New runner, knackered!

[Sadie-runs]

Hi all

I have just completed week 3, moving on to week 4 next week. Loving the running, finding it challenging, but managing the running bits, and feel super proud of myself for committing to it. Now, I feel totally exhilarated and energised immediately after the run, but once I am at work (I run in the mornings), I feel knackered! All. Day. Long. I suppose this is because I have not built up my fitness yet, having been very inactive for the last 5 years. But was wondering, anyone else experience this, and will it change? Could use some tales of hope, folks.

(Even if this continues, I am going to keep on running, I am determined to get fit, and really enjoying the programme).

Sadie

[Whatsapp Graduate]

In short, yes you will get stronger and you will bounce back quicker after runs.

You are just getting started on your running journey, and each week you are pushing a little more. Drink plenty and get a good nights sleep. If you need to take an extra day between runs, do so without guilt. The important thing at this stage is that you allow your body enough time to recover from the activity you are undertaking.

A bit of care and caution at this stage will pay dividends later on.

[Razouski]

Definitely what Whatsapp said.

To begin with it can be very tiring, but you'll get stronger and it will get easier. Drink plenty the evening before you run, and rehydrate well afterwards. I'm a morning runner and save my breakfast for after my run, so make sure you refuel after (especially if like me you don't eat before hand).

If you're getting up earlier than usual in order to fit in the run that may also be contributing to the tiredness. So you could try going to bed earlier the night before, or even consider running in the evening after work.

I'm sure your body will soon be getting more used to your exertions though, so don't be put off.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Thanks for the advice! I don't eat before my run either - just a big glass of water and coffee to get me buzzing. (Or at least alert). Breakfast is my reward for after the run. As I run I dream of the scrambled egg that awaits me - a great motivator!

[ejvcruns Graduate]

Oh so knackered. I NEED those rest days. I've even taken long naps.

[Hidden]

I found I was sleeping better and still do after a long run, but sadly the initial tiredness has not been sustained so back to 5am wake ups

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

My peepers always pop open around 5am, but then again I am always tucked up in bed by 10pm! Definitely a lark...

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Maybe when you hit 10k (and you know you want to) you will snooze until 6.30

Also after time running actually starts to energise I think.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

10k seems like an impossible dream right now! But looking forward to the energising bit, that's for sure! For now, I shall enjoy that 10 min buzz I get after the run, in the shower. And the smugness that I made it out for a run yet again. 😌

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Keep it slow and steady... and makes sure you are adding other non impact exercise on rest days... walking, cycling, swimming, yoga.. whatever.. we have to build up our strength and stamina as well as the running legs!

A healthy eating regime... a good night's sleep and those exercises should help!

Very well done you!!! Onward and upward!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh I'm definitely slow, but not bothered by that! I am content with steady. 😀 Thanks for replying!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

My middle names.... slow and steady!

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh, and am doing yoga on my rest days, which feels like bliss, and good for stretching out me new running legs!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I used to almost doze off at morning tea break when I first started. However, running never improved my sleep patterns, as I had hoped. I can now run a 10k and still be able to have a fully productive day. You will become capable of taking ever more in your stride as you get more running on your legs.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That's so good to hear! 😴 Thanks!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

THANK YOU for all the lovely replies - this encouragement will help fuel my next run. 😀 To which I am looking forward; it is always dead exciting to see how my body will react to the next run and to notice subtle changes. x

[mizz_happy Graduate]

Well done 😀 you will get stronger and start to feel a lot more energized, believe me, I never ever thought I'd be able to complete this but now with only 1more run to go I have become a lot stronger and fitter than I ever was before, this is a brilliant training program I had never been able to run before this and envied people who could do it...good luck to you in week 4, keep us posted 😀😀👏👏

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to mizz_happy]

Thank you mizz! This is just what I needed to hear! 😘