Specificity of Overreaching

Triathlon Forum
1

Happy Tuesday all,

I have a quick question about overreaching. Last night I woke up at 4:30 am and I felt my heart beating much faster than normal. An obvious early symptom of overreaching. I had an intense bike session the evening before and I wasn’t surprised at my body’s reaction. I decided to skip the morning workout.

Should I be able to run in the evening? I was planning on a 7 mile run. Considering that my overreach symptom was caused by cycling maybe I needed more of a break from cycling than running or swimming?

I guess the bottom line is whether these symptoms are caused by a holistic burnout- a general exhaustion, rather than muscle/sport specific fatigue. If it is the former then I definitely should take some time off training entirely, if the latter then I can go ahead and run and swim but stay off the bike for awhile.

Any ideas?
Thanks!

2

Are you training for a particular race? I just wanted to say that it’s okay to get tired…really tired…every now and then. Of course, you need to know when you are about to cross that line and venture off into “holy crap, I’m cooked” land. Nevertheless, in my experience, I find that I can bike and swim well when very fatigued. But doing long runs when overreached can be a bugger. Good luck!

3

There are lots of things that can cause your symptom besides “overreaching”…I’d at least have a chat with your doctor. I recently diagnosed a relatively serious heart problem in a college athlete, and the first symptom was exactly what you are describing. I’m not saying there is or is not anything wrong with you…just saying it is worth talking to a professional.

(The Other Dr.) Phil