and run a PB, so rest shouldn't be looked at as detrimental. Sometime the body needs it. Listen to your body, if your tired, rest!!!
It might also be that your just competing runs at a set distance? Are you doing any short fast efforts? As mad as it sounds sometimes using a different energy system will work wonders and get the blood flowing!!
Hey Sportylass-
What you say makes a lot of sense and I will try to do as you advise. I went for a run today and it was just a short enjoyable one. I did feel a lot better apart from my hip still niggling a little bit. I am def a set distance runner, I try hard to miz it up but I always get caught up in the 'beating my last time' thing.. but I will be stern with myself!!
I try and do these...but probably not as much as I should...
http://vimeo.com/9807775
Thanks 15 west!
I have been doing some running this week, because I have felt back to normal (and less stress going on in daily life!). Today I did a 16.3K in 1hr 37min.. which inlcudes 2 hills that I walked/stumbled up.
I wore my camel back and found the maintaining hydration was good. I need to look into what energy gel to take on longer runs.. my tank runs out after 1hr 15 ish I feel.
My goal is do to the Bristol Half in under 2 hours. My record race for 10K is 55mins and my own record has been 52mins. So fingers crossed!