Signs and Symptoms of Burnout Work - Out

I have been running for over 20 years and have always loved it until...This last winter.

I took a 4 month break from running last winter ...It was a well needed one.

I have been running since I was in high school and I've always had a passion for it. But my running started to change last fall... Instead of feeling and seeing the great and wonderful benefits of running, I was instead feeling uncomfortable negative feelings. My tracked times slumped significantly, it was more of a struggle to get out and run, and I was actually gaining weight. I was losing a lot of confidence in the whole running thing. So in December when the snow just wouldn't quit...

My running shoes and I did...

I had know idea how long I was going to take running off, I just knew I was doing the right thing. Running was feeling like a great big scribble in my head. There was a lot I didn't understand about me and running anymore.

What I did learn was that I had hit a 'Runner's Burnout'. My mind was training me too hard - while I was trying to achieve personal goals. Instead of reaching my goals I was doing worse and normal simple training was getting harder! So, I trained harder and more often! Running made me frustrated, moody and confused and I didn't know what was happening. So in my mind I worked me even harder...Until I had enough.

The best remedy for burnout is time-off.

Even a new runner can get burnout. That is why it is important when you are doing a program of any kind,(beginner to masters) that you follow a program gradually and hopefully with a trainer or coach.

The interesting thing is... You have within you a device that tells you when you have gone to far, too fast.
It is simple...
Your emotions.
How are you feeling about your run/walk program.
If you are not enjoying it, you are not ready yet to move on. You may want to go back a step and practice your routine walking it. That is OK! Because...One day you are going to be a great runner and you will remember the moments of learning. It is hard sometimes to get out there, but once you are it is a terrific feeling. You are a step closer to better health.

Burnout is a sign and/symptom of something that needs changing, it is not giving up. It is a sign to take a step back and reevaluate things.


3 Common Symptoms and Signs Leading Up To A Burnout:

Increasing distance and duration too much too quickly. (5-10%)/ 1 to 2weeks

Increasing work- out schedules in the week.

Moodiness and frustration about your work - out.

Your body is amazing and intelligent, it will let you know when something is not right. Usually if you just listen to you body and get in touch with how you are feeling, you will know how to avoid burnout.
There are other ways to take off stress and get in touch with how you are feeling some of the many are, yoga
meditation, martial arts etc.