Why am I so tired?

[Janfran]

I'm very pleased with the fact that I completed W7R2 this morning, and I'm not so very far from the end of the programme. However, I've found that I feel really tired on the days that I run, and I'd expected to be energised and ready for anything. Does anyone else have this problem? Is it a common phenomenon or just me? I'd love to hear from others about this.

[Marcia-H Graduate]

Yes me too! I feel tired until I’m used to it then feel really energised!!!! It’s a very strange thing that something which makes you tired then gives you energy!!!!

Let your body get used to it and you’ll soon be bouncing about!

[Janfran Graduate in reply to Marcia-H]

I'm looking forward to my body getting used to it, and hope that it will. Thanks for your encouragement.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Assuming you’re in the UK, the arrival of Autumn will naturally make you feel more tired than you did at first. Be kind to yourself - it’s more important to go than to go fast. Just enjoy the endorphins when they do arrive 😀

[Janfran Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

I am indeed in the UK but the weather where I am is still pretty good. I'll just keep on going...... and I'll try to be kind to myself - thanks.

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Janfran]

The tiredness (especially mental tiredness) is not so much about the weather, though, and more about the reduction in hours of daylight, so it could still be a factor.

[Pickles1234]

I too find myself very tired physically and really need the day off. I am carrying a lot of extra weight though so expect that contributes to my tiredness. Immediately after the run I am full of beans, so rush around doing a few things, then basically collapse!!!

[Janfran Graduate in reply to Pickles1234]

Well at least I'm not the only one! I love the encouragement from others on this site. Much appreciated. You and I will have to wait for the endorphins to kick in, Pickles!

[Pickles1234 in reply to Janfran]

Yes, this site is amazing, I've never come across such a supportive bunch of people - no competitiveness or negativity, just support - without a doubt it's whats spurring me on!

[Pattypoos Graduate]

I'm hungrier. All the time so am assuming my metabolism has speeder up...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

During C25K I used to find myself nodding off in teabreak after a pre work run, whereas now a morning 5k really does set me up for the day.

It will come in time.

You may benefit from an extra rest day between runs, as the duration increases. If that doesn't help, do consider talking to your GP, since the running may be highlighting some underlying condition.

It can take quite a while for our systems to get used to all this extra exercise and it is still early days.

[Janfran Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I think an extra day between runs might be a good idea. And I'm still looking forward to it coming in time. I'm sure it will. As you say, it's early days. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Dragonflies Graduate in reply to Janfran]

I definitely have a better run when I have had an extra rest day. My schedule is to leave 2 days between end of one run week before starting the next. Just started my penultimate run week after 3 days rest, which made a real difference. I found last week hard going, but now feeling back in the game 🏃‍♀️