side effects (moods)

sixfootfourrunner

Barefooters
Sep 5, 2011
12
3
3
I'm 39, and have ran on and off since I was a young teenager. I've been running regularly now for about 4 years, and started barefoot running almost 3 years ago. I am regularly running 10 miles a week or so (which I'm really happy about). I'm in the best shape I've ever been, everything physically feels great. I love the feeling of running. However, and I think it's been happening for awhile, but sometimes the simplest things are hard to see…I have noticed that I become a bit of a zombie during the time that I'm not running. Not real happy, somewhat paranoid, kind of depressing thoughts go through my head…and not much energy. If I take a few days off I notice that my mood and my general outlook on life really improves and I really feel more "normal". I hate to quit or even cut down my running because (to me) I've gotten to a really good point in my running. Not sure what to do!
 
6-4, that's about the opposite of what I think most people feel, if I understand you correctly.
 
6'4", I am no dr, but I have had a couple of friends who are runners have this start happening to them. Turns out, for both of them, it was their diet. They were not getting enough fruits and veggies and were eating too much processed stuff. They both told me that within 2 days of starting eating little to no processed foods and eating more fruits and veggies that their whole mood, mental clarity, and general body feel improved drastically. It's kind of a weird thing, but you may be pushing your body too far on crappy fuel (not saying you eat bad because you have not mentioned how you eat) which would be why you feel worse on days you run versus days you don't. Basically your body is telling you that you are missing something or that something is wrong because your engine is sputtering when you push it too hard.
 
TJ,

don't you have a rule to NOT respond in the doc's forum until after a doc replies? hmm????
 
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Oh crap! This is THAT forum?! Geez, pay attention people! :asshat: Carry on.
 
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Thanks for your replies and tips! Sid, that is a very interesting link you provided. I've left it up on my screen for a few days, and read a few of the comments each day. Some of the stories on there are very similar to what I've experienced.
 
Hello 6footrunner -

I am a Podiatrist so I do not want to give medical advice outside of my scope - so I do recommend perhaps doing a little more research on this topic or seeing your medical doctor.

It sounds like it may be related to the endorphin release after running followed by a sudden decrease in the stimulation of these brain receptors. Endorphins are your body's natural opioid which has an effect on mood, motivation and overall happiness.

I think you are definately onto something - but it deems a more experienced practitioner's opinion.

Best of luck!
 
Wow, I thought I remembered starting a thread awhile back, and unfortunately, I'm still in the same boat. Most people I bring this up to think I'm insane. I still never feel better than when I'm running, and for a couple hours afterwards. Then, slowly, like clockwork, I experience these symptoms: My core body temperature seems to drop, I become very irritable, can't concentrate, start having weird depressing thoughts and feelings, then followed by a very unrestful night of sleep. You know those dreams where you're in a situation you can't keep up with and you kind of "work" all night? It' just like that, and sometimes the next night. We're only talking around 11 miles a week at a 12:00 minute pace. I've always wanted to run, and am so stubborn about quitting things (as you can see from when this thread was started), but this is just weird.
 
6'4". My original impression was somewhat anti-intuitive. If you are healthy, and running injury free, I wonder if your brain and body may be asking you to go beyond 10-11 miles/week? At 12 mm pace that is only 2 hours of exercise a week. Perhaps try 30 minutes of vigorous walking every day for a week and see how you feel?
 
are you veggie? do you eat enough? lacking essential fats and proteins will affect your energy and mood.
 
I am not a doc, but have you recently taken a look at your blood sugar levels? To me, your symptoms look similar to hypoglycemia in diabetics who exercise.

From http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-hypoglycemia :
Causes of Hypoglycemia in Diabetes

People with diabetes get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when their bodies do not have enough sugar to use as fuel.
Several things can cause hypoglycemia, including diet and some medications. Certain medical conditions can also make hypoglycemia more common in people with diabetes. Exercise may also trigger hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Most people feel symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or lower.
Each person with diabetes may have different symptoms of hypoglycemia. You will learn to recognize yours.
Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling shaky
  • Hunger
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Pounding heart; racing pulse
  • Pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Weakness
  • Anxiety
Without treatment, more severe hypoglycemia symptoms may develop, including:
  • Headache
  • Feeling irritable
  • Poor coordination
  • Poor concentration
  • Numbness in mouth and tongue
  • Passing out
  • Nightmares or bad dreams
  • Coma
 
Thank you all so much for your input!

6'4". My original impression was somewhat anti-intuitive. If you are healthy, and running injury free, I wonder if your brain and body may be asking you to go beyond 10-11 miles/week? At 12 mm pace that is only 2 hours of exercise a week. Perhaps try 30 minutes of vigorous walking every day for a week and see how you feel?

Believe it or not, I have tried upping my mileage. I try to shoot for no more than an increase of 10%/week. But, then, some weeks, I miss a run, so I fall way short that week, etc...Also, vigorous walking presents even worse side effects for me, in my experience.


are you veggie? do you eat enough? lacking essential fats and proteins will affect your energy and mood.

Not a veggie. I try to eat some of everything. I love food. I eat all the time.


I am not a doc, but have you recently taken a look at your blood sugar levels? To me, your symptoms look similar to hypoglycemia in diabetics who exercise.

From http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-hypoglycemia :
Causes of Hypoglycemia in Diabetes

People with diabetes get hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when their bodies do not have enough sugar to use as fuel.
Several things can cause hypoglycemia, including diet and some medications. Certain medical conditions can also make hypoglycemia more common in people with diabetes. Exercise may also trigger hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Most people feel symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or lower.
Each person with diabetes may have different symptoms of hypoglycemia. You will learn to recognize yours.
Early symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Feeling shaky
  • Hunger
  • Headaches
  • Irritability
  • Pounding heart; racing pulse
  • Pale skin
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Weakness
  • Anxiety
Without treatment, more severe hypoglycemia symptoms may develop, including:

  • Headache
  • Feeling irritable
  • Poor coordination
  • Poor concentration
  • Numbness in mouth and tongue
  • Passing out
  • Nightmares or bad dreams
  • Coma

I have had a few experiences with blood sugar drops, and have exhibited symptoms from the "early" list. The second list does have me a bit concerned. For the last week, I have consciously drank more water, as well as a good bit of Gatorade during and after my runs, and it does seem to have helped.

Thanks again!