Originally Posted by
hhnngg1
Overtraining is when you train through fatigue, for weeks, if not months on end, at high volume. Tiredness, even a whole 2 weeks of tiredness is not overtraining. I was totally drained for 4 entire weeks in my half ironman build 3 months ago when I ramped up to 18 hours per week of training from about 10-11, and felt like a zombie when I was trying to even get up in the morning. That was NOT overtraining.
It's not? I understand that there's overtraining and there's serious overtraining, but IMO that few miserable days already tells that your body isn't adapting to your training as well as it should, and your recovery is suffering. That's the point where you should estimate your recent training, and make sure you don't make the condition worse.
I agree with Racer Ex that's it's wattage over time - and compared to what your body is used to. Even beginners can overtrain, if they ramp up sessions too quickly - IMO pretty common sight with those who are enthusiastic about new fitness sport and then quickly stop after a month or two.