So when do you finally feel 'fit'?!!

[Allydee]

Just wondered when all the exercise begins to make you feel fit and healthy? I'm running twice a week (one short one 10k plus... will extend to 3 runs) I do Pilates and swimming, as well as just generally being active. I'm 43 (slightly) overweight and fed up of feeling 'broken' from all the exercise!!! Always aching... blood tests only showed anemia which is being treated - I do feel I have a strong core and the stamina of an ox but would just really love to appreciate all the effort instead of aching all the time (back, hips especially). Does it ever stop?!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10]

I don't think you ever feel "fit". "Fitter" certainly, but never at a level where you can say "I am now fit". On the other hand I don't think you should feel "broken" by the exercise you do, unless you push yourself on every run - and that's not good for you. They say 80% of your runs should be comfortable or recovery runs (not that anyone ever sticks to that!). They build up your stamina and you shouldn't be sore after runs like that. Runs where I am pushing myself either for speed or distance certainly make me ache, but the bog-standard 5ks which keep me ticking over mid-week don't "hurt". Maybe slow down a bit - slow and steady!

[Hidden]

I think you only know that you 'were' fit. You don't necessarily feel fit at the time, only when you lose It do you think back and say "back then I was fit". If you feel tired and aching it sounds like you are doing too much, that can include family/work/worries as well as exercise. Enjoy the exercise you do and realise that you do have fitness.

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

Fitness is a relative thing. I am sure you would consider yourself fitter than before you started running, so to those on the sofa, you are fit. If you still ache after each run, then I would suspect the anemia may be to blame. General aches and pains eased after W5 of C25K for me, but if I push the envelope, then I still expect things to ache a bit.

Try some slow gentle runs and see if you feel the same after those.

[Shireen59 Graduate10]

I only know Im fitter than I was 😄I never thought I would be able to run let alone run five or ten klm. When my body aches like that , hips and back I have a couple of days off!Makes the next run a bit easier good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Slow down... you move too fast?

You are doing a lot...maybe too much...(and you are talking of adding another run too. Phew....!

)

I know that sounds silly, because we know how good exercise is but...you sound like a whizzer arounder...( I am a bit like that and I have to take a step back occasionally) Your exercise regime and your generally active lifestyle..what time do you have to rest?

I know there is differing thoughts on this, but when I did a 10K revisited plan ( from Women's Running) there was a real emphasis on the importance of rest. It was built into the plan... Not just the normal rest days between runs with other exercise.. just find time to rest and recharge... I paint.. or write.. or just read listen to music..and it is hard!!!

So, maybe time for being kind to yourself... slow down on the runs...relax into them and see the world go by as you gently run through it...you are treating the anaemia and I am sure your eating regime reflects that too so hopefully that is going to improve. Decide on some time to ease back... and do something non exercise related...a hedonistic treat to give your mind and your body some off-duty time?

[misswobble Graduate10]

Your diet has to be right for you to feel better, not just exercise. Get that right and you'll be sorted💪🏃‍♀️👍✔️

Don't overdo it 🙂

[Tanethra Graduate10]

When I see my times come down for 5k's and 10k's I know I'm fitter than I was previously. I tend to feel tired in my legs and some aches and pains if really pushing my effort. Unless you are doing easy runs then you will feel that you are out of breath or your heart hammering away as you seek to improve your times, its natural.

[AnnieW55]

It sounds like you push yourself all round in your life, not just running. With running it's good to have a "back off" week every now and again and that may be when you notice you are fitter - when it's easier not pushing so hard. Generally as we get fitter we push a bit more, so you won't get a "this is easy feeling". Plus your anaemia will be in play with how you feel too. Hope that is sorted for you soon.

[Hillrunner2201]

Remember you actually gain fitness whilst resting after exercise not during the exercise itself so don't overdo it!!

[Allydee]

Thanks everyone ... some sound advice. I do feel stressed all the time at the moment (work project doing my head in plus lots of travel). As usual I'm trying to do everything and not succeeding- I will take a step back, take stock and build up again ... all the while knowing that even though I may not be getting even greater fitness levels, I am at least definitely fitter than I used to be. And I'm so appreciative of this community of support!!!!

[heavyhorse Graduate10]

I think you will feel better once the anaemia is sorted out properly, it will be making your workouts a bit tougher. I am also 43 and a bit heavy , but a lot lighter than I used to be, I feel fairly fit but always feel I could be fitter, I'm not sure that will ever change, as I get fitter the more fit I want to be!