Lost my power when running! Middle aged...

[powerdownrunner]

Any other runners, running in middle age ( peri-menopause) who have any advice?

I like running trail and hills and have always particularly loved the feeling of power I have running up hills and inclines, like I can feel the strength in my body powering me up.

Well that's disappeared. Totally. I struggle with every step to keep going and need to walk where I used to run. This is quite a sudden change.

I thought it was because I have tailed down my running and if I got back into training it would come back. So I've been running twice a week ( not long runs - only about 3 to 6k) and strength training for 45 mins twice a week.

But its made no difference, other than I am now shattered. Really, physically worn out and tired in my body.

Is this due to peri-menopause? What can I do about it? Any advice on diet/ supplements or training? I am on HRT and have been for about 18-24 months.

I feel really despondent about it. That feeling of power and capability was one of life's small joys. I don't want it gone forever!

I did have a cold but never tested for covid because no-one does anymore do they? I work at home anyway, so not infecting colleagues or anything. I suppose it could be that, I am not really sure about the timelines.

Thanks, its not just speed - I am not super speedy anyway - its the loss of power and a sense of capability. I like inclines, but there's just nothing there to take me up them anymore. Its like something has just disappeared that used to be in me. I have to really push myself with every step.

Thanks for the link. I've started taking an iron supplement and booked a GP appt which is at the end of next week, so I will see what that leads to.

Thanks everyone! : )

Ah, it was specifically these paras I was thinking of - apparently feeling like you have heavy legs when running is a thing...

Some scientists divide running pace into five or six different zones. Physiologically, zone 2 is defined as occurring below the lactate threshold – the point where lactate (an acid the body produces when it begins to burn carbohydrates for energy) first starts to appear in the blood.

In simple terms, this should be at a speed where you can still hold a conversation and your heart rate is only around 70% of your maximum. If you find conversation starts to become difficult then you should slow your pace down.

If you’re running on your own, you can try the talk test. If you can sing out loud to yourself without struggling to catch your breath, you’re in the right zone. If you do struggle, you’re at too high an intensity and lactate will start to build up in your muscles (which may make your legs feel heavy).

Ah , ok then, thanks @Changed18

Are you on testosterone? I really struggled despite doing a lot of exercise until I went on the test as well as the normal.HRT
Worth investigating

@PaminaMozart I second that, this happened to my Dad and it turned out he was actually quite ill but lucky to have got checked out when he did. Its probably not anything serious but best to check.

I used to run and suddenly started to really struggle.
Turned out I had exercise induced asthma.
Apparently late onset asthma is another symptom of menopause.
I was given an inhaler to use prior to going on a run which helped.

When I have felt that 'loss of power' sensation, it was iron - specifically low ferritin rather than haemoglobin.

Atrial fibrillation caused this for my Dad and my cousin (M).
I am worried for myself now. But ok so far.

Thanks everyone, you’ve all given me loads to discuss with the GP.

Mumsnetters are just great for stuff like this! : )

How’s your sleep?

It sounds too sudden to be age related.

I’d get your GP to do your bloods.

A good PT might help you build strength once you’ve got to the bottom of it.

I sleep too much! But always have. I need 9-10 hours a night.

Late to reply to this but this isn't true.

Nothing 'uses up' your iron stores. Iron levels may fluctuate and require supplements and there can be various reasons for that.

Do update if you want after you see your GP.

I'd have a decent bet on it being thyroid related, which in turn links to wider endocrine issues, and peri causes mayhem with that.

At 51, it's in no way attributable to age (and even if you were decades older, if you'd always exercised, you wouldn't have this level of drop-off, more a gradual decline. I'm 47, do a lot of intensive exercise, I run very comfortably but notice my times are slower eg my 10km pace seems to be about 57 minutes with no great effort, it would always have been 52 / 53, then in races sub 50 minutes. But my core / strength / HIIT endurance is much better than it was when running was my primary exercise).

Foot strikes can break red blood cells which is called foot strike hemolysis so it actually is true. There are loads of articles in Runners World etc detailing it