Crossfitters- extreme fatigue

nomadica

I just started CF about a month ago, and I love it. However, 3 times now I've had days of debilitating fatigue, where I just have no energy and feel like I'm walking through water- these have all occurred the day after a WOD. I'm not sure what I might be doing wrong? Pushing too hard? Not hydrated enough? I've added 2 hardboiled eggs to my normal snacks for extra calories and protein, so I don't know that my diet is the problem. Any thoughts?

doglove

How much protein a day are you eating? Are you getting enough sleep? How much water are you drinking? Are you replacing lost electrolytes?

nomadica

I probably eat about 70grams of protein per day (and I'm small- 115lbs.). I get pretty good sleep as long as my almost 2 year old allows, and always go to bed early. I would guess I have about 100 ounces of water per day. I don't replace electrolytes- didn't really think I would need to, given that the WODs are relatively short?

Joenali

Take a complete day or two off from exercising.

ETA: Listen to your body. It's saying it needs rest. Your workouts are going to become crap if you don't give your body some rest time.

suzannepdc

Make sure you are hydrating enough - both before and after your workouts.  Even though the WODs can be short, they are intense.  I agree with making sure you are eating enough protein as well.  I would also talk to your coach to see if they have any suggestions.

lauren060306

Maybe go to the doctor. I fought fatigue like that on and off for 3 weeks, and turns out I was dehydrated from not enough salt. Too bad I had to faint and go in an ambulance to find that out.

Mrs Manners

When is the last time you had a complete physical? It's always a good idea to do one before starting a different exercise routine if you haven't had one recently. I agree with pp that you may need to increase fluids and protein. Also, have you had your Vit D levels checked?

cookiemonster03

It sounds like you are dehydrated, and possibly hungry.

nomadica

Thanks, everyone. I'm definitely going to work on hydrating more. I think I do get enough protein, after recently adding some more to my diet. I don't count calories, but I'm pretty sure they are sufficient, since I've recently gained back some weight that I had lost due to stress. Whenever this fatigue has happened I have taken the next day off exercise totally, but I think I'll give it 2-3 days this time. I was sick for awhile in January, so maybe I'm just not completely back to myself and need to take it easier. I have a yearly physical- one is coming up in April, but if this keeps happening maybe I'll try to move it up. Thanks again!

nerdsbride

How many days do you workout per week? And are your rest days true rest days? CF suggests 3 days on and a day off as a cycle. Also, how is your coach programming? Are there a ton of 30 min AMRAPs or anything? Sometimes coaches don't have the greatest programming and that can cause this.

nomadica

nerdsbride:

How many days do you workout per week? And are your rest days true rest days? CF suggests 3 days on and a day off as a cycle. Also, how is your coach programming? Are there a ton of 30 min AMRAPs or anything? Sometimes coaches don't have the greatest programming and that can cause this.

I go to CF 3 times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday)- due to time and childcare restraints, I can't go more frequently. I run 2-3 miles on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (although the truth is, one of these days I often skip a workout, as life gets in the way). So, 5-6 workout days per week. Mondays are always a complete rest day. So far the WODs I've done have seemed to vary in length a fair amount- definitely have only done a few 20-30 minutes ones so far.

pantsparty

Any chance it's your blood sugar? I have to make sure to eat something sweet, like a fruit cup or dried mangos, on days I workout, or I can get tired very quickly. Listen to your body and take an extra day off if need be.