5 signs you’re overtraining

Overtraining is one of the hardest things to pinpoint, but an important thing to catch. The first symptoms are often indistinguishable from the normal rigours of training, but over time, the effects add up and can lead to burnout. Here’s how to know whether you’re burning the candle at both ends and might be in need of a brief running break.

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Workouts aren’t getting better

Have you been running workouts and struggling to finish or just barely running times that used to feel easy? This is a telltale sign that you’re working too hard and should consider pulling back.

Another sign that you’re working too hard can come from your race results. If training has been going well but the results aren’t coming, it could mean that your workouts are taking away from your actual race day. Remember to try and finish your workouts feeling strong as opposed to completely wiped out.

You’re not interested in going for a run

There will always be days when a run doesn’t feel exciting, but if you haven’t wanted to go for a run in a few weeks, check in with yourself.

You consistently feel flat

The difference between a good run and a bad run is mostly determined by how your body feels. There are days when you head out the door and your legs feel like springs attached to your body, perfectly designed for running. There are other days when your legs feel like two bricks strapped onto your torso that would be better suited to anchoring a ship than carrying you 10K.

If you’re feeling flat after a hard workout or big training week, chances are it’s normal and part of the training adaptation. But if you’re consistently feeling this way, it’s probably time to head back to the drawing board and examine your training plan.

You’re sick all the time

If you’re finding that sickness seems to follow you, your training program could be partially to blame. Overtraining has a negative effect on the immune system, which can cause a runner to become sick more often. If you can’t ditch you cold or find yourself taking one sick day after another, it might be time to pull back your training load.

Life got really busy

Runners forget that stress is stress. If you’re anticipating a big week at work, or dealing with something difficult in your personal life, it’s important to revise your training plan. Pushing through training during a busy time is a sure-fire way to leave you feeling overworked and underslept.

How to avoid overtraining

The best way to avoid overtraining is to stay on top of how you’re feeling with a training journal. If you’re monitoring how you’re feeling, you can catch a trend before it becomes a problem. Also, there’s a case to be made for the weekly off day. If you’re feeling that your current training load isn’t sustainable, schedule off days on a regular basis to balance your stress with your rest.