Quitting Running - Overtraining

It sounds like you've tried a lot of different things. Definitely sounds like OT, but maybe here are some things to think about you may not have before.

-Only do easy runs with 4-6 strides every other run for your speed work. No actual speed work outs. Only add speed workouts after 6-8 weeks of this.

-Slow your easy runs down to where your HR is only at 120-140bpm (roughly 60-70% of your max HR). This may feel extremely slow, but that's what easy runs should feel like IMO.

-Run really low, easy mileage (like 10 miles a week on 3 runs) and SLOWLY build from there.

-Drink 1/2 your bodyweight in oz of water everyday (ie. 75oz of water if you weigh 150lbs).

-Stretch for 10 minutes after every run.

-Refuel after every run with a solid mix of macro and micro nutrients.

-Recovery is just as important as the workouts, so make that a part of your training as well.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

This describes my running career at least 50% of the time over many decades. It only went away when I went to first a keto diet and eventually a zero-carb diet. I had many other symptoms, including A-fib, digestive, dental and skin problems, disordered sleep, etc.. All gone now. I was trying to build a house on a poor (plant-based) foundation.

It sounds like you've likely already had the needed bloodwork done, but I had all these symptoms when I was found to be severely anemic. I ate a balanced diet and iron-rich foods but wasn't absorbing it. I was prescribed a ferrous sulfate supplement that resolved everything. Again, I figure you've already explored this, but just in case you hadn't!

My folate levels were at 8.26 and should be at least in the 40 - 60 range for optimal levels.

I did feel incredible when I first started taking the supplement and this past week the symptoms have come back so I will certainly look into your suggestion.

Thank you!

That's interesting, I have never tried zero-carb and thought if anything, I needed more carbs.

Thank you for your suggestion!

Definitely going to start doing just easy runs and avoid any high-intensity training for a month or so to build my running up again.

Thank you for the tips!

YMMV wrote:

This describes my running career at least 50% of the time over many decades. It only went away when I went to first a keto diet and eventually a zero-carb diet. I had many other symptoms, including A-fib, digestive, dental and skin problems, disordered sleep, etc.. All gone now. I was trying to build a house on a poor (plant-based) foundation.

OP don't listen to YMMV aka "the meat guy".

Too me it sounds more you have an underlying health issue. Go to a doctor and get some serious blood work done.

Tofu is good for you wrote:

YMMV wrote:

This describes my running career at least 50% of the time over many decades. It only went away when I went to first a keto diet and eventually a zero-carb diet. I had many other symptoms, including A-fib, digestive, dental and skin problems, disordered sleep, etc.. All gone now. I was trying to build a house on a poor (plant-based) foundation.

OP don't listen to YMMV aka "the meat guy".

Too me it sounds more you have an underlying health issue. Go to a doctor and get some serious blood work done.

And spend YEARS chasing your tail when simple dietary changes can show benefits within days/weeks/months. Diet is the #1 variable when chronic health issues arise.

Regardless of whatever else may be the case, tofu is one of the poorest quality foods you can ingest, and tastes like garbage to boot.

Not sure what blood tests you had but if you haven't already, may want to check your hormone levels.

Some of your symptoms may stem from issues of your endocrine glands. I know a few people who had thyroid issues and were irritable, anxious, and fatigued which got worse during training.