Running when really tired.

[LittleAlbatross]

I did C25K earlier this year and now do about 7k three times a week.

Lately the kids haven't been sleeping well for various reasons and I'm shattered. Just wondering how I can go about maintaining a fitness regime when I have so little energy from sleep deprivation. Anyone got any tips?

Bump

I often find a run helps more when I'm tired from the children. As well has energizing it also gives me some alone time to give me head-space when feeling shitty

Everything is so much harder when youre tired! I’d just say make sure you’re staying properly hydrated and fuelling properly and don’t worry about dropping your pace right down on days you’re really not feeling it, so long as you’re still getting out there. Hopefully this phase won’t last forever!

Hardest part is actually getting out your front door.

You will almost never ever regret GOING for a run, but you'll often regret NOT going for a run.
It feels great after a run and oddly your sleepiness subsides and you'll likely drop off to sleep quicker after a run.

Better to run even a couple of miles than not at all.
Leave you kit all laid out ready so limits the excuses for not getting out there!

Agree that running when tired can actually boost you. Often you feel exhausted but it's mental exhaustion and a good run can really sort you out.

If I don't feel in the zone I tell myself instead of 5k I'll just do 2/3k but then always end up doing the 5k or more.

Agree with everyone else. Best thing to do is just to get on with the run/whatever exercise you had planned. I tend to promise myself that if I feel awful I can stop after 10mins or walk or whatever and that gets me started and I then enjoy it once I’ve started

I'm going to go against the grain and tell you to just have a week off. You won't lose your fitness, in fact my first run back after a few days off usually feels amazing.