Intense cardio drains me over 3 months later?

It's been over 3 months since my hysterectomy and I thought I was fully recovered. As far as I could tell, I had no more issues. Even my incisions are now just 3 small fading bruises, about the size of a pencil eraser.

I was cleared to run at 8 weeks, but didn't start right away because sex was uncomfortable at first and I took that as a sign that I was still healing.

About two weeks ago, I did start running again and put myself on a new training plan that is rather intense for me.

It feels great to be outside running again, BUT, that is where the greatness ends. Afterwards, for the rest of the day, I have zero energy. I also get very cold! Right now it might be 80 outside, but I'm wearing a sweatshirt, pants, and covered up with a blanket.

I've tried eating something as soon as I finish running, drinking several bottles of water in case I'm dehydrated, coffee, nothing works. I've been research recovery drinks until it occurred to me...this never happened before. Am I getting tired from exercise because of my hysterectomy?

Is that possible or hard to say? If so, I don't want to stop, but is that my body's way of telling me I'm exercising too hard too soon?

Good question as I have felt the same way not every time I run but sometimes

My best guess is that it's your body's way of telling you that you are exercising too hard, too soon. While most of us feel better at three months, you may very well still be healing from your hysterectomy. It takes 6-12 months to fully heal, and some take even longer. I have noticed a difference in how I feel since last March when I was 3 months post-op. I definitely have more energy (and I didn't realize I was lacking much in March). My guess is to slow it down a couple notches and see how you feel. No need to push too hard early on. You'll get there!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by RunningWoman ...I was cleared to run at 8 weeks, but didn't start right away because sex was uncomfortable at first and I took that as a sign that I was still healing. About two weeks ago, I did start running again and put myself on a new training plan that is rather intense for me...

Am I reading this correctly? It sounds as if after not running at all for more than two months, you started again not with a gradual ease-in but with "a new training plan that is rather intense."

Ah, no. Not likely to work.

I'd suggest gradually working you way back to where you were just before your hysterectomy, *then* trying the intense new plan. You need to continue to be gentle and kind to your body as you work with it to get back into shape.