How I knew I was Over-Training

I think the world is trying to tell me something.  You see a few days ago I came across this article about over-training.

The thing is a part of me already knew that I was in the over-training stage.  I just didn’t want to admit it.

The article however was my wake-up call.

So I’m currently doing Insanity: The Asylum.  Don’t get me wrong I am enjoying it, however, I have been doing crazy workouts for a really long time now.  It was only a matter of time before my body was going to say “seriously stop it I need a rest”.

Signs of Over-Training

You’re Tired

As a parent, it’s normal to feel tired.

However I had days when I felt so tired, it felt like I slept through a workout.

Quitting a workout because you had no energy to get through it is a sign you are over-training.

Taking a Nap

Naps are a sign you are not getting enough rest.

The fact that I’m taking them shouldn’t that tell me I’m over-training?

Not giving 100%

To improve or succeed you have to give it 100%.

The sign I knew I was over-training, I cheated by doing the low impact exercises.

Allowing Adequate Recovery 

Recovery is important.  Yes, I have been allowing recovery weeks, but at the same time I know I have given my body the adequate rest it needs and deserves.

For a while, I was l like “but I have Tough Mudder in a month (19th Jan 2013), and I want to be at my best peak form”.

I’ve come to realise now, that I need to do what is best for me.

I still plan on doing Tough Mudder, but I might not be at my peak fitness.  But holistically I will be fantastic.

This is why I’m adding yoga back into my fitness regime.

Starting back up yoga has really helped holistically.  It centers my breathing, my body, and mind.

I’ve started up Namaste Yoga which makes for a great cool down after a run, or one of my Asylum workouts.

Yes Shaun T recommends you do Relief after each workout, and I like it, but I much prefer the ‘flow’ of namaste yoga, and it goes for the same amount of time.

I also purchased “Michelle Merrifield’s Yoga”.

I have no idea if it’s going to be any good. But for $8 at BigW you can’t go wrong.  If I don’t like it, well I’ve only lost $8.

The most important thing to take away from this is to

Your body will tell you if you are doing too much.

It’s ok to stop, and take a few days off.

Recovery is just as important.