Getting burned out

[escape]

I'm feeling so guilty right now. My work has really been demanding lately and I haven't put forth the effort I've needed to train for my marathon relay this weekend. When I do exercise or train, I almost resent it - like I'm forcing myself to do it instead of wanting to. I feel like I'm getting a little burned out and I don't want to feel this way. I love these events. They keep me motivated to continue running, exercising. But now I'm dreading this weekend vs. being excited about it.

Anyone else ever feel this way? What did/do you do to keep on track? Sorry, I guess I'm just feeling a little down right now. Calgon, take me away.....

 

[Steffwalks]

Susie, I have had the self doubts, or a bad case of the "can't help its" . (You know like when things aren't just right and you don't feel just right and everything feels off center or tilted and you just can't help it!) I take some time off. I don't "train" for awhile, I take a powder, do some rest and before I know it, I am lacing up the shoes and checking the internet for my next race!

 

[mogulskr]

Funny you posted this today. I just replied on my team thread how I was a slug this week and really had no ambition to train. I took the week off and only did non training things like skiing and basketball. I am hoping to pick it up agian next week.

I think if you are forcing yourself to train or not enjoying it taking a week off may help.

Good Luck

 

[Honeibee]

Oh Susie... ...I could have written your post.

I feel the same way. I'm SO sick of the TM right now, and you know normally I don't mind it at all. Except for the race, I haven't been outside since Nov 17 and I think it's starting to get on my nerves! I also think I am suffereing from the Winter Doldrums. Enough already of this cruddy snow and ice and cold and dark. Just last night I fell REALLY HARD on my right knee. I slipped on some ice in the paddock. Talk about Calgon Take Me Away!

I don't know what to tell you except know that you are not alone. Martha said it best when she told me I have lost my mojo. That's exactly how I feel. I don't know how to get it back.

 

[princessrunner]

Susie: First of all If it were me, I would get through this weekend and then maybe switch things up. Try a class like yoga or pilates, try the elliptical or just drop running for awhile. I miss it when I can't run and maybe you will too. Whatever you decide, just don't stop exercising!!

 

[ultramickeymouse]

It is hard for me to get motivated as just bought new condo, trying to move and find job is taking all my energy. Plus with 2nd surgery 4 weeks away, I know whatever I do won't matter as it will be gone after surgery. I will be on crutches and anything I have will be long gone when I can walk again in May/June. Trying to stay chipper in that I have to try to enjoy my last 4 weeks.

 

[jeanneg]

Cheer up, Susie....we love you! It must be something like post-partem depression. (You just delivered a marathon medal!) I had it, Nancy still has it......I'm starting to think it's quite common. Our events are still very far away. I agree with what Connie said and think you just need some time off. As soon as you completely stop you'll realize how much you miss it and come back with more zeal than ever. And a nice glass of wine wouldn't hurt much either! You'll be fine!

Hope all is going well with you too, Robert! Exactly when is the move? Glad to hear you are making great progress with the knee.

 

[deekaypee]

Awww, Susie. I've experienced this, too. You're definitely not alone. After this weekend, maybe you need to take a little break from your training routine. Switch things up, try something new. Maybe even stop running for a little bit while you do some of the things suggested by the WISHers who got here before I did. Those are great suggestions!

Also, I tend to bribe myself with something I really want--beyond registering for the next event. Not necessarily running or exercise-related either. A new book, tickets to a play, a weekend getaway. It's probably not the best strategy, treating myself as if I'm a stubborn 2yo (although I've discovered I'd be a horrible parent), but sometimes the reward keeps me going until I get over my angst.

 

[DianeL]

Suzie I hope the race went well this weekend. I don't think I can offer up anything new to what has been said but hope you find your way soon. I wish i had checked in sooner as I too have been having problems. I haven't been able to get my head on straight regarding training since returning from the Marathon. I believe it's been a combo of RL and post-race blues. A pair of jeans seeming a bit tighter than normal might have been the trigger this weekend

I like the idea of trying out a new class or doing the ellip. if you don't normally use it. Change up a bit and see if the path doesn't become more clear but just incase I'll be sure to leave a trail of breadcrumbs for you to find us

I think we all are longing for Spring. Susan brought it to my attention that Daylight savings is coming up. So that is a good thing. I need to get some daylight after work.

Hope the training will be fun this week for all!!!!!

 

[Kristi1357]

Susie - more ! I think everyone here had great suggestions for you.

I am dealing with pretty much the same thing. I have a Half coming up next month and it is taking everything in me to get in my walk/runs. I am absolutely dreading my 7 miler tomorrow. One thing that I do enjoy is my new fitness yoga class. I started taking that about a month ago as my xt and I do really like it. I think the previous posters are onto something with the try-something-new advice. I am just waiting for the wanting to do 7 miles thing to kick back in again.

Also work was crazy for you now too. I know my major problem with exercising and my weight is my sleep deprivation. Are you getting enougn sleep? I am amazed at how great I feel at the gym, usually on a weekend, when I've had 8+ hours of sleep. I feel like a new person. But during the week, I am dragging and dreading all exercise.

Hang in there!

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

I can totally understand how you're feeling. I've fallen off the wagon over the last 4-5 months and have really undone everything I worked for (and believe me you don't want that..I don't want that...but it's where I am now) and now I have to work twice as hard just to get back to where I was. So just take everything in time. Just because you don't work as hard as you did last week doesn't mean this week isn't helping you towards your goal. We all have peaks and valleys but it's the overall struggle that is going to make the real difference.

--DB

 

[bubba73]

I totally agree with what some of the other posters have said. Once you start to feel burned out, take some time off. Recuperate and regenerate your body. Some people just may need a day. Others may need a week. What is important is to take a little "ME" time and let your body heal.

Give an example. I haven't missed a day at the gym for over 2 weeks. Yesterday, I woke up and my body was just hurting and screaming at me saying enough was enough. So, I took the day off and rested. Gave myself a massage and just took it easy. It was wonderful and very helpful. I got back to the gym tonight and was able to do 90 minutes worth of cardio and I am already looking forward to tomorrow.

Take care of yourself!!

 

[TEK224]

Susie,

So sorry you're feeling this way. As others said, you are not alone. I haven't done anything since marathon weekend. I gave myself the rest of january off, then in Feb. work and school had me super busy, so nothing got done.

I've started to get the itch that I have to be doing "something". So I hoping this is the week I get back to a normal exercise routine. I'll be doing a lot of xt to start though. That'll save me knees and ankles from too much wear nd tear. My next race is a 10k in June.

Maybe take a week or two off and forget about "having" to train. Catch up on other things and after the two weeks, maybe you'll be more ready to get back to training without worrying about getting other things done.

Sending and your way!

Terri