My body failed me. What gives?
 

I started jogging on the treadmill in the mornings last year to get from sedentary couch potato to sorta-kinda-in-shape. For the last couple of weeks I've been able to consistently cover 2-3 miles at 11-12 minutes a mile and still have plenty of energy for the rest of the day (I only do it every other day to let the muscles recover). This morning, though, I couldn't breathe after only half a mile! I had to stop to catch my breath, and when I tried to get going again my legs felt like lead. I finished my two miles, but felt like I had overcooked spaghetti for muscles afterwards. Walking was difficult all day--plus, I've had constant hunger pangs that just won't go away.

I don't have a cold, and it isn't my premenstrual water-logged week, and I'm actually two pounds lighter than I was on Sunday when I last exercised (the Valentine's candy bloating went down :p). What could be wrong with me?

Have you had a physical lately? How is your protein and good carb intake?

I wouldn't worry unless it happens gain tomorrow. Some days just don't work, IME.

Have you been cutting calories to make up for V-day? Everyone has off days, or you might even be coming down with something. Could you be dehydrated? 2lbs loss in two days could be water loss, and dehydration.

What is your calorie target? Sounds like you're not eating enough.

Jay

Do you incorporate a rest day in your week? If I run everyday, my body burns out.

My calorie intake is about 1700 a day--which should be only 400 less than I burn (assuming I'm "moderately active"). Dehydration sounds like a definite possibility--I woke up really thirsty this morning. The hunger pangs yesterday may have been thirst pangs.

Also, my bf is hacking and sneezing up a storm this morning. I might have caught a little of what he's got.

Thanks for the input, guys.

Hmm, while a virus is a definite possibility, you may want to invest in a pregnancy test. The complete physical exhaustion may indicate it, even if you are not ready for your period yet.
(its embarrassing for a midwife to admit, but I had light periods at the beginning of my first pregnancy and didn't realize I was pregnant for a while, about 12 weeks!)

My guess is dehydration too. I have days like this. I can usually do 4 miles (still working on that magic 5) with negative splits. But every now and again I hit a half mile and just feel like...nah, I don't want to do this today. I usually finish the mile...but it happens sometimes that your body doesn't want to run at all.

But It could be you were thirsty. That happens to me too. Take a bunch of little sips of water so you don't have water sloshing in your tummy!