Usual story. Older (51) overweight 5'9 185 ex runner trying to get back in shape.
I'm very pleased to be able, after some months, to string some miles into a 4-7 mile run about 5 times per week.
I'm confused about my lack of consistency in what I'm able to do day to day and wondering if it's a product of getting older, just being out of shape, or should I see a doctor?
Specific example: I ran a 5 miler on Monday at 10K + 30 sec mile pace. Tired but not exhausted. Felt great. Felt like a runner.
Next day I'm not very sore, mentally I'm excited to run on a new trail, not expecting to run as hard as previous day but expecting a decent pace; maybe 10k + 1:15 or so. But
when I start my run at a very easy 10k + 3 min pace (too embarassing to say how slow that is) my heart rate sky rocketed in the first 200 meters. It took a mile to get my breathing under control. After the first mile I never had the energy to pick up the pace. In fact, found myself stopping every half mile or so for 30 sec to a minute. Jogged about 3 miles. Very disappointed.
This is an example but is also a recurring pattern. I seem to have one, maybe two good runs per week and 2 or 3 God awful no energy want to lay down and take a nap runs.
How normal is this for a guy over 50?
Do I just need to get in better shape and that will go away?
Should I see a doctor?
It's not just disappointing, but also a little scary.