Starting point

[Sorenlorensen90]

Hi I'm starting my C25k again today. Thing is I'm so unfit and struggle with almost every aspect of activity going. I am determined to better my time of 50mins I achieved last year for th race for life. I need to get my energy levels back up. Does anyone know any supplements I could take? Thank you xx

[stecal Graduate]

Hi i have never used any supplements for running and my energy levels weren't that great when i started out, but by changing my diet and cutting out as much sugar as i could they are much better now and obviously my fitness levels have gone up as well which i'm sure yours will with each week completed, as i run in the morning early i just eat a banana before i go out to give me a bit of a energy boost,i was tempted to drink a red bull to see if it gave me wings before a run but decided that was a bad idea.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Congratulations on starting again.

Starting to run will make demands on your energy, but if you are going to maintain the running habit then you need to address any deficiency in your diet, to make sure that the health benefits last and are not just a passing fad. If you are lacking energy it is worth looking at your diet, rather than just taking supplements, unless you have some specific condition that needs to be kept in balance.

We are what we eat.

[Lyndsf]

Bless you. Hi I started Couch to 5k 8 weeks ago. Determined to do the race for life. Yesterday I completed day 1 week 8. There is lots of support on here. I haven't tried any supplements but I have found that since c5k my mind set is better. It's given me a goal which in turn has given me more energy. I am a treadmill runner and have not done anything outside yet, but on Saturday I am hoping to do the Parkrun. Good luck 🍀 and happy running x

[sarah469 Graduate in reply to Lyndsf]

Great that you are looking into Parkrun! I highly recommend it - you will love it! And congrats on your progress with the programme

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Do you have any ideas about why your energy levels dropped? For most people who are not going at it like a bull at a gate and who don't have a particular health condition, the level of activity implied by the NHS C25K programme would be energising.

As others have said, you should be able to get what you need from most diets, but perhaps you have other symptoms which suggest a particular issue? Or it could be more about looking for a quick fix and tending to be self-critical which would need to be addressed some other way (coming here is of course one good way to do that! The way you are describing yourself sounds that you are having a significant level of difficulty and that might mean it is more prudent to check in with a GP.

[sarah469 Graduate]

Hi, I would see how the first few weeks go before looking at supplements or anything like that, unless you have some kind of medical condition that could be affecting your energy levels. It might be worth getting a blood test to check your vitamin B12 and your iron levels (disclaimer: I'm not a doctor!) if you feel there is something up that you can't shake. Otherwise I would try posting on here loads to keep your motivation and determination up - the more you stick at it, the more you will enjoy it, that's what I found! I've never been a sporty person but C25K has been a life-changer for me! You can do it!!

[Sorenlorensen90]

Thanks for all the great advice guys xx

[Shelliemac Graduate]

Look at eating foods rich in your B vitamins they r good for energy. If you're vegetarian or vegan might find your B12 levels are low and depending on diet your iron levels could be too I know I suffer from this and struggled initially. I do take supplements but that is because I suffer from mild anaemia. Before taking supplements i'd recommend you discuss with your doctor. Of course as already mentioned cutting out processed sugars is good too.

[poppypug Graduate]

I don't feel half as sluggish and lethargic since I kicked all the rubbish I used to eat .Chocolate, biscuits, sweets, and lots of processed crap.

Not saying that you eat rubbish of course, just saying what helped me

Maybe worth checking with your doc just in case, as you might be anaemic .

Good Luck, were all behind you xxx

[cathalicious Graduate]

Not a lot more to add really.

As others have said, I think that exercising and having a good diet creates increases your energy levels naturally without the need to resort to supplements - just so long as you do not try to do too much at once and end up exhausting yourself.

If you continue to feel sluggish, even after making lifestyle changes, then you should probably pay a visit to your doctor to see if there is an underlying medical cause.

Good luck