Newbie question–Am I overdoing it?
Question:
Based on this I think I am okay. See comments below. Thanks for everyone’s replies. I will watch for any of these signs. 
There are some signs to monitor for overtraining. 1. Take your pulse first thing in the morning. An unexplained increase in your pulse can be an indicator of overtraining.
This I have been doing for quite a while (I got one of those monitors you clip on your finger for Christmas). It has dropped quite a bit over the last year or so. My average heart rate before getting out of bed is 48. I take it the old fashioned way at work whilst sitting behind my PC…it isn’t exactly resting but close…average is 52ish. I don’t know what it does when I run. I can’t seem to find it then. 2. Unusual irratibility.
I don’t think so. 3. Insomnia
Never. Always out like a light. 4. A susceptibility to colds or the flu , or a nagging injury that won’t go away.
I don’t think so. I may get them more often than say someone who doesn’t have kids in daycare who bring it home all the time. Sometimes everyone in the house will get it but me. When I do, it goes away quickly. 5. Lack of appetite
I wish as I’ve got about 20 lbs that I’d like to get rid of. I’m always ravenous. 6. Lack of motivation
I read somewhere that participating in as many races as is practical helps keep you motivated. The above items are only indicators of overtraining. They aren’t the last word on it. Good luck with your running and the battle with C.
Thanks. We are going to need it. I think the running helps me/us cope with it. My husband and kids enjoy going to the races to watch.
Response:
It’s good practice to take your resting pulse rate each morning after waking up (obviously!) whilst still lying in bed, readings make fluctuate a little but over a week or two you’ll have a useable average – increased resting heart rate is a symptom of overtraining.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I need to know if I am overdoing it. I am a 35 year old female and have been running for a year. I have a family member who "used to be" very atheletically active…running, biking, etc. He doesn’t do much now. He hounds me about how much and how often I run. He says that I should only run 2 days a week if I am running a race and 3 days max including the race….that the race itself is enough of a workout. A typical non-race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 3 to 4m Fri – 5 to 6m Sat – 0 Sun – 0 A typical race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 2 to 3m Fri – 0 Sat – R – 5k to 10k Sun – 0 In general I feel great. I never have sore muscles anymore, and I never feel ragged. I ran my first 5k about 5 weeks ago at 8.65/min pace (took 2nd in my age div). It was an easy race, only one hill and about 55 degrees. The following Sat I ran in the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Run (6.5m) (was more like mountain climbing)…absolutely grueling, my first trail run, most fun I’ve had in a long time, just about killed me, can’t wait for next years (12.1/min pace). The last 2 races were 5k’s with many hills (big and little). The courses were very comparable but for first one I had a stomach virus and a 9.7/min pace. The last one (last Sat) was at a 9 min pace (took 2nd in my age div). If I feel good at this rate, am I overdoing it? Sorry so long.
Response:
If I feel good at this rate, am I overdoing it?
There are some signs to monitor for overtraining. 1. Take your pulse first thing in the morning. An unexplained increase in your pulse can be an indicator of overtraining. 2. Unusual irratibility. 3. Insomnia 4. A susceptibility to colds or the flu , or a nagging injury that won’t go away. 5. Lack of appetite 6. Lack of motivation The above items are only indicators of overtraining. They aren’t the last word on it. Good luck with your running and the battle with C. Todd
Response:
I too ran the GG trail run 10k -9th (1st in division). The only reason for posting that, is that it is truely grueling. Did you try to run the 200 yard climb or powerwalk it? Are you signed up again this year?
Cool! I’m not sure we are talking about the same run though. This was at Prentice Cooper State Forest. This was a description of the trail: 6.5 Mile Loop. The trail is a portion of Mullens Cove loop trail. The first 3 miles are on the rim of the gorge, providing spectacular views of the Tennessee River Gorge and Chattanooga. This trail crosses 3 small creeks. At Snoopers Rock Overlook the trail turns back onto a jeep road for about 1 mile, then rejoins the single track trail and back to the Cumberland Trail Parking area to finish. Race begins at 9:00a.m. Hydration station is provided at mile 3. If we are talking about the same one, there were several places that I might characterize as a "200 yard climb". There is one particular place on the jeep road that was so steep that I could almost reach out and touch the ground before me and it seemed to go on forever. I walked (crawled 
) the upper half. There were other hills similar but that was the toughest. There was a quarter mile section that was downhill that was very slow going. It was like a ditch with huge rocks in it…I had to like jump from rock to rock. I was amazed that the #1 male did the run in 43 minutes and the #1 female did it in 53 minutes. The #1 female wins everything around here. Are we talking about the same race?
Response:
Progger In general, you can add 10% distance total per week to avoid injuries. The day off or two a week is reasonable if you space them. There may be some advantage to change the pace of a run either with fartlek, hills or after an easy run doing strides. This will help to keep you fresh, but needs to be monitored so you do not develop injuries. I too ran the GG trail run 10k -9th (1st in division). The only reason for posting that, is that it is truely grueling. Did you try to run the 200 yard climb or powerwalk it? Are you signed up again this year? Bob
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I need to know if I am overdoing it. I am a 35 year old female and have been running for a year. I have a family member who "used to be" very atheletically active…running, biking, etc. He doesn’t do much now. He hounds me about how much and how often I run. He says that I should only run 2 days a week if I am running a race and 3 days max including the race….that the race itself is enough of a workout. A typical non-race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 3 to 4m Fri – 5 to 6m Sat – 0 Sun – 0 A typical race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 2 to 3m Fri – 0 Sat – R – 5k to 10k Sun – 0 In general I feel great. I never have sore muscles anymore, and I never feel ragged. I ran my first 5k about 5 weeks ago at 8.65/min pace (took 2nd in my age div). It was an easy race, only one hill and about 55 degrees. The following Sat I ran in the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Run (6.5m) (was more like mountain climbing)…absolutely grueling, my first trail run, most fun I’ve had in a long time, just about killed me, can’t wait for next years (12.1/min pace). The last 2 races were 5k’s with many hills (big and little). The courses were very comparable but for first one I had a stomach virus and a 9.7/min pace. The last one (last Sat) was at a 9 min pace (took 2nd in my age div). If I feel good at this rate, am I overdoing it? Sorry so long.
Response:
Five days a week is fine. If you notice overtraining- soreness or irritability- towards the end of a cycle, maybe thats overdoing it. Otherwise, no problem.
Response:
Another thing….I’m scared if I start taking extra days off….the next thing is I won’t be running at all….that’s how it starts I guess.
Progger, FWIW, I try to look at running as an enjoyable activity that I choose to do. For me, it is more important that running be fun rather than work (slight exception maybe for training goals). If you keep your runs fun, you wont need to be "scared" about taking days off, because you will Want to get back to running soon. Your reasons for running are yours alone. If you truly want to run, you will. Don’t be afraid to give yourself an occasional easy week, especially if it is needed or deserved. Sorry to hear about the colon cancer. I wish you the best… -Duane
Response:
I would suggest you work towards longer distances in your runs so you can have 3 rest days, i.e Mon – 8m Tue – Rest Wed – 9m Thu – Rest Fri – 6m Sat – Rest Sun – 4m
Thanks for replying. I have been thinking that it is time to increase distance, but my problem is that I just don’t have more time. I get off work at 4:30 and I literally change into running clothes in my office, do some stretches in my office, run out the door and off down the street, then back to work to my car, go pick the kids up at daycare by 6pm. Out of guilt for being a working mom in the first place , I try to spend all evenings, Sat and Sun with the kids. My husband is as big a help as he can be right now (we are battling colon cancer). I love running. It is kinda like my time just for me and helps me put my day in perspective. I don’t want to hurt myself. This family member keeps telling me and has for the last 6 months that I am going to get shin splints or something. I kinda felt like that I wasn’t overdoing it because I don’t have muscle soreness (except for after that Trail Run I mentioned).
Response:
days running straight–definitely not at the distances you are doing. I know that this may be a scheduling issue, but why two rest days in a row? I’d
You are correct. It is a scheduling issue. (Refer to answer to first post) days). While the key question is "what is your body telling you?", i.e., are you feeling fatigue, constant soreness, etc.–and it sounds like you are
As a rule I have virtually no soreness. I’ve thought that I must not be working hard enough …you know the ole "No Pain. No Gain." deal. 1) Listen to your body. If it asks you for rest, take it. The most important training day may very well be a rest day. 2) Mix and alternate your workouts a bit more. Don’t let body and mind get bored. 3) Use cross-training to strenthen auxiliary muscles and to work out the cardiovascular system while giving your legs a chance to recover. Give it a try. You may think you are doing great, only to discover that a little cross-training plus recovery takes you to the next level. 4) Also, vary your weeks. For example, right now, I drop overall distance between 20-30% on every third week (my goal is to eventually do it on every 4th week). You may want to time this to coincide with the week leading up to a race. Ain’t nothing like the feeling of fresh, antsy legs at the starting line.
Another thing….I’m scared if I start taking extra days off….the next thing is I won’t be running at all….that’s how it starts I guess.
Response:
Hi everyone. I need to know if I am overdoing it. I am a 35 year old female and have been running for a year. I have a family member who "used to be" very atheletically active…running, biking, etc. He doesn’t do much now. He hounds me about how much and how often I run. He says that I should only run 2 days a week if I am running a race and 3 days max including the race….that the race itself is enough of a workout.
Well, that last comment is right. Don’t under-estimate the effect of a hard-run race. My body reminded me of that one a few weeks back when, after running 8 and 10 mile long runs on previous weekends, I did not plan enough recovery after a PB-10K (a meesly 6.2 miles, right?). By Wednesday, I had to ease off. As for overdoing it, I am also 35 years old, and I can’t go for 5 days running straight–definitely not at the distances you are doing. I know that this may be a scheduling issue, but why two rest days in a row? I’d recommend you don’t run on Tuesdays and Fridays, and incorporate a longer run on Saturday (shorten one of the runs that take place on consecutive days). While the key question is "what is your body telling you?", i.e., are you feeling fatigue, constant soreness, etc.–and it sounds like you are doing fine–a general rule of thumb once we leave the 20s behind is that we need rest. That’s not to say some can’t run every day, but I’d hazard to guess that after a year of running, 5 days of consecutive running isn’t recommended by most "experts." That said, you could mix in some weights and/or another form of cardiovascular work on your "off" days. This is what I’ve been doing lately, and even so, I feel tired at times. Here was my schedule this week: Sunday: OFF Monday: 3.5 miles easy–after a 9.9 mile long run the previous Saturday Tuesday: 30 minutes stationary bike (90 rpm) + weights Wednesday: 4.0 miles of interval (8×400) training Thursday: 2.0 miles of 1.25 mile moderate pace + 0.75 mile tempo–probably should have been all moderate Friday: Weights–I would usually take it off, but I’m experimenting this week Saturday: 10.5 miles long run (Notice how the distances vary from day to day, and how the intensity/speed of the run also varies) So, to sum it up: 1) Listen to your body. If it asks you for rest, take it. The most important training day may very well be a rest day. 2) Mix and alternate your workouts a bit more. Don’t let body and mind get bored. 3) Use cross-training to strenthen auxiliary muscles and to work out the cardiovascular system while giving your legs a chance to recover. Give it a try. You may think you are doing great, only to discover that a little cross-training plus recovery takes you to the next level. 4) Also, vary your weeks. For example, right now, I drop overall distance between 20-30% on every third week (my goal is to eventually do it on every 4th week). You may want to time this to coincide with the week leading up to a race. Ain’t nothing like the feeling of fresh, antsy legs at the starting line. — Eduardo Suastegui "Test everything. Hold on to the good." (remove ‘701′ when replying via e-mail)
Response:
Hi everyone. I need to know if I am overdoing it.
I don;t think so I have to be honest. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A typical non-race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 3 to 4m Fri – 5 to 6m Sat – 0 Sun – 0 A typical race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 2 to 3m Fri – 0 Sat – R – 5k to 10k Sun – 0
I would suggest you work towards longer distances in your runs so you can have 3 rest days, i.e Mon – 8m Tue – Rest Wed – 9m Thu – Rest Fri – 6m Sat – Rest Sun – 4m
this will also give you the benefit of runing more during your training so your races are easier…. HTH My 2p worth….. EricR — ***SPAM TRAP*** Change twentyone to 21 to reply. Team RO&CH Rallying – www.eric.btinternet.co.uk/rally/
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone. I need to know if I am overdoing it. I am a 35 year old female and have been running for a year. I have a family member who "used to be" very atheletically active…running, biking, etc. He doesn’t do much now. He hounds me about how much and how often I run. He says that I should only run 2 days a week if I am running a race and 3 days max including the race….that the race itself is enough of a workout. A typical non-race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 3 to 4m Fri – 5 to 6m Sat – 0 Sun – 0 A typical race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 2 to 3m Fri – 0 Sat – R – 5k to 10k Sun – 0 In general I feel great. I never have sore muscles anymore, and I never feel ragged. I ran my first 5k about 5 weeks ago at 8.65/min pace (took 2nd in my age div). It was an easy race, only one hill and about 55 degrees. The following Sat I ran in the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Run (6.5m) (was more like mountain climbing)…absolutely grueling, my first trail run, most fun I’ve had in a long time, just about killed me, can’t wait for next years (12.1/min pace). The last 2 races were 5k’s with many hills (big and little). The courses were very comparable but for first one I had a stomach virus and a 9.7/min pace. The last one (last Sat) was at a 9 min pace (took 2nd in my age div). If I feel good at this rate, am I overdoing it? Sorry so long.
If it feels good, keep at it Mel – my opinion only
Response:
Hi everyone. I need to know if I am overdoing it. I am a 35 year old female and have been running for a year. I have a family member who "used to be" very atheletically active…running, biking, etc. He doesn’t do much now. He hounds me about how much and how often I run. He says that I should only run 2 days a week if I am running a race and 3 days max including the race….that the race itself is enough of a workout. A typical non-race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 3 to 4m Fri – 5 to 6m Sat – 0 Sun – 0 A typical race week for me is as follows: Mon – 5 to 6m Tue – 3 to 4m Wed – 5 to 6m Thu – 2 to 3m Fri – 0 Sat – R – 5k to 10k Sun – 0 In general I feel great. I never have sore muscles anymore, and I never feel ragged. I ran my first 5k about 5 weeks ago at 8.65/min pace (took 2nd in my age div). It was an easy race, only one hill and about 55 degrees. The following Sat I ran in the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Run (6.5m) (was more like mountain climbing)…absolutely grueling, my first trail run, most fun I’ve had in a long time, just about killed me, can’t wait for next years (12.1/min pace). The last 2 races were 5k’s with many hills (big and little). The courses were very comparable but for first one I had a stomach virus and a 9.7/min pace. The last one (last Sat) was at a 9 min pace (took 2nd in my age div). If I feel good at this rate, am I overdoing it? Sorry so long.
