Tiredness

[Sammyyy]

I have been running for 2 years & loving it, 3 times a week for approx 30 minutes each run.

But I am concerned that I’m always shattered for the rest of the day, curtailing any other activity, is this normal?

Thankyou for your advice

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I don't think that you should be shattered for the rest of the day when you run, unless it is a 10K every time for that 30 minutes which I doubt you do, perhaps you are running a little too fast or not drinking enough water, from now on drink plenty of water, run a little slower than you have been recently, hopefully you can enjoy the rest of the day without feeling shattered after every run

[Sammyyy in reply to AlMorr]

Thankyou, I will drink more prior to running & slow down, just wasn’t sure if this was ‘normal’

[CBDB Graduate10]

I used to be like that in the C25k and consolidation period. And I still get this sometimes.

But I am metabolistically challenged as I have a Thyroid condition. This means it can happen when I don’t get the amount of my medicated thryroid hormones right or also if I miss out on specific vitamins, enzymes or minerals.

Not sure this will help, but sometimes it’s an underlying condition that the body has to work on that then results in exhaustion.

So maybe a whole body check up?

[Sammyyy in reply to CBDB]

Thankyou fir your reply, I will monitor myself a bit more

[Cmoi Graduate10]

Hi Sammyyy , sorry to hear you're shattered after every run. If you're pushing hard all the time, slowing down and better hydration as suggested by AlMorr will probably help. However, given that you say you're so tired that it's curtailing your other activities, I think it might be wise to get checked out by your GP or other health professional. Hope you feel better soon.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

I second what Cmoi says, get checked out by your GP. There may be a physical reason you feel this way. If not, maybe you're running too fast or just pushing yourself too hard but at least you can exclude a physical cause.

As women we often just accept that tiredness is part of our daily lives and to be expected, but things like anaemia, an underactive thyroid, vitamin deficiency etc etc can knock us for six and are easily remedied.

Have you tried any of the Nike Running Club guided runs? The app is free, you don't have to have any Nike gear to use it but the guided runs get you thinking about your technique, your mindset and everything in between. They also remind you to pace yourself, very important for not overdoing it which might help you. Running a different distance/time/pace may make a difference too.

Good luck Sammyyy hope you find the answer!

[Sammyyy in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thankyou for your reply, yes I use the Nike running app regularly, & find it very useful

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Hello. Well I agree with the other replies. Please do go and get a check up to see if there is any simple reason why you are feeling so weary. That would be a good starting point.

There is a section on the Guide to running C25K on Diet/Nutrition too. Maybe take a peek?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Let us know how you go on please x

[Sammyyy in reply to Oldfloss]

Thankyou

[Nibster]

I also used to feel exhausted after running but I have started limiting most of my runs to Zone 2, ie 60-70% of maximum heart rate or if you don't have a running watch the pace at which a conversation is possible. I try and do Park Run every week and then I go for it, and feel knackered after, but for the other 2-3 runs of 5 to 10k I do each week I stick to Zone 2, even if it means walking a bit to bring my HR down. I can't say it has improved my Park Run times in the 3 months since I have adopted this but I certainly enjoy the slower runs and feel much better during and after them.

[Sammyyy in reply to Nibster]

Thankyou, that is very useful advice

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

It may be worth keeping a diary to share with a professional.

Most people find that regular sensible exercise (as promoted by C25K) increases their energy levels and wellbeing

Quite a few of us with a variety of underlying health conditions which affect energy levels find that long term three runs a week are too hard to accommodate. I would say that if you are wiped out and curtailing normal activities on 3x 30 minutes a week, that's worth getting checked out.

[Sammyyy in reply to GoogleMe]

Thankyou, yes, I will keep a diary

[Pinkpig20 Graduate10]

Maybe you are working too hard each time. Not every run should be you putting in your hardest effort. Try to have some slower steadier runs. You could be anemic and that would impact tiredness. Are you eating and drinking enough to give your body the fuel it needs? Have a check up with your GP and see if anything is highlighted.

[Sammyyy in reply to Pinkpig20]

Thankyou for your helpful advice