Discussion: Tiredness

Has anyone ever experienced a feeling of overall tiredness during training or racing season, to the extent that it stops you from running or at least turns each run into a significant physical effort requiring extra recovery time? Sort of a mild version of chronic fatigue syndrome (where, I gather, you have difficulty leaving the house at times) - and I'm not talking about muscle tiredness but more an overall lack of energy (translating into all sorts of side effects, more sleepiness, sorer muscles..)

I am in such a period now (though a light version, I still managed to finish a 10k orienteering race yesterday in a decent time) and have had similar ones in the past.

I was wondering whether anyone had an idea as to the causes of this. It may be "general overtraining", although there must be a more physiological explanation, and also, while I've trained a lot I haven't had any huge increases in volume.

I tend to think it is likely the lack of some essential vitamin/mineral, most likely magnesium or iron (seem to be the standard runners ones), so I've started taking supplements of both, so far with relatively little effect (it's only been 4 days though)

Any help/advice appreciated!
Matthias

Mathias, not sure where you're at these days, but since I know you've run in southern New England - seriously consider the possibility of Lyme Disease. I've had it and there was none of the 'telltale' bullseye rash. I think this disease is 'missed' in a lot more people than reported.

General fatigue is one of the symptoms and if not untreated, arthritic joint pain and other issues can follow with time...

I have had periods of malaise and fatigue very similar in nature to those described in addition to arthritic pain in hands, elbows and hips. Last year in March I was able to complete a 50K trail run but by June I had to walk two-thirds of a 12K orienteering course due to exhaustion. I had periods of time last summer when I felt great but then inexplicably I would bonk in the middle of a course and couldn't think or run.

I had been treated 3 years ago for Lyme and sought treatment 6 months ago from a doctor that specializes in Lyme treatment. He made the diagnosis of 3 different types of tick borne infection and it is his belief that I have been carrying these around since childhood. I have been on antibiotics since and while I am not making lightning fast recovery I can see improvement in my training.

I agree that it is something to think about but hopefully you don't have it.