No Drive, Weight Gain, Fat Loss...Overtraining?

This year has been a difficult one when it has come to running. I have fallen into the dreaded "runner's rut." Every run is like running through tar.  I am wondering if those good runs I used to have were a myth. Did I repress all the bad runs and replace them with fake good running memories?


I try to go out on my runs with the mentality that it is going to be better than the last, but it never is. In fact, from the moment I take my first step, I feel exhausted. My breathing is all over the place and my pace is slowing. It's a almost rare that I am in the 8 minute range like I used to be. 

Yesterday, I ran 12 miles and tried to avoid looking at my watch. I wanted my pace to only be as fast or slow as my body wanted to go.

I did walk one hill, but that's because it is a gain of nearly 100 feet in less than a quarter of a mile.


I finished the run at a 9:45 pace average, which was okay, I guess. Still, it was a struggle and I just wanted it to be over.

Overtraining has crossed my mind a few times, but I usually scoff at the thought because I am running 4 days a week and about 35-40 miles a week. I used to do 5 days and run 40 miles or over. So it has been hard for me to believe that it is overtraining. Then again, there are obvious symptoms of it here.

I have also magically gained weight. I have blamed it on everything: Eating too much or not training enough. But today, I tested out my body fat percentage and discovered I am straddling the percentage for a female athlete and what is considered just essential fat. What the hell?! I have NEVER been that low. I mean, I have noticed that my belly is beginning to flatten out and I see the outline of my abs again (I thought they disappeared), but again, my weight is up, my energy is down, and I am losing fat. Something is not right!

Could it be that I am overtraining?

2 comments

  1. It could be that it's freaking hot and humid out! Both of which effect running efforts and body fluctuations (good ole water retention).

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    Replies
    1. Right! I hate the humidity right now! I just hate summer in general here in MD.

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