Why is it that one day I can run 6 miles with no problem and the next I can barely do a mile?

Question

I am so frustrated. Between biking and running, I am in pretty good shape. Well today, I go out to run just 3 miles and I could barely do 1! My legs each felt like they weighed 200lbs. I don't feel sick and I ate a healthy breakfast as usual. The weather is perfect. I just don't understand.

Answer 1

when you have a huge workout the day before it is completely normal to be tired the next day. each day after a hard workout, spend the running time doing an easy jog for a mile or two.

Answer 2

ok. when u run one day for a lot of miles you are supposed to rest the next day. so if you run for 10 miles the next day you should just go for a 1 hour jog because that jog is letting your body recover from the 10 mile run. even though your legs feel like they weigh a lot still go out and run just run slow

Answer 3

This may sound weird, but your muscles grow, when your not working out! So maybe, your legs are tired. Or your legs can be sleeping. Did you leave enough time after you ate, before you run? or did you run faster than normal? Or maybe you just didnt run your best, it happens. Some days, it dosent feel right, but 1 mile is a lot better than nothing.

Answer 4

maybe your over working yourself. Try to take it easy.

Answer 5

Are you taking any time off from all of this strenuous physical activity?  Your body needs time to repair itself.  I usually run 5-6 times a week and walk 1-2 times a week, to keep myself moving and motivated, but also leaving time to recharge, so to speak....  If you're already doing that, or something similar, I don't know.  Good luck to you.  Hopefully someone will have the answer you're looking for.

Answer 6

You MUST give each muscle group at least a day to recover.

You are doing you and your muscles no favor by pushing yourself so hard.

Why the obsession ?  Preparing for an Iron man contest ?

If not.  Relax a little and enjoy life.  You may look great but you are probably hurting your health if you do so much every day.

Be reasonable!