Lately, I have been feeling unreasonably tired. I'm only 27, I haven't recently upped my training (I typically do about 3500 yards 4-5 times a week), I'm not sick, I don't feel more stressed than normal -- I just don't know what's going on. I feel fatigued at practice, at work, and especially in the evenings when I get home. Getting extra sleep and extra vegetables hasn't done anything to help so far. Has anyone else been through a time of being really run down for no reason? Did you swim through it since exercise is supposed to give you energy? Did you take a break? (I don't want to take a break if I don't have to because I love swimming and miss it whenever I can't go.) I know there is probably nothing anyone can really do to advise me, but I guess I just wanted to know if it's happened to anyone else. Thanks!
Chlorini:
I agree with what everyone has said. You are not alone. Everyone gets run down and feels out of energy at times. Sometimes you feel chronically tired. Now, I'm a lot older than you, but I get run down if: (1) I do double workouts too many days in a row (like run 5 miles at lunch and swim 4000 at night); (2) I don't eat enough carbs. I don't think carbs are so villified anymore! My kids coaches tell them to eat the good ones like crazy; (3) hormones -- definitely interfere with quality and quantitiy of sleep -- Coach T is right -- and insomnia is no stranger to me; (4) even though you say there's no major triggering stress, accumulated little stresses or just the sheer stress of a busy life can take a toll. Taking a couple days off will not kill you. I hate to do it too. I'm an endorphin addict. But sometimes when my I have the "plods" (runner's dead leg) and it doesn't clear after I run a mile or two or swim a long warm up, I know I need to ease back. Sometimes I feel really strong after I take a couple days off. Good luck. Hang in there.
Leslie
Nancy:
The "plods" is a running term. My son, the cross country wizard, showed it to me in one of the innumerable books he reads on that stuff. I agree on fly; it's a heavy muscle fatigue stroke. And a couple weeks off a couple times a year from swimming (you can cross train) is a good idea. My kids do the same thing.
And to Gull, you're right! Chlorini -- check for anemia, especially if you're a small of slim person. I'm a borderline anemic and have to take iron. Do you have allergies? Untreated allergies can make you very weary too. They drag you down.
I think we all get run down like that from time to time.....How is your diet these days? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you stressed out at work (or stressed out at home for some reason?). I think if you feel extremely run down that you should take a little break for a few days and get plenty of rest.....then see if you can swim thru it after that....Its a tough call though.
Newmastersswimmer
What a fascinating question and one that most athletes and non-athletes feel with empathy. I believe stress is a contributor and even if you believe you make your own stress, the fact is, stress may obscure but it's there. See what kind of things, little as they might be, are entering your life unannounced.
Next, I'm a believer in CoEnzyme Q10, and I believe the older you get the less of this important enzyme is made. I also believe that hormones (the lack-of or over production of) can contribute to feeling tired.
The quality of sleep and not the amount of sleep may also be a contributor of an overly tired feeling. I'm not saying drugs are what you need but a glass of great tasting wine (one that doesn't give you a headache), or reduction of caffeinated drinks or chocolates, may help you.
Loneliness or sadness may also contribute to a restless feeling. The body produces many unhealthy bi-products caused by depression (even a little depression). Find a friend that will listen or go out and have some fun.
The time you work-out is important. If your training regime has changed you may want to return or be patient until the new regime takes over.
Good luck to you and hope something helps. With Empathy, Coach T.
Are you sure it's not due to a physical ailment of some sort? You could be anemic, or perhaps hypothyroid. It might be worthwhile scheduling a check up with your doctor. Just a thought.
Been there. Hadn't heard "the plods" before, that's funny.
The kids on our team will cycle their training so they swim more during parts of the year and take a long complete break from the pool once a year post-championships. The harder they work, the longer they rest but it's always at least 2 weeks since our pool's shut down.
I think swimmers should have a cyclical plan of workouts to some extent whether they go to meets and prepare for a season championships or not.
I'll throw in to be sure you're warming down after practice and getting plenty of water.
As a side note: 1/2 mile of butterfly per workout is my limit. Doesn't matter if it's 800 straight, a bunch of 25s, in IMS, easy with fins, whatever. More than that and I won't be getting out of bed and getting to work the next morning.
Try looking at the diet. Sometimes we get a little too much sugar , which leave our body feel good for a short period of time then down and out. My husband found feeling the same, we realize that he was getting to much sugar in the mornings, making him feel bad by 10:00.
Just something to think about.
Chlorini:
I'm not sure all the signs of anemia. Do an internet search. I just noticed that I was more tired than I should have been and it was confirmed in a blood test.
Kimigo is right -- pregnancy is also exhausting. Frankly, I think having kids (I have 3) is in and of itself exhausting! Enjoy your kid free life while you have it.
And, scy freestyler is right. A check up isn't a bad idea. I hate going to the doctor, but I finally broke down and went for my allergies and now I can actually breathe.
Leslie
