Overtraining in running and how to train smarter

Most runners have brushed up against it, some of us have barreled straight through it. Overtraining. It’s that sneaky state where too much running, not enough recovery, and a lack of planning collide into a perfect storm of fatigue, plateaued performance, and sometimes even injury. It’s easy to fall into this trap, especially as a newer runner when every group run feels like an exciting new adventure. You show up, run faster than usual because it’s fun pushing the pace with friends, and before you know it, your performance is not where you want it despite all the miles.