jogging ups and downs

This is my first post, although I've been a lurker for quite a while. I've learned many great things about fitness from this site, and it has been very helpful.

Anyway, I've lost about 70 lbs in that time. I was down to about 190 by the end of last summer, but I slacked off over the winter, gained 20 lbs., and had to lose it again. Now I'm back down to 190, and would still like to lose at least another 10-15 lbs. Working out was difficult again for a while, but it is much better now that I'm back in the swing of things.

I started jogging about 2 years ago, and I sometimes can't believe that it's possible for me. My problem is that sometimes I jog 3 miles and feel like I could keep on going for at least another mile (and sometimes I do). Other times I feel cruddy right off the bat and I force myself to go 3 miles. My muscles hurt, and I get out of breath quickly. And afterward I feel very run down. What could be the reason for the difference? I jog at least 3 times a week, but it is usually closer to 4 or 5. I also work out regularly at the gym and lift weights. I am also dieting, and i try to keep my calorie intake between 1,500 and 2,000 (depending on the various things).

Could it be that I'm not getting enoguh water? Not enough food? I am a dad and I do freelance after work (sometimes until late at night) and then i go to the gym at 6 in the am: maybe I'm not getting enogh sleep?

I really like to jog, but this up and down stuff is getting depressing. Sorry to be all over the place. Hope someone can offer some insight. Thanks.

greg
 
It could be any of those factors that you are listing, or it could be that you are not getting the right kind of nutrients in your diet to give you energy. I don't know, i am not an expert at anything diet related. Maybe it could just be that you are having an off day and are focusing more on the negative things about your jogging and it is making you feel like quitting or making you feel like a failure because you don't feel like you are improving, but on the other days you don't even think about such things like that and therefore run easier and need less effort to continue. I really don't have anything to provide to help you, maybe just other things for you to think about.
 
Yeah I'm thinking it is a combo of things. I am currently ammending my diet, and I should be able to get more sleep soon (just completed a hugh side project for work that was keeping me up late). Perhaps I was just whinning. Now that I consider myself a jogger, tho, I want to make sure I can keep it up, since it is the best exercise activity I've ever tried.
 
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