How to overcome running fatigue?

[pfeffy]

Two weeks ago I completed my Week 7 runs. I haven't gone on a run since then because a) it's so cold (I know it's not an excuse) b) I felt fatigued and in need of more sleep as a result. I eat fairly healthily (I have a green smoothie every morning), and I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to overcome my running fatigue? I'm planning to start redoing Week 7 starting tomorrow and get back into the swing of things because I'm so close to graduating!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well... you’re certainly mentally strong... green smoothie? 🤢

I haven’t felt any fatigue in general, I do have tired legs after some runs but I’m normally energised otherwise. I did read something about getting an extra minute of sleep nightly for every mile you run in a week, but that’s only a small number for us at this point.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Don’t knock ‘em: green smoothies are great. I like spinach, celery, ginger, bit of banana and mango with chia seeds and whatever else is going limp in the fridge. It’s gorgeous 🙂

When you say you feel fatigued pfeffy, is it a general tiredness, lack of energy, lack of motivation, particular body part? Do you think running is the cause of it? Or could it be you are fighting off something? (Even a gremlin?!)

Do you normally feel energised after a run?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to ktsok]

I’ve tried them... 🤢. I’ll stick to banana!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Am on your side. Once the cafe I was at convinced me to put a carrot in my otherwise nice and fruity smoothie, it was disgusting and yes, I could taste it despite assurances to the contrary. 🤮

[pfeffy in reply to Couchpotato2]

My green smoothies taste great! I usually have banana, half an avocado, a bit of pineapple, fresh kale and fresh spinach and then I add different types of seeds and spirulina to the mix. But yeah, it might not be enough proteins to keep me going.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to pfeffy]

I’m pleased you like them but I don’t think you’ll convince me I’ll stick to my bread and jam!

[pfeffy in reply to ktsok]

Yeah I normally feel energised I think I can just feel that running has really picked up. And that combined with my other sports (skating, cycling and pilates) is a lot.

It is more of a general tiredness. Last year I was fighting off a post-viral episode of fatigue (I was blessed with glandular fever) and it is definitely different to that. I'm also taking iron supplements at the moment for my anaemia, so that might be one factor.

[ktsok Graduate in reply to pfeffy]

Well, it sounds like you have a busy exercise schedule! I had M.E. (Post-viral fatigue syndrome) as a teenager. 25 years on, I still don’t feel I can burn the candle both ends. I guess everyone has different energy levels but from what you have said, it looks like your body is telling you to have a few more rest days at the moment? I have no expertise, I’m afraid...

[AniMagy Graduate]

I understand how you are feeling. I felt like that myself. What help me is that I just went out and run. And I was smiling at the end of my run.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

When you move onto other running programs they often have an easier week at about week 5, so it’s not just you.

You’ll probably find you won’t need to repeat the whole of the week, before you can move on, especially if you take it gently.

However, if you still find you’re feeling fatigued - especially if you’re otherwise feeling quite healthy - it might be worth a trip to the doctor for a check up. I finally gave in and went for one, then found out I had an under active thyroid.

[pfeffy in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thank you - that's good to know. I'm going to see my GP next week and will mention it then.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Smoothie war over. It sounds a bit like the lazy gremlin to me. Get back out there, you’ll feel better for it. I’m soon to start week 7, you can do it with me!

[pfeffy in reply to Couchpotato2]

I'll do a run tomorrow! I will report back

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to pfeffy]

Yeah!! I think I’m going to wait till Saturday and do a park run ...

[pfeffy in reply to Couchpotato2]

I might do that do. I have never done one, but I have my tickets printed off on my desk.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to pfeffy]

Run tomorrow anyway to get back into it. I’ve not done one either! I’ve got my barcode ready

[pfeffy in reply to Couchpotato2]

How is it going for you? I ran my first 5K today

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to pfeffy]

Oh wow! Well done 👍🏻 I had a lovely run today, the first of week 8! Hoping to go on building on it till I run 30’ reasonably comfortably... might try a park run next week as I enjoyed the last one.

[pfeffy in reply to Couchpotato2]

Amazing! Well done to you too. The weather is so great too. I'm really happy that the weather is looking up. I feel like I run better when the sun is out.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to pfeffy]

Much easier and generally good for the morale!

[misswobble Graduate]

Try some peanut butter for protein 💪😃👍🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to misswobble]

😉

[pfeffy]

Good shout! I'll add it to the smoothie.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Increasing an exercise regime can sometimes expose underlying conditions. It is not normal to be feeling fatigued several days after a run, so if this persists I would recommend that you consult your GP.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I feel that way if I am off colour - either the beginning of or post “bug”. One other thought - I tried taking a daily vitamin D supplement (suggested by a dr) & 3 months on I feel significantly less tired - I had been very sceptical because I get outside to walk & garden, - but it has helped. 😃

[pfeffy in reply to Elfe5]

I was a bit under the weather recently so that might have been what made me tired after a run.

[pfeffy]

UPDATE all: On Saturday I finally made it outside and just continued where I left off and it went really well. I'm gonna run tomorrow again and I can't wait. I think I'm going to drop roller skating for a while and just focus on running and pilates.