Motivation for the perpetually knackered

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Before the arrival of DC four years ago I ran 2-3 a week, did yoga most days and often went hillwalking.

DS is not a good sleeper and I am knackered all the time. Heavy periods have left me anaemic which is getting better with ferrous fumerate. I've developed a short yoga routine which means I'm back on the mat pretty much every day but I'd love to get my fitness back up to running 5km a couple of times a week. I'm not going to be less tired any time soon so just need to get on with it - how do you motivate yourself to get out there when you're not getting enough sleep?

Knowing I feel better and more energised after.

I did C25k around a ravenous EBF baby in the phase between after his last cluster feed and before the night feeds. Running late at night in the winter with a night of broken sleep ahead wasn't ideal, but overall I felt better for it.

Agree with PP. I've recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that causes tiredness, and I've always been big on exercise so this is frustrating. However, I've found that no matter how tired I feel, if I manage to force myself to exercise or go the gym, I feel instantly better.
Yesterday for example, I couldn't start any new tasks in work after 4pm as I was so tired, my eyes were heavy, I could have gone to sleep. I left work complaining I was tired but knowing I was going the gym later on, and managed to do weights, a glute class and a pilates class. Definitely didn't feel as tired after that despite it being bed time

I've been pretty severely anaemic, when I am anaemic I "allow" myself to just walk for short distances if it gets too much, in a very un-sporty and un-competitive way. I just do whatever it is that allows me to get through the run, so if I have to walk for a bit then run again that's fine. I figure whatever it is I get done, it's better than lying in bed- and it is. I also take fuel with me on the run, even if it's a distance that wouldn't typically need it. Again, it's better than not running at all.

I also see people doing my local Parkrun with a special running pushchair, I've no idea of how challenging that is, though they seem to be having a great time!

That is interesting, I maybe should have thought of it as yoga always makes me feel better even if I'm shattered. Right, I shall just get my bum out to start C25k tomorrow!

I'm exercising post cancer treatments but also hypothyroidism and hormone treatment and the stuff I've read is any exercise ultimately leads to reduced fatigue. Even a walk round the block.

Pacing is important though, I've had to build up slowly and recognise when it's too much. Full recovery too.

Walking is definitely something that I do if I'm having a tired day. Makes a huge difference.

Personally lifting weights x2 a week also helps with fatigue. Just being stronger.

Sometimes I find I just have to get up and get going. Occasionally I'd love to have a nap and it takes a huge effort to get up and out the door for a walk, but it wakes me up and I feel much better afterwards.

Has your doctor ever considered whether an iron infusion might help you a lot? If my ferritin is low in my next blood test I intend to ask my doctor about it.

I found that when I was really tired and stressed that high impact exercise raised my cortisol levels and made it worse, hindered rather than helped me losing weight, and I also picked up every bug going.

I'd say stick with the yoga for now, and maybe try some power yoga as well, and try and walk as much as possible which may be easier to fit in with DC in buggy, and it might help their sleep also.

I found a great buggy fit class near me and when I had more energy would also go circuit training without the pram with the same instructor on Saturdays. Then I started a rusty runners course with a lovely group. So I wouldn't bin off the running altogether but you may need to pause it for a bit until you feel up to it. I used to pooh pooh walking but it is so good for you.

Yes I agree. My fitness and energy levels went up hugely when we got our dog as she refused to use the garden for the toilet. I found I could start to push my walking speed and can now do some very fast brisk walks that do count as moderate exercise. My feet and legs got a lot stronger. I used to walk fast everywhere when younger, especially in my job, but found going to part time and having toddlers who meander got me out of the habit.

And if I over do it when I'm tired it defeats the object.