Brutal honesty from a runner trembling on the verge

morningstar

morningstar

Cathlete
I should start this by saying that I love running. It makes me feel free and liberated and gives me a survival skill that I find essential. However, I have been sick more or less continuously in one way or another for quite some time.

When I really really think about it, and if I am being brutally honest with myself, my immune system started tanking when I started running 1 ½ years ago. I’m not sure why. I also have had a lot of trouble controlling my diet over the past year and a half. These are not problems I had when I was just weight training and walking mostly. I don’t think I am overtraining, exactly, I just think there is something about running that is taxing my system in a way that is not good for my overall health. I hate to admit that, I really do. I see so many runners that are in excellent health because they are runners and I think, “what’s wrong with me? Why am I having so much trouble? If I work out and am physically fit, shouldn’t I be healthy too?” I feel like there’s something wrong with me that my body doesn’t respond to running the same way they do, even though I love it.

I think I need to experiment to see if anything clears up if I go back to the way I used to work out. I think for at least the next month I’m going to try this rotation:

Monday: Strength circuit 30 minutes, 30 minutes hill walking on the treadmill, walk 7.5K

Tuesday: STS day 1, walk 15K

Wednesday: STS day 2, walk 15K

Thursday: Strength circuit 30 minutes, 30 minutes hill walking on the treadmill, walk 7.5K

Friday: STS day 3, walk 7.5K

Saturday: easy run, no more than 10K

Sunday: Full Body Strength with my Cathlete workout buddy!


The walking is just my normal walk to and sometimes from work. It is very strength heavy, this rotation, but my body responds well to strength training and seems to be at its best when that is my focus. I was thinking of not doing any running at all for the month, but I just couldn’t face it, and the loss of all that I have gained during my running training. 1 run a week should keep at least some of my endurance. The walking should help, especially if some of it is at a cardio pace. If I need a rest day, I’ll get rid of one of the strength circuit days or maybe even both of them.

I originally lost 110lbs 3-4 years ago doing nothing but strength, walking and some stretching. I've kept it off, but my weight is starting to creep up a wee bit again, because I can’t control my diet. I am so freakin’ tired after coming home from work that I make poor choices night after night, rather than take the time to make a salad. It’s fine during the workday, but not great at night. So maybe less running will mean that I will have more energy to make better choices.

I'd love to get some feedback from Catheites (or dare I say, Cathe herself!)and I'd love to hear if anyone else has noticed issues with their immune system starting to founder after beginning to run regularly.
 
From about 1995 to 2008 my workout routines consisted mainly of running. I ran almost everyday. There was a point where I was running 10 miles a day...crazy (actually stupid). Anyway, when I finally realized that I could do other things to actually help my running, I was able to cut back. My problem was, I compete in a lot of races...and I win or place in a lot of races. I was afraid that it was going to effect my running if I didn't do it all the time. So 2 years ago I ran a 10 mile race, something must've happened right after that race because I just couldn't run. I'd go out for a casual run and just couldn't do it. So, I actually took a month off and walked instead and tried to keep things low impact. I then decided that I would only run 2 times a week. I didn't lose any speed or endurance (may have gain speed actually) in my runs. And I think the break was really good for me (mentally) and for my body (physically). Don't be afraid to take more time off from running if you need it. Don't be afraid to sub in different cardio workouts for you runs instead too, but it seems like you are doing far too much strength workouts. Your body really needs to recovery especially after those STS workout. Maybe add in a kickboxing day, or step day...all of these will help you with your running. I know the diet is probably harder than the workouts. But I found I was hungrier when I did all of that running, and it sort of became my excuse for allowing me to take that extra bite.

I am sure you will find something that works for you. I love running too, but I have been able to find other workouts that are so much fun and can help improve your running...no joke. I almost walk away with a new PR after every race. I run faster now then I ever had before!! Good luck!
 
I don't know what your current schedule looks like now but you need to schedule in rest days. I workout really hard and I run too (currently training for a half marathon) but I always take rest days. If you don't take rests days, you risk taxing your immune system, which it seems like you are doing.

I am reading a book called "Running with the Legends" and recently read the bio on Priscilla Welch. She ended up getting sick because of her hard training schedule she did for many years. She writes...

"...abusing my immune system and not resting much over a period of 10 to 13 years, training and racing hard for a long time. Keeping the immune system healthy and the body chemically balanced while running and racing is important. Resting isn't poppycock. It's real. Otherwise your immune system gets out of whack. The defending forces get confused and bam you have something serious on your hands."

I wouldn't stop running, I was just schedule in 1 or 2 rest days a week. That may be the reason why you are so tired too. Try it for a month and see how you feel.
 
Morningstar - {{{{HUGS}}}}

I'm sorry you've been sick for so long! :( I have not been experiencing any of the effects you are from running, but I only run 3 days a week between 3.5 and 8 miles. Plus, I'm always taking at least one rest day a week. I also usually mix my running with weight training on my off-run days.

I agree with you that trying to work with your former program for a while may help all this clear up. At least you'll know if it is the running or not. If not, you should get yourself checked out by your doctor (assuming you haven't already).

I hope this clears up for you soon! Sending healing energy to you!
 
Yep, I stopped running over 2 years ago when I realized that running and my physical makeup just don't mesh. I was bummed because I had just completed my first 1/2-marathon and I saw so much room for improvement, but I was just getting sick all the time, and once I stopped running I stopped getting sick. When I "limit" my workouts to strength training, hiking, and less than an hour of cardo at a time (step, kickbox, etc) my immune system is happy. I've noticed that adding regular Hiit compromises my immune system, though I still sneak one in every few weeks.

I turn 42 in 2 days, and it was around age 40 that I finally accepted my body and its limitations and decided, OK, I'm not going to be a distance runner, my body likes intermediate, steady state cardio, so be it.
 
It really varied over the past year and a half, depending on my schedule and if I was training for a race. A short run would be 5K, longer runs would be up to 16K, so nothing crazy or over the top in terms of distance. I did all kinds of running, from speedwork, tempo, easy runs, long slow distance runs, hills, etc.
 
jdimascio said:
From about 1995 to 2008 my workout routines consisted mainly of running. I ran almost everyday. There was a point where I was running 10 miles a day...crazy (actually stupid). Anyway, when I finally realized that I could do other things to actually help my running, I was able to cut back. My problem was, I compete in a lot of races...and I win or place in a lot of races. I was afraid that it was going to effect my running if I didn't do it all the time. So 2 years ago I ran a 10 mile race, something must've happened right after that race because I just couldn't run. I'd go out for a casual run and just couldn't do it. So, I actually took a month off and walked instead and tried to keep things low impact. I then decided that I would only run 2 times a week. I didn't lose any speed or endurance (may have gain speed actually) in my runs. And I think the break was really good for me (mentally) and for my body (physically). Don't be afraid to take more time off from running if you need it. Don't be afraid to sub in different cardio workouts for you runs instead too, but it seems like you are doing far too much strength workouts. Your body really needs to recovery especially after those STS workout. Maybe add in a kickboxing day, or step day...all of these will help you with your running. I know the diet is probably harder than the workouts. But I found I was hungrier when I did all of that running, and it sort of became my excuse for allowing me to take that extra bite.

I am sure you will find something that works for you. I love running too, but I have been able to find other workouts that are so much fun and can help improve your running...no joke. I almost walk away with a new PR after every race. I run faster now then I ever had before!! Good luck!
Click to expand...

This is really encouraging- thank you for posting!
 
Bobbi-B said:
Yep, I stopped running over 2 years ago when I realized that running and my physical makeup just don't mesh. I was bummed because I had just completed my first 1/2-marathon and I saw so much room for improvement, but I was just getting sick all the time, and once I stopped running I stopped getting sick. When I "limit" my workouts to strength training, hiking, and less than an hour of cardo at a time (step, kickbox, etc) my immune system is happy. I've noticed that adding regular Hiit compromises my immune system, though I still sneak one in every few weeks.

I turn 42 in 2 days, and it was around age 40 that I finally accepted my body and its limitations and decided, OK, I'm not going to be a distance runner, my body likes intermediate, steady state cardio, so be it.
Click to expand...

This was really helpful. Thank you. I don't want to stop entirely (actually, I don't want to stop at all!) but I don't want to be sick either!
 
syzygy314 said:
Morningstar - {{{{HUGS}}}}

I'm sorry you've been sick for so long! :( I have not been experiencing any of the effects you are from running, but I only run 3 days a week between 3.5 and 8 miles. Plus, I'm always taking at least one rest day a week. I also usually mix my running with weight training on my off-run days.

I agree with you that trying to work with your former program for a while may help all this clear up. At least you'll know if it is the running or not. If not, you should get yourself checked out by your doctor (assuming you haven't already).

I hope this clears up for you soon! Sending healing energy to you!
Click to expand...

Thanks, hon, my annual physical is in a few weeks and I will be demanding some answers, that's for sure.
 
lioness said:
I don't know what your current schedule looks like now but you need to schedule in rest days. I workout really hard and I run too (currently training for a half marathon) but I always take rest days. If you don't take rests days, you risk taxing your immune system, which it seems like you are doing.

I am reading a book called "Running with the Legends" and recently read the bio on Priscilla Welch. She ended up getting sick because of her hard training schedule she did for many years. She writes...

"...abusing my immune system and not resting much over a period of 10 to 13 years, training and racing hard for a long time. Keeping the immune system healthy and the body chemically balanced while running and racing is important. Resting isn't poppycock. It's real. Otherwise your immune system gets out of whack. The defending forces get confused and bam you have something serious on your hands."

I wouldn't stop running, I was just schedule in 1 or 2 rest days a week. That may be the reason why you are so tired too. Try it for a month and see how you feel.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jane. You're hardcore, so if you take rest days, so should I! But I do, I just don't schedule them. I just take them as I need them, only walking on those days. I know that there will be days when I just don't feel like it, so by not scheduling rest days in advance, I don't feel bad for taking those days off.
 
People do tend to freak out when I tell them the amount of working out I do, as I do get 3-4 hours of physical activity (not necessarily "working out" though) most days, so I'm not surprised at the reaction here. After hearing back from everyone, I have taken the strength circuits out of the rotation. Thank you all!
 
morningstar said:
This is really encouraging- thank you for posting!
Click to expand...

Good luck. Please let me know if you have any questions. I have been a running my whole life, but really got better my last year in college...and even better when I hit 36 yrs. old. I actually can't run right now (fractured my toe). And as much as I hate the fact that I can't run, I am hoping that it will turn out to be a good thing...rest is a good thing!! I will be running a 5K on Thanksgiving. Looking for another PR.
 
I have to agree with Jane. Just *looking* at your proposed schedule is exhausting. I would suggest that the reason your are continuously sick and tired is because you don't give your body any downtime. You need rest days each week, and when you don't take them, your immune system is one of the things that goes downhill.

That being said, I too, am not a runner. I tried to be. I really wanted to be. I officially ran as part of my workout routine for 3 months. And I was miserable all 3 months of it. I just hurt, all the time. My joints can't take the abuse, and I felt horrible after each workout. (It's also worth noting that I never ran more than 3 miles at a time!). Some of us just don't have it in us, and we need to listen to our bodies.

But if you love running, just try to add a little balance. There's surely a formula in there where you can still run, just not as much. Either way, with a little rest, I'm guessing you'll start to feel better.
 
Another thing to consider is how much and the quality of sleep you are getting. Sleep is when our bodies really get down time to do repair work. Digestion takes a lot of energy, so not eating near bedtime makes it even easier for the body to put all it's energy towards healing.
 
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