Running and feeling "off" on some days - why is that?

I get the same thing with anything that makes me do work. I was that way with going to school, and I’m that way with going to work, and I’m that way with walking.

I think the physical exercise is different than the first two I mentioned though. Anything can change the way you physically feel. Our bodies react to things we do to them more than you would think. It could be just tiredness, or it could be that you ate more wheat or dairy on those days, or it could just be an attitude thing.

Now when I think about it, maybe this question could apply beyond running i.e. why do we have “on” and “off” days at all? ...

As for running, I had a theory but that got laughed out of town i.e. I thought maybe it has something to do with the way our internal organs get heaved about and jostled with the running/jouncing motion… maybe I feel “on” when they are heaving together in a mass without bumping into each other inside and literally knocking the breath out of my lungs!

I like that theory. It gives me entertaining mental images.

First, I think everyone has off days. Some days are bodies just need time to heal.

This when combined with your other running makes me want to reiterate that a cardiological work up might be a wise idea.

When I know it’s one of those days and my feet hurt and feel heavy I just know it’s time to sleep. I found out that sleeping always helped. But this is something else.

On the subject. I do not run but I take long walks some times. Most times my body feels good but there are times when I feel tired even after I just started it.I never understood why the body does this.

How well do you eat? Junk food can do a number on you.

Weren’t you asking about losing sensation in your hands and your toes turning blue after a run? Heavy legs can be an indication of vascular disease, as well. I think you probably should go for that work-up.

Otherwise, I think we all have off days.

Uggh guess I’d better make an appointment rather than wait for my next annual check-up. Thank you guys for all your advice and suggestions, you’re the best! (but I’m sure you know it already) ;)

@intrepidium we just likes our jellies to be healthy! ;)

On your days when you can’t seem to get in the groove, your body is telling you that it isn’t ready for a fast run. It wants some more rest. It is generally a good idea to listen to your body and take it easy that day. You could be slightly physically and or mentally tired.
I sometimes schedule a speed/pace running workout for a certain day. But when I get all wormed up and stretch out and find that my first interval is labored and slow, I tone down my expectations. I just do what I can do that day and plan to hit it again in a day or two.

I just started a new workout/nutrition program. I read that taking “cheat” days on a nutrition program; that is, allowing one day or one meal where you eat whatever you want, as a reward for sticking to your diet for the rest of the week, can take 2–3 days to recover from. Maybe, if you normally eat fairly healthy, a “cheat” meal or item a day or two before could be responsible for your off day.

I know exactly what you’re talking about though. Today’s an off day for me, but I blame this headache and lack of sleep.

I know this is an old question but I have a new answer.

I have a Garmin Forerunner 265S fitness watch. One of its many data functions. is a display of a number they call “Training Readiness.” The number ranges from 0 to 100 and is based upon several factors including how much exercise you did recently, the quality and amount of your sleep, your HRV, heart rate variability, and others. When that number is 75 and above I feel great and ready to take on the day. When it is below 30 I feel logy and tired. Between those numbers I try to exercise accordingly.
If my TR is >90 I will do a hard or long run. If it is <20 I’ll take a nap.
I love this watch!