When you find it, let me know.

Here is a thought: compare your mileage this year with last year. Isn't it WAY higher? High mileage really wears you down. Last year I hit 80 once or twice, the 70's a few times, and so on. I literally felt like I was falling apart. This May with Ogden, I think I barely made it to 50 and I felt so much better and did much better. I just think not everyone needs such high mileage. I think if you get in good quality workouts that is far more important than high mileage. Quality over quantity!

Just my 2 cents, not sure it is even worth that!!!

I think you really need to come join us for a long run, wish you were not so far away!

Good point Kelli. I may have to adjust my training plan a little. Instead of shooting for 70 + miles a week, I should stick around 60 mpw and make sure I get a couple of long runs in, along with some good tempo work and see how it goes. I can run higher miles next year...

...after all, I did jump into this whole "run 6 days a week, higher mileage" thing kind of quickly. It's been going well so I thought no problem. I do feel worn down now though. Dang it. I was hoping that I was superman! Also, I am kind of an old dog, so I need to learn these new tricks a little more slowly.

Another thought. I drink a LOT of water. Maybe I'm drinking too much. I probably drink at least a couple of gallons a day.

Are you getting enough electrolytes? A big issue with long distance running can be hyponatremia, which is basically when you drink too much water and don't get enough salt and literally flush your system out. In most cases, it just leads to fatigue, headaches, and cramping, but in extreme cases, it can get much, much worse.

For what it's worth, I usually drink a little over 3 liters of water per day, plus other drinks (OJ, milk, soft drinks, etc.).

As always, like Kelli, just my $0.02...

Wow Nevels, if you're drinking 3 liters of water a day on your mileage, I very well could be over doing it. I don't drink any soda, but in addition to all that water, I drink juice, chocolate milk, most days a 32 oz. powerade and a beer once in a while.

And you know, I'm one of those guys that sweats a lot when I run...hmmm...it's all coming together now...

I try to stay away from cokes, but chocolate milk is a staple, I drink a fair amount of juice, and I'm a firm believer in beer as a recovery drink.

I sweat quite a bit as well (but, I guess I should expect that since I usually run when it's between 80 and 95 F (or is that 299.82 Kelvin to 308.15 Kelvin...))

In any case, it might be a good idea to monitor your electrolyte intake, making sure you're getting enough salt, potassium, calcium, and magnesium (Mg is the hardest, by the way...).

If you ever think the salt from your own sweat that is on your upper lip tastes good, it's probably a hint...

Maybe the drug you need is iron. Even guys who run a lot get low iron. Something about the striking feet on pavement leading to something in the bone blah blah, resulting in low iron. Makes you tired. And of course high mileage makes you tired. Its just a blood test for ferratin level.

The drug I need is SLEEP!

That is a TON of water, wow! Do be careful, I have heard and read about that too much water thing!!!

I do not know much, all I know is that I tried the high mileage thing last year and I was wiped out. My body could not do it. This year, I am topping right around 60. I think every body react differently. My husband needs high miles to do a marathon and it does not affect him at all. I do not. In fact, I think I run a better, faster marathon on less miles. You just need to listen to your body. If you are that tired, back off!!!

Again, I think quality over quantity wins every time. I have to convince myself of this all the time as everyone in my running groups has way higher miles than me, but I just can not function that way. I crash and burn.

Pleas pass me the sleep drug.

Okay, so I've taken steps to address each possible issue. I took the day off running, and will have a cut back week on mileage. I'm cutting down my water consumption. I realize that I've become kind of a water fanatic over the last few months. Did a little research on hyponatremia, and I believe this best fits my symptoms, (specifically moderate chronic hyponatremia), and I just gobbled a large plate of spinach to help cover my iron requirement. So I should be ready for 80 miles next week, right? LOL! Thanks for all the food for thought you guys!

This comment thread has been very serious and useful. All I have to say is, one that costs what it should.

It just goes to show that we may goof off, but we are serious runners no matter what everyone else thinks!

Nah, I just pretend to be a serious runner sometime...

I'll just add one more idea to the others - sugar consumption? And I'm really sorry but you have to include grains and potatoes in that, because as soon as they enter your digestive system that's what they become. More fruit and veggies might help.

I think you're doing great and this will pass with some rest and some good nutrition.