Overtraining? Surely not!

[Ayrey]

Hey all,

I know this has been covered in the past, but this is a more personal post rather than a general question. Basically, I have my PRMC in about 6 weeks time and I'm wanting to peak my perform a week or two before. Over the past 1-2 months, my body has been really sore and achy to such an extent that walking up the stairs on most days is a little difficult.

Today, I managed my 1hr+ Fartlek run without a prob (except for my groin aching), but I then went on to do my upper body circuit (press-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups only) and I was shaking afterwards. Obviously not a good thing.

I started a new program two weeks ago, which includes one complete rest day and two active rest days spread throughout my routine. I have constantly been putting 110% in to my training trying for new PBs every time I train.

I'm wondering if I'm overtraining, have poor nutrition (2000-2300 calories daily) or dehydrated - or maybe all. I do a 1hr Fartlek once a week, 3x 4-5 mile runs followed by sprint circuits three times a week and light cycling six times a week in the morn before I eat. I also do three upper body circuits and two lower body circuits a week in the eve after my run, which consist of press-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats and squat thrusts.

I'll be happy to hear what advice you lot can give me about my training, symptons and any other general advice including PRMC tips.

Many thanks
JD

PS Sorry for mentioning the P word mutliple times

That joke is getting boring now - why did I use it

[Jascar]

2000-2300 calories per day would definately be the end of me. The average male eats about 2600 calories per day, and you should be eating more than average to keep up with your active life. Have you noticed any weight loss? You should probably be asking a doctor about this in case it's something more serious.

[Wee Willy Winkie]

i know i aint experienced but remember a few days before travelling down to lympstone dont do anything strenuous, dont want to be turning up with aches and pains! you'll get them plenty of them while your down there ! W.W.W

[Ayrey]

Before I started training for the marines 6 months ago, I was seriously in to weights. I was 5'8" and 14.5 stone, under 10% fat. I haven't done weights since, instead concentrating on circuits and running. I am now 5'8" and 11 stone, under 8% fat. I'm just trying to stay slim and lean, infact, I'm trying to get ripped, but thats almost impossible doing circuits alone.

One last question for anyone viewing. Is it possible to improve on PBs in just 6 weeks i.e. I can run 3 mile in 19:10 min. now, but want to get this under 18:30 min. before my PRMC - is that possible?

[Mr Mojo Risin]

Dont suppose you know your resting heart rate do you?

If your heart rate is elevated even when doing nothing, then that is a classic sign of overtraining, as is cold like symptoms, mouth ulcers, depression and sleeplessness. Just take a few days off, the rest will most likely make your training better regardless and 4 days off will not effect your over all fitness levels overmuch.

overtraining leads to illness and possible injury.

[Ayrey]

Unfortunately, I don't know my resting heart rate, but I have been feeling a little depressed and find it difficult getting a full nights sleep.

Oh man, and so close to my PRMC, too

[markthestab]

i was in exactly the same possition as you were ayrey

i experiance the shakyness and acheing muscles for months not knowing what it was, then i did my 2 weeks basic TA training at grantham where i did f**k all excercise apart from 3 cft's and ate shite food

got back and did a 3.4 mile run and it was a almost a minute faster than usual

if your training hard for 6 months you can do a week off now and then, sit infront of the telly, get drunk and eat shite mate then train hard again after your break

[Chappy]

I`ve pulled a groin muscle - drank nearly 3 slabs on Worthingtons in a week, ate nothing but pizza and fried chicken. This little rest is giving more than a 20mile run!

[GGHT]

Before I started training for the marines 6 months ago, I was seriously in to weights. I was 5'8" and 14.5 stone, under 10% fat. I haven't done weights since, instead concentrating on circuits and running. I am now 5'8" and 11 stone, under 8% fat. ?

Same as me mate.
I went a bit mad when I first started training, and got regular mouth ulcers, and just felt generally "worn out." Lesson learnt there.

Despite some of the advice on here, I don't think you shouldn't be going 110% week in, week out for months on end on everything.
We're still civvies.

[themattmeister]

You shouldn't eat shite if you do have a rest that will just put you in the same boat as if you didn't eat shite but you would possibly have some vitamin /mineral deficiencies and maybe put yourself in a catabolic state during your rest period. The rest will also not be as beneficial as your body will not recover as much. A bit of drinking's will be alright though too much and your liver will be working out the alcohol and not helping your muscles recover.