Running on a treadmill 6 days a week...

I enjoy running and doing the Nike+ app and competing with friends. My goal is to stay at #1 lol so I typically run from 4 - 8 miles 6 days a week, sometimes throwing in a 10 mile run because I need to win the challenge. Now if you Google too much running, of course this bad stuff shows up but is it really a problem? If I run 5 miles a day, is that a big deal?

Also, ever since I started running I noticed my blood pressure gets low at times. Yesterday I was pretty dizzy later in the day, after running 8 miles. I realized I didn't drink much water and once I rested and drank a ton, I felt better. Is this normal with the blood pressure and do you think it was really the lack of water?

Appreciate any input. :smile:
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Replies

  • arabianhorselover
    arabianhorselover Posts: 1,488 Member
    I wouldn't feel comfortable giving a medical diagnosis on here. Perhaps you should speak with your doctor.
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    There is nothing inherently wrong with running 30-40 miles per week, assuming you properly worked up to this level. You do not want to go from zero to 60, so to speak, because that is a recipe for injury or illness from over training.

    The dizziness you described can definitely be the result of dehydration. It can also be the result of inadequate nutritional intake and over training. If you are running this many miles, you need to make sure you are getting proper nutrition, hydration and sleep.
  • mizztara3
    mizztara3 Posts: 8 Member
    Yes, I will see my doctor just in case. By the way, I'm still considered in the normal range for my blood pressure, but it just seems lower since I started running. I definitely need to focus more on nutrition,hydration and sleep. Thanks for the comments!
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Running 6 days a week may be ok but it's hard to say without knowing more about your running background. If you're relatively new, probably a bad idea. Are you doing any cross training?

    As to the blood pressure thing......did you actually measure your BP or are you assuming the dizziness is BP related?
  • mizztara3
    mizztara3 Posts: 8 Member
    Running 6 days a week may be ok but it's hard to say without knowing more about your running background. If you're relatively new, probably a bad idea. Are you doing any cross training?

    As to the blood pressure thing......did you actually measure your BP or are you assuming the dizziness is BP related?

    I started running in April and ran 2 miles a day and increased from there. No cross training. I do want to do strength training.

    I did measure at home. 106/73

  • WhatMeRunning
    WhatMeRunning Posts: 3,538 Member
    Definitely get checked by a doctor to make sure they see no problems with you running. Outside of that, the best advice I can give if you wish to ensure you are remaining heart healthy (this came from my doctor actually) is to track these 4 things:

    1. Morning Resting Heart Rate - Measure first thing when you wake before getting out of bed. You will begin to find the pattern of your true rested heart rate and when you are either still fatigued or ill. Your resting heart rate will be higher when fatigued or ill than when properly rested. This can help to spot if you are pushing yourself too hard and maybe need a day off to come back at 100%. Remember, your improvements come after resting after exercise, not after exercise itself.

    2. Pre-Run Heart Rate - Measured before you run/warm-up/stretch/whatever. Idea is to get your rested heart rate prior to the run. This is to be measured against #4 below.

    3. Max Heart Rate During Run - My HRM and running app capture this for me (along with average HR). If you do not have an HRM then towards the end after a good hill or if you are feeling like you are running at 100% capacity for that session, then take your HR. Useful to help track your effort and if you are being aerobic or into the lactate producing realm, etc.

    4. Time to Return to Pre-Race Heart Rate - After your run check your HR, and see how long it takes to return to your pre-race HR. It should return to normal after 5-10 minutes generally. If it starts taking longer than usual this can be a sign of heart trouble.
  • gdyment
    gdyment Posts: 299 Member
    mizztara3 wrote: »
    Running 6 days a week may be ok but it's hard to say without knowing more about your running background. If you're relatively new, probably a bad idea. Are you doing any cross training?

    As to the blood pressure thing......did you actually measure your BP or are you assuming the dizziness is BP related?

    I started running in April and ran 2 miles a day and increased from there. No cross training. I do want to do strength training.

    I did measure at home. 106/73

    Used to be 125/85 or so, with resting HR of 75. Now it's like 105/60 ish with a resting 39. Welcome to the world of being a fit runner. If you're doing 10+ miles at a time try some sport drink (gatorade/perform/heed) instead of straight water. Bit more sodium is good.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I'd see a medical professional.

    I get light headed when my blood sugar drops- and if I'm in a deep deficit- this happens quickly- so you might just not be eating enough.

    Running 6 days a week shouldn't be a crisis- but there is no way you would catch me running 6 days a week for that kind of mileage on a treadmill. nope nope nope nope nope.
  • cheshirecatastrophe
    cheshirecatastrophe Posts: 1,395 Member
    As far as the blood pressure drop goes, I got nothing. I'd be talking to my doctor if I were you.

    Now, running 4-10 miles six days a week on the treadmill: Yes, you are setting yourself up for some overuse injuries down the road. The treadmill forces you into a similar gait pattern/footfall over and over and over, which will overdevelop some muscles at the expense of others. It also places uneven stress on different bones and tendons. You'll get away with it for awhile, but eventually it will catch up to you unless you are truly superhuman. (Those people are out there.)

    Why not swap in some elliptical, or go for a run outside? A bike ride? Are you doing any kind of strength, flexibility, or plyo work to counter the imbalances?
  • oilphins
    oilphins Posts: 240 Member
    Before you go on any run whether it's outside or on the treadmill, always make sure your well hydrated and have lots of carbs and energy in your body. NEVER go for a run on an empty stomach or haven't had any water. I'm training for a marathon right now and run 10 to 12k everyday until the marathon. I went for one run about a month ago and that day didn't have time for lunch and it was the worst run I had ever done. I looked up some websites for you and a combination of low blood pressure and dizziness is being dehydrated, so always drink lots of water before and during your run.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    oilphins wrote: »
    Before you go on any run whether it's outside or on the treadmill, always make sure your well hydrated and have lots of carbs and energy in your body. NEVER go for a run on an empty stomach or haven't had any water. I'm training for a marathon right now and run 10 to 12k everyday until the marathon. I went for one run about a month ago and that day didn't have time for lunch and it was the worst run I had ever done. I looked up some websites for you and a combination of low blood pressure and dizziness is being dehydrated, so always drink lots of water before and during your run.


    You give really bad advice.

    I run on an empty stomach all the time with zero problems.
    It's personal preference.

    I've also run without drinking much water beforehand and don't bring any with me.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    oilphins wrote: »
    Before you go on any run whether it's outside or on the treadmill, always make sure your well hydrated and have lots of carbs and energy in your body. NEVER go for a run on an empty stomach or haven't had any water. I'm training for a marathon right now and run 10 to 12k everyday until the marathon. I went for one run about a month ago and that day didn't have time for lunch and it was the worst run I had ever done. I looked up some websites for you and a combination of low blood pressure and dizziness is being dehydrated, so always drink lots of water before and during your run.


    You give really bad advice.

    I run on an empty stomach all the time with zero problems.
    It's personal preference.

    I've also run without drinking much water beforehand and don't bring any with me.

    ^^^ Yup.......90% of my runs are fasted. If you're eating properly during the day you'll have plenty of glycogen stored and I hate having water sloshing around in my stomach, I'll drink if the run is over 90 minutes or if the weather is really hot.

    To the OP, there's more to cross training than just weights (even though they are highly recommended for injury prevention) such as biking, swimming etc etc etc which can help address muscular imbalances and make you a better runner & help keep boredom at bay.
  • oilphins
    oilphins Posts: 240 Member
    edited June 2015
    To the two professional marathoners, Brian Sharpe and rebooted, I'm just telling her about my experience with running because of her dizziness. If you two want to run on an empty stomach and don't drink water, good for you but it makes absolutely no sense to do that. Have no idea where you get your energy from for your runs.Running on an empty stomach and no water is so ridiculous.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    There is no way I would go running with much food in my system.
    While I don't care to run completely fasted- it's an easy adjustment and much better than eating and going to run.

    I also don't hydrate during my runs- but I rarely run over 5 miles at this point.
  • lishie_rebooted
    lishie_rebooted Posts: 2,973 Member
    edited June 2015
    oilphins wrote: »
    To the two professional marathoners, Brian Sharpe and rebooted, I'm just telling her about my experience with running because of her dizziness. If you two want to run on an empty stomach and don't drink water, good for you but it makes absolutely no sense to do that. Have no idea where you get your energy from for your runs.Running on an empty stomach and no water is so ridiculous.

    Maybe running with food works for you but it is not necessary to do so.
    I've experienced dizziness as well, a higher sodium diet helps me with that, not running with food in my stomach.
    Food in my stomach just makes me a slow runner.
  • WhatMeRunning
    WhatMeRunning Posts: 3,538 Member
    This is gonna be interesting.

    That said, I do my long runs in a fasted state, and take gels when needed if I am going to be running for 2+ hours.

    The only reason I eat on race day is because there is usually about a 4 hour gap between when I wake up and when I start running.

    Your muscles will use your glycogen stores for energy. Your blood sugar is only good for once these start running low. Even then, you can only absorb so much per hour (around 100-200 calories for most people if I recall correctly). This is why those energy gels are usually only around 100 calories each.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    edited June 2015
    oilphins wrote: »
    To the two professional marathoners, Brian Sharpe and rebooted, I'm just telling her about my experience with running because of her dizziness. If you two want to run on an empty stomach and don't drink water, good for you but it makes absolutely no sense to do that. Have no idea where you get your energy from for your runs.Running on an empty stomach and no water is so ridiculous.

    If you actually took the time to read a little you would find that, given a proper progressive training regimen your body stores enough glycogen to sustain about 90 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise. There are a great many very accomplished runners who train fasted. On what are you basing your "so ridiculous" statement.

  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    To the OP: I'd check in with your doctor. It could've been dehydration, but really hard to say. Overall you've gotten good advice. If you keep having low blood pressure drops, a check in with the doctor is good. Running 6 days a week is personal; some people can handle that, some are likely to get injured. Cross training is a very good idea and highly recommend you work that in.

    Eating before a run: As said, it's personal. I can't run within 2 hours of eating. I usually go 4-6 hours between a meal and a run. I'm susceptible to nausea any time I run over 9 miles (90 minutes+ for me) and food on my stomach makes that far worse. I do make sure I'm hydrated, especially since I run outside in a hot/humid city. For races, I do eat ahead of time and will use gels during them (if running a half or longer), but that's a race, when I'm really pushing my body.

    My understanding (could be wrong) is running fasted can be good for training for long distances (more than a half-marathon) as it helps your body adapt for fat burning to preserve your glycogen stores on such an intense event.
  • gdyment
    gdyment Posts: 299 Member
    popcorn1.gif
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    In for marathon training tips :laugh:
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    edited June 2015
    oilphins wrote: »
    To the two professional marathoners, Brian Sharpe and rebooted, I'm just telling her about my experience with running because of her dizziness. If you two want to run on an empty stomach and don't drink water, good for you but it makes absolutely no sense to do that. Have no idea where you get your energy from for your runs.Running on an empty stomach and no water is so ridiculous.

    I think your advice is a little off as well. Most of the time I don't eat or drink anything ahead of a run. I don't like anything sloshing or bouncing around my belly. Unless it is going to be really hot out, I carry no water on short runs (short, to me is defined as less than 10 miles). Over that I will usually carry some water and maybe a gel or two if I am going past 18.

    But for most of my short and easy runs? Nothing whatsoever. I'll eat afterwards. I'll drink afterwards. There is no need to fuel-up before a short run and as long as you stay hydrated as a matter of course, you don't need to drink anything before a run.
  • oilphins
    oilphins Posts: 240 Member
    edited June 2015
    I sincerely apologize for my comment and it was not right, but doing long runs you do need energy in your system. There's a difference between getting up in the morning after sleeping for 8 hours and having had nothing to eat and go for a run as to eating throughout the day and running at say 4 or 5 in the afternoon because you have already eaten something all day. I didn't say eat and run right after. Anyone who's a runner, don't tell me you have ever slept all night and got up in the morning to do a LONG run and felt good or had much energy to keep up with your run without dying. A short run maybe but not a long one. Again I apologize for my comments earlier, but don't tell her I'm giving bad advice because it certainly isn't to tell someone to eat and drink water prior to a run then to have nothing. And Brian Sharpe your sarcasm is just as bad as I what I did and you don't know what else I do besides running. Your telling me I don't follow a training program? And I do longer runs on Saturdays and also cross train as well btw so don't comment with your sarcasm if you don't know the whole story my friend.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    edited June 2015
    oilphins wrote: »
    I sincerely apologize for my comment and it was not right, but doing long runs you do need energy in your system. There's a difference between getting up in the morning after sleeping for 8 hours and having had nothing to eat and go for a run as to eating throughout the day and running at say 4 or 5 in the afternoon because you have already eaten something all day. I didn't say eat and run right after. Anyone who's a runner, don't tell me you have ever slept all night and got up in the morning to do a LONG run and felt good or had much energy to keep up with your run without dying. A short run maybe but not a long one. Again I apologize for my comments earlier, but don't tell her I'm giving bad advice because it certainly isn't to tell someone to eat and drink water prior to a run then to have nothing. And Brian Sharpe your sarcasm is just as bad as I what I did and you don't know what else I do besides running. Your telling me I don't follow a training program? And I do longer runs on Saturdays and also cross train as well btw so don't comment with your sarcasm if you don't know the whole story my friend.

    1. I'm not you friend.....
    2. I merely repeated your own words.Based on what you said one could reasonably infer that you were not following a training plan and there was no mention of long runs.
    3. What do you consider a long run? I and many other real runners I know will run up to 15 or 16km fasted and feel just fine afterward, it's simply a matter of training your body. Typically my diet consists of 50 to 60% carbs and I'll have days where I get up, run 10km, eat breakfast then ride my bike 20km to work (and then back home again) all without feeling exhausted, perhaps you need to revisit your diet. If you're fueling properly and have built up the aerobic capacity it's not that difficult.

  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
    edited June 2015
    oilphins wrote: »
    Before you go on any run whether it's outside or on the treadmill, always make sure your well hydrated and have lots of carbs and energy in your body. NEVER go for a run on an empty stomach or haven't had any water. I'm training for a marathon right now and run 10 to 12k everyday until the marathon. I went for one run about a month ago and that day didn't have time for lunch and it was the worst run I had ever done. I looked up some websites for you and a combination of low blood pressure and dizziness is being dehydrated, so always drink lots of water before and during your run.


    You give really bad advice.

    I run on an empty stomach all the time with zero problems.
    It's personal preference.

    I've also run without drinking much water beforehand and don't bring any with me.

    ^^^ Yup.......90% of my runs are fasted. If you're eating properly during the day you'll have plenty of glycogen stored and I hate having water sloshing around in my stomach, I'll drink if the run is over 90 minutes or if the weather is really hot.

    Ditto.

    Runs longer than 90 minutes I'll either carry water or plan a route that has water. Shorter: virtually never take it. Sloshy belly not good!

    I never use Gatorade and products like it.

    If I do have anything before hand on a long run fast, first thing in the morning, it is likely not carbs - usually a small handful of almonds which won't do me much good during the ruin. I save my carbs for after.
  • oilphins
    oilphins Posts: 240 Member
    edited June 2015
    Brian, You obviously don't see the sarcasm right back at you. Trust me I wouldn't wanna be your friend. And btw when I'm not training for a marathon I bike about 150-200k a week along with my running. And REAL runners NEVER go for long runs on an empty stomach. Thats so assinine it's not even funny. If your so much better than me and know everything I'd like to know what your best half marathon time is? If you've even done one. Yeah I'm not a real runner because I don't do LONG runs. I finished in the top 80 out out 4,000 runners two years ago buddy so don't try to tell me I'm not a real runner. And btw she said she was getting dizzy and after she had water, she felt better, so your going to say not to. Then everyone else got totally off the subject and was talking about fasting and not eating before runs. This is about her and not you or I. Been on this website for three years and can't stand people who butt their nose in and make comments about what other people comment about. Have a nice day BRIAN.
  • Becky_charles29
    Becky_charles29 Posts: 125 Member
    I run and cycle each week. For my runs (which are only 7 miles thus far), I eat 2 hours prior but it's personal preference. I feel very unwell if I eat too close to my run - I've tried and failed. Even when I was running up to 13 miles....I was fine eating 2 hours before. However, I cannot run on empty. I am appalling if I run before breakfast - a 5k can take an eternity! I think it's easier for pro runners to draw on their energy stores from fat rather than carbs which is why some can run on less than others. But it was trial and error for me. I would try different combinations of eating/hydration until you find what is best for you
  • dolliesdaughter
    dolliesdaughter Posts: 544 Member
    oilphins wrote: »
    Before you go on any run whether it's outside or on the treadmill, always make sure your well hydrated and have lots of carbs and energy in your body. NEVER go for a run on an empty stomach or haven't had any water. I'm training for a marathon right now and run 10 to 12k everyday until the marathon. I went for one run about a month ago and that day didn't have time for lunch and it was the worst run I had ever done. I looked up some websites for you and a combination of low blood pressure and dizziness is being dehydrated, so always drink lots of water before and during your run.


    You give really bad advice.

    I run on an empty stomach all the time with zero problems.
    It's personal preference.

    I've also run without drinking much water beforehand and don't bring any with me.

    Thank you, ITA, that is me. I did it and ran an half marathon. Afterwards rehydrate and eat a good meal.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    edited June 2015
    oilphins wrote: »
    Brian, You obviously don't see the sarcasm right back at you. Trust me I wouldn't wanna be your friend. And btw when I'm not training for a marathon I bike about 150-200k a week along with my running. And REAL runners NEVER go for long runs on an empty stomach. Thats so assinine it's not even funny. If your so much better than me and know everything I'd like to know what your best half marathon time is? If you've even done one. Yeah I'm not a real runner because I don't do LONG runs. I finished in the top 80 out out 4,000 runners two years ago buddy so don't try to tell me I'm not a real runner. And btw she said she was getting dizzy and after she had water, she felt better, so your going to say not to. Then everyone else got totally off the subject and was talking about fasting and not eating before runs. This is about her and not you or I. Been on this website for three years and can't stand people who butt their nose in and make comments about what other people comment about. Have a nice day BRIAN.

    Are you training for a marathon (as per this thread) or for your 6th half-marathon (as per your 5 hour energy thread)? Funny how you keep bringing up "real runners" ..........and wanting to compare times, that's pretty "whip it out" pathetic.......now, whatever happened with the "ignore" button....

  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    oilphins wrote: »
    Brian, You obviously don't see the sarcasm right back at you. Trust me I wouldn't wanna be your friend. And btw when I'm not training for a marathon I bike about 150-200k a week along with my running. And REAL runners NEVER go for long runs on an empty stomach. Thats so assinine it's not even funny. If your so much better than me and know everything I'd like to know what your best half marathon time is? If you've even done one. Yeah I'm not a real runner because I don't do LONG runs. I finished in the top 80 out out 4,000 runners two years ago buddy so don't try to tell me I'm not a real runner. And btw she said she was getting dizzy and after she had water, she felt better, so your going to say not to. Then everyone else got totally off the subject and was talking about fasting and not eating before runs. This is about her and not you or I. Been on this website for three years and can't stand people who butt their nose in and make comments about what other people comment about. Have a nice day BRIAN.
    There have been a fair few studies done on fasting marathons and the pros and cons of them. I like to a fasted run once a week but I admit I'm a 10k runner not marathons.
    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1440244010000733
    http://runnersconnect.net/coach-corner/marathon-long-runs-on-an-empty-stomach-or-fully-fueled/
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    edited June 2015
    oh boy- I'm not a real runner.

    I have never run a marathon- and I never run more than 10 miles at a pop at this point in my life.

    #notarealrunner

    Please tell me what else we all aren't on this forum since you know us so well.