Just darn worn out all the time

Camille Lore · 07-02-2008, 11:45 AM

Hi all- I jumped over here from Crossfit. I've been CFing for 5 months now, following the BrandX scaled pack versions of the workouts.
I've been struggling with elbow tendinitis for a few months off and on, taking 2-4 days rest, icing, ibu, massage and it comes back with the next high pullup workout (go figure).
I've also been zoning for about 3 months on 11 blocks, with some cheating and I've been just tired all the time. I don't get that energy people talk about at all. In fact, I had more energy when I first started CF than now, and before zone. The only time I have energy now is when I take allergy meds with pseudoephedrine in them.
I'm 37, 5'4", 143lbs. I also swim short, intense (for me) sessions 2-3 times a week for about 20-25 minutes during lunch. I sleep about 8 hours a night and sit at a desk all day.
My question- do I need to take a break? (Been 10 weeks since I took a break other than occasional missed wo), or should I look into other things as a cause? Note- I've always been colder than other people, have a few degree lower body temp, bad immunity until the past 6 months, and my weight loss has been kind of slow lately. I'm reluctant to spend $ on tests if I'm just pushing a bit too much for a newbie. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Allen Yeh · 07-02-2008, 11:50 AM

Take at least a week break. Just enjoy yourself, go outside, swim, take hikes. If you must go into the gym or workout I'd focus on prehab/mobility exercises and stretching.

I found when I was following the main site WOD I'd force myself to take a week every 3-4 weeks. I'd cut the volume down by half on all the workouts and focus on things I'd neglected.

Dave Van Skike · 07-02-2008, 12:54 PM

CF plus Zone is a great weightloss program, but then, so is Curves. Of course you're tired. Five months of experience, high output and low food.

I get impeccable results with the following recovery program.

Drink Beer, Eat food, Take Naps. Chill.

If you're feeling frisky talk a walk.

Chuck Kechter · 07-02-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Van Skike

CF plus Zone is a great weightloss program, but then, so is Curves. Of course you're tired. Five months of experience, high output and low food.

I get impeccable results with the following recovery program.

Drink Beer, Eat food, Take Naps. Chill.

If you're feeling frisky talk a walk.

During your off time, also think about other passive and active recovery methods...

Jaccuzi. Suana. Message. Hammock. Yoga. JM. Et cetera...

Mike ODonnell · 07-02-2008, 01:15 PM

Being tired all the time is not good. Take some time off from working out....you won't lose muscle. Take some time off from the zone too....just eat heatlhy and see how your energy levels feel in a week. Sound just burned out....

Steve Liberati · 07-02-2008, 01:21 PM

yeah what they said. Also try 2 on/1 off as opposed to 3 on/ 1 off. That, and cutting down on long metcons (over 10 mins), increasing food take (while maintaining quality) and sleeping like its going out of style (don't forget your ZMA!) has worked really well for me over the last few months.

Garrett Smith · 07-02-2008, 01:31 PM

All of the above is spot on.

Too much output (exercise, stress), not enough input (food, rest). Fix it now or it will only get worse.

No metcons longer than 5 minutes.

Camille Lore · 07-02-2008, 01:48 PM

Thank you all for the advice. I'll take it and let you know how it helps .

Derek Simonds · 07-02-2008, 01:49 PM

Man we got some people with brilliant advice on this board! There is nothing that needs to be said other than what has already been brought up.

Dave your new sig line is spot on.

Dave Van Skike · 07-02-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek Simonds

Man we got some people with brilliant advice on this board! There is nothing that needs to be said other than what has already been brought up.

Dave your new sig line is spot on.

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.