What is wrong with me???

happycauseIride
happycauseIride Posts: 536 Member
edited January 4 in Motivation and Support
A little history on me. I'm 37 yo, 5'6" female. I started this journey 3 months ago at 284 lbs. When I started I couldn't hardly walk down the driveway to the mailbox without being winded, but I got on my treadmill and would walk a mile, then a mile and a half and worked my way up to 2.5 to 3 miles a day minimum. A few weeks ago I started C25K and got through week 3 so far. I have been doing some weight lifting, mostly squats, lunges, crunches and arms with 8 lb free weights. I workout every day, maybe taking off 1 or two days a month. I eat on average 1200-1400 cals a day. My food diary is open to look at it if you want. I'm down 32 pounds so far and was feeling great.

Starting last Friday my energy level has been zapped. The only exception to that was Sunday, when I slept in. I can't seem to make my body move. I try running and I can't make it a minute and a half without grabbing the bars on the treadmill. I am feeling like every limb weights a ton. My treadmill is in the garage and it's cold now, roughly 30-40 degrees at 6 am in the morning. Is it the cold weather? Am I not eating right? I don't think it's that because I basically have eaten the same thing for two months. I average 7 hours a sleep at night. I'm too scared to take a day off to rest, thinking maybe that's what my body needs because I'm afraid that 1 day will turn into 2, then 3 and that will be it. When I need to rest, I just walk, nothing else. Yesterday and today I just walked on my treadmill, but even this morning I felt like my body was dragging. I only make it a mile and a half.

What is wrong with me? I'm scared to death that this is burn out. I was doing really well, I was excited about my running progress in C25K, I was feeling great and now I am so low energy. I'm actually fine during the day, it's only first thing in the morning when I work out. Does the cold weather zap your energy? Do I need to heat the garage or bring the treadmill inside? (I don't have much room for that).

Any advice would be great. I have to go to a meeting this morning, but I will check back in after lunch today.
Thank you for your time.
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Replies

  • ej_glen
    ej_glen Posts: 34 Member
    Hi :)

    I'm new to the forum and - like you - still introducing myself to exercise and trying to do the best I can with the body I have right now.

    I genuinely think that if your body is urging you to rest, then you need to listen to that signal and rest. If you schedule in one "rest" day per week, and make that part of your routine, that might make it easier to get back on track the next day. Try to think of "rest" as just the name of another workout.

    On a rest day, if you feel you have to do something, maybe try a little light yoga or stretching. That's also relaxing and healing for your poor tired limbs. If your body is doing this, it could also be a sign that you've picked up something, and you won't get well without a little bit of rest & relaxation.

    I find that lack of sleep can be a big factor in my own ability to exercise. Getting just one extra hour a night can make all the difference.

    Good luck, and I hope you're fighting fit again in no time!
  • Huppmanj
    Huppmanj Posts: 60 Member
    Keep your chin up- The cold weather is hard on your muscles and body. Are you giving yourself ample warm-up time before starting your routine? My concern is that you are shocking your muscles and you body is spending all of its energy to repair the damage, therefore, you feel tired all of the time. I have been following you since I joined and your last thyroid report was excellent, so I'm confident you can rule that out. The weather change does play a huge factor as well. Let's face it, it's gloomy outside. I find it downright ugly myself, and I face depression every fall. Once the leaves hit the ground and everything turns grey, that's enough to make anyone not want to get out of bed. I would take it easy the next few days, spend more time warming up and less time at peak performance- I think this will really help. This way, you are not taking any time off (I share your same fear of losing motivation), but at the same time you are taking care of your body. Are you wearing a sweartshirt and sweatpants to workout? Are you drinking enough water? Are you taking any sort of vitamins or supplements? Maybe you are low on Vitamin C or D? Keep at it and keep me posted.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    you should have one rest day per week.

    and if you are so tired it is becuase you are not eatign enough to fuel your workouts. as you have a fairly large amount to lose, you dont need to eat all your exercise calories back, but if you have no energy then its your bodys way of telling you to eat more...

    have 2-3 days rest, and then go back to your exercise plan but eat back half the cals you burn and see how you feel.
  • WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr
    WarriorCupcakeBlydnsr Posts: 2,150 Member
    It could be that you need to adjust your food, remember if you're eating 1200-1400 cals per day, that may not be enough compared to what you're burning now that your body is becoming more efficient at burning. Your energy is zapped because you're not giving it enough to sustain itself. Are you eating back your exercise calories or part of them? Do you feel hungry even though you've eaten recently, does it seem like your food doesn't "last?" I'm not saying increase it a lot, maybe bump up to 1300-1500 a day and see how it goes.
    Also, you may want to get blood work done to see if there has been any changes that may be affecting you (such as a lower iron count, a change in your thyroid levels, even a change in your blood count can affect your energy levels.)
    I know when it gets cold, I go into hibernation mode and want to sleep all the time and have a total lack of energy (part of the reason I live in Florida-I hate cold weather!) So that could be a problem too
  • PINKinquisition1908
    PINKinquisition1908 Posts: 180 Member
    I agree with everyone here. You likely need rest. Also consider your vitamin intake (supplements may help). Also, as a woman, consider how your monthly cycle may be affecting your energy level. I know lots of women who have a hard time finding the mental and physical stamina to workout during certain times of the month. Don't feel guilty about needing rest. It's better to rest willingly than unwillingly (e.g.-after your body can't go anymore). Hope this helps.
  • Auzziedoggie
    Auzziedoggie Posts: 66 Member
    Maybe you have a virus?
  • mikeschratz
    mikeschratz Posts: 253 Member
    I worked out your numbers using 1.6 as your activity level:

    "Mifflin-St Jeor
    (FOR WOMEN)"
    BMR 1,634
    Maintenance 2,614
    Cut (@ 15%) 2,222
    Build (@ 15%) 3,006

    Teach yourself to fuel your body and your workouts.... use the spreadsheet located here (you can download it to your computer): https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B3kFzsaVmRjmd1k4YjA1SlVWaFU/edit

    and work out your own numbers and educate yourself. It will be obvious how much you need to eat to fuel a workout regime like you are currently doing.
    There is a simple version and an intense version...
    Good luck!
  • illuminatedms
    illuminatedms Posts: 8
    On any exercise routine, you need to build in rest, so that your body can recover and rebuild muscle tissue. It's physiologically necessary. What you're experiencing is totally normal, and can be fixed by just taking a day or two off each week.
  • PayneAS
    PayneAS Posts: 669 Member
    Try checking your protein intake

    Secondly, I really think that eating 1200-1400 calories is way too low for your activity level. If you ate more, you would have more energy.
  • nikkit321
    nikkit321 Posts: 1,485 Member
    My guess is that it's due to the weather, both the temps and the fact that the time changed last week. I know I'm dragging, and it's because of the dark, dreary mornings, and that it's dark so much earlier now. You might want to think about a sun lamp for those with seasonal depression and see how that makes you feel. I did peak at your food diary and would add protein to your macro-nutrients as I think you're a little low. My main suggestion is to give yourself permission for a rest day each week and try to get a little more sleep at night. Hang in there!
  • xgg2rs
    xgg2rs Posts: 128 Member
    I think you are not eating enough for the amount of exersize you are doing. Eating too little can cause issues like that. I took me a while to find that balance. (am still experimenting with eating too much or too little after losing 175 pounds)

    I am one that believes you should eat most of your exersize calories back.
  • cgarand
    cgarand Posts: 541 Member
    You sound like me! I have been so disciplined and consistent and then the past few weeks I can't get out of my own way. I even posted about it this morning. I know I can push through this rut and I know you can too. I'm sending a friend request, we can help put each other out of it!
  • kr1stadee
    kr1stadee Posts: 1,774 Member
    You may be burning yourself out, or.. might I be brave and ask... could you be pregnant? I know I was EXHAUSTED beyond belief when I was first pregnant.

    Regardless, take a day off. Just don't let yourself fall into that 1-turns-into-a-week mindset! You've got this!!
    Congrats on the loss thus far!!
  • OddballExtreme
    OddballExtreme Posts: 296 Member
    That may actually be something I need to do myself. I may be OVER-exercising myself. I don't even give myself a rest day and I've been feeling run down some days.

    I didn't really do any exercise yesterday except lift two 32-packs of water into a cart and then into the car's trunk...in heavy rain while holding an umbrella.

    Today, particularly when it gets WARMER (it's only 40 now and a little too cold to try this), I'm going to start week 2 of C25K.
  • stofteland
    stofteland Posts: 19 Member
    If you live in the north, it could be due to the loss of sunlight. Could be time change, too. Try to go for a walk during midday if you can. Getting outside and getting some sunlight can really lift your spirits. Fresh air helps, too. Make sure you are getting enough Vit. D. Smoothies made with Greek yogurt that has Vit D and Calcium helps a lot. Add strawberries(vit C) and spinach(iron). There a some good protein powders that are fortified with calcium and Vit D as well as magnesium, B vitamins and zinc. I use "Designer Whey". You can check it out online. They have a website. Target used to carry it. Not sure if they still do.
  • jiannette
    jiannette Posts: 12
    I think you should consult your doctor first, to be sure there are no serious issues to be concerned about. But if that checks out OK....perhaps it has to do with inflammation from your exercise. Inflammation causes fatigue. So, perhaps try taking Fish Oil capsules. Fish Oil (be sure it is high in Omega 3) reduces inflammation, and is good for us in many other ways too.

    Hang in there until this passes.
  • karensoxfan
    karensoxfan Posts: 902 Member
    My knee-jerk reactions are:

    1. Eating 1200-1400 cals./day is probably not enough. This might be a good amount for you as you get closer to goal, but at 5'6" weighing over 200 lb., you need more calories, especially to fuel all that activity.

    2. I'd guess you're not eating enough protein. You don't track it in your diary.

    Barring illness or pregnancy, I'd try eating more, and eating more protein, or if you can, ask your Dr. for a referral to a nutritionist for specific advice on what & how much you should eat to lose weight & maintain your health.

    Good luck!
  • Espressocycle
    Espressocycle Posts: 2,245 Member
    You might just be fighting off a bug. Or maybe it's the time change - I have to fight off the blues every year about this time as the days get shorter, but they'll start getting longer in another 6 weeks! Get a heater in the garage!
  • TinaBean007
    TinaBean007 Posts: 273 Member
    Check out this post to evaluate yourself: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12


    It's time consuming to go through it but worth it.
  • TinaBean007
    TinaBean007 Posts: 273 Member
    I think you are not eating enough for the amount of exersize you are doing. Eating too little can cause issues like that. I took me a while to find that balance. (am still experimenting with eating too much or too little after losing 175 pounds)

    I am one that believes you should eat most of your exersize calories back.

    I agree. I also believe in eating back some exercise calories. Most importantly, your net daily calories is around 1100 per day. Maybe 200 more *healthy* calories per day would help? (It's worth experimenting with.)
  • wrbiii
    wrbiii Posts: 151
    Go to sleep early enough that you can wake up on your own. It will do wonders.
  • Christine1110
    Christine1110 Posts: 1,786 Member
    For someone doing alot of exercise...your not eating enough. You need to eat back some of your exercsie calories with good healthy fuel for a hard working body. Make sure your drinking lots of water also : )
    You need to be eating alot of protein also. I am now 113. pounds and eat around 100 grams a day. I eat lean meats about 6 oz twice a day...and eggs & a little cheese.
  • GnaBean
    GnaBean Posts: 112 Member
    With a change as sudden and dramatic as what you've described, I'd see a physician as soon as possible.
  • miracole
    miracole Posts: 492 Member
    I am always more fatigued when the days get shorter and greyer. And sometimes the draw of the bed is much higher than the need to go for a run!

    I'm going to echo what most people are saying here. You may need to eat some of your exercise calories back to gain back your energy levels, 1200-1400 calories is likely not enough, particularly if you are adding more running into your routine. Running is a higher impact exercise than walking and as it makes your muscles work differently it will also draw on your energy levels differently. I'm a long distance runner myself and I tend to eat back a LOT of my exercise calories. If I run a half or full marathon my calorie intake for the day can easily break 3000. Even when I run 5ks (which is almost every day) I tend to aim for total calorie intake of around 2000 calories a day, even though my "target" calories for the day is under 1400. I figure as long as I stay in the green (or close to it) on the balance of things I'll still lose weight. And it's panned out so far!

    Being warm is a big help when working out/feeling motivated to do it. If your garage isn't heated I'd recommend either getting a heat dish or figuring out how to properly layer for winter running. You may not be out in the elements but you're still in the cold! Remember that when you run your body heats up to about 15 degrees celsius above the outside temperature. I'd start wearing multiple layers and taking them off as your body warms up, the benefit for you is that you can drop the layers as necessary and not have to carry them with you!

    Good luck, keep your chin up and listen to your body. Sometimes when it's yelling invectives at you it means that it's time to rest!
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    Always listen to your body but first listen to your doctor. Go, and make sure your health is good. Otherwise sounds like your doing great! Congratulations on your new found interests!!!
  • robin820
    robin820 Posts: 150 Member
    I never used to believe we needed a rest day, but truly your body needs time to recover. Give yourself one day a week, it doesnt mean you have to give the "diet" or lifestyle of food change a rest. But I do know jumping in with two feet wide open can set you up for a fail. try one thing at a time you will be fine and things will start to come back around! good luck, you can do this! :O)
  • EEpling89
    EEpling89 Posts: 152
    I would agree with the others who have said that you probably aren't eating enough. At an absolute minimum, you want to be eating at your BMR. You should also probably throw in a few rest days. Going from being sedentary to running every day will take a toll on your body. It's a marathon, not a sprint. :)
  • kenazfehu
    kenazfehu Posts: 1,188 Member
    You could be coming down with something. I've noticed in the past that my first symptom will often be that I just can't get through a workout. A few days later I'm sick.

    P.S: You could use a wider variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, too. And I agree with a rest day. You don't have to lie around or anything, just substitute a leisurely walk for the time you would spend exercising to failure.
  • pudgeylou
    pudgeylou Posts: 202 Member
    I am similar in a lot of ways and have had similar issues with feeling totally drained because I was so eager and so happy with my initial weight loss that I pushed myself too hard. Here is what I did 1) Take a few days off from the exercise 2)Keep eating healthy but bump your calories up 3)Eat about 45 min to an hour before you workout (there is a lot of controversy about whether you need to but it helped me so I am just giving you what worked for me) 4) Make sure you are healthy, the exhaustion could be stress, illness, or any comibination of things. Everyone has ups and downs in their workouts, the other day I was so happy I ran for 7 minutes straight...and yesterday I barely made it to 3 minutes before I was just too tired. Every day is different, don't let it worry you.
  • VorJoshigan
    VorJoshigan Posts: 1,106 Member
    I workout every day, maybe taking off 1 or two days a month.

    This is the only thing that I found concerning. I think walking every day is great, but I can't see "working out" every day as being healthy. I max out at 4 workouts per week. Your mileage may vary.

    This is a sensationalist news story, but there might be a grain of truth to it: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/food_coach&id=6977663 ""There's still this myth out there -- this urban legend that when you do a lot of cardio you're going to lose weight," said Virgin."
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