Running: suddenly a problem

LearnFromTheRed

Hi all,

I don't really know whether it's worth putting this out here or not, but I thought I would ask whether anyone else has experienced the same thing.

I've been running since June and go out three or four times a week to do distances between 3km and 10km. As time has gone on it's got a lot easier and while I'll never be winning the London Marathon I'm quite happy with what I've achieved.

A couple of life events recently meant I couldn't go for ten days. When I eventually got out to do 3km it was a bit harder than usual, which I was expecting given the slight break.

I did some bike intervals the next day and had to stop because I felt really rough. When I next went running, I found it so difficult that I had to pull up - which is not like me at all. Normally I'd recover within 20-30 minutes but I still felt pretty bad even after that.

This happened again on Friday, and I've just had to HAUL myself through the third kilometre today feeling really quite ill.

I'm a bit puzzled but all the 'symptoms' seem to be of not getting enough oxygen - cramp in my lower legs (which I have never had before, even when just starting out), feeling very slightly dizzy/wobbly, everything feeling rather like lead, and feeling like I'm struggling to get enough air in.

I haven't changed anything, I'm not ill...I just seem to be having big problems. Sorry for the essay for what probably sounds like a very minor problem but I am a bit concerned!

Cherimoose

What is your age and gender?

Do you have any medical conditions?

beachlover317

I am not a doctor, but what you call "just a minor problem" I think definitely needs to be checked out by your doctor. Being out of breath and tired is pretty normal when you have taken an exercise break. But the dizziness, lead feeling, shortness of breath - sounds a little more concerning to me. I'd visit the doctor.

rduhlir

Having ran for only 4 months and dropping to none for 10 days....sounds like you degressed and need to work back up again. Happens when life happens. My cousin, who has been running for YEARS and is an ultra runner, just had a 12 day break in running and was talking about how an easy 5 miler felt like hell to him. And this is a man who just a few months ago ran 100 miles in less than 24 hours.

Sounds like you may need to bring in some run/walk splits again and ease back in, going slow with your pace and allowing ample time for recovery between days. Sounds like the Blerch has a hold of your leg and you need to shake him off and get him walking on his own again.

Mr_Knight

I agree, it does sound like a bit of a regression. "Deload" and work back up again. If it doesn't go away in a week or two, it's worth considering a medical check up.

badgeratheart

^^^^^Agree with the regression perspectives. But...any chance you might be anemic? My running partners both struggle with anemia and this is kind of how they describe their experiences when their iron is low.