I don’t know if I’m actually asking a question or just looking for commiseration. I started running 10 years ago (34yo) and took to it pretty well. I wasn’t the fastest but got better with miles and at my peak ran a 30:29 5k which was amazing! I got burnt out so I switched to spinning about 6 years ago and have kept up my fitness ever since working out 4-5 days a week and running on a treadmill sporadically. 6 weeks ago I signed up for a 10k (which I completed today). I figured since I kept my overall fitness and cardio up I could pick up on my low end which was 12-12:30 mm. I was so wrong. Training outside felt like I was trudging through mud and when I finished I felt like crap for the rest of the day. I started with 14-14:30mm and one run was great at 13:30mm. I feel so defeated. It’s not fun and it feels awful. I’m more mad because it’s not like I’ve sat on the couch for years! I’m so active. I feel a big part is, obviously, I’m older but I’m also in menopause and haven’t physically felt like myself lately. I just wonder has anyone else experienced this? I finished my 10k today but I was basically useless for the rest of the day. I’m older but I’m not that old yet!!!
Are you on any HRT at all?
I’m 43f and starting to feel different. Slower and constantly sore. Already dreading the long slog until menopause. Your post gave me some hope.
I’m taking HRT and have been for a while now. The HRT reduced the maddening hot flushes I started getting, but the upswing in my energy didn’t kick in until I was a couple of years or so into the HRT.
I’ll add a disclaimer as HRT is a sensitive subject among my friends and colleagues - I can’t and wouldn’t definitively link HRT to running improvements or energy gains and I’m certainly not a doctor. What I’ve said is just my experience.
Why is it a sensitive issue? Such a pity that HRT is so vilified and menopause such a taboo
Because there was a study that linked HRT to breast cancer at startling rates. However, the quality of that study has been questioned somewhat.