u/Infinite_Pop_3748

For the past 3 weeks, I haven't been able to finish any speedwork because the effort feels so much harder than what my heart rate is. Like when my HR is only 160, it feels like it's 180 so I can't finish my MP interval sessions. I had no problem completing speed workouts a month ago and I even enjoyed them because they gave me a chance to run a little faster but still felt totally manageable. And I've averaged a 175-180 HR for all of my half marathons, so 160 isn't even that high for me.

I'm ok with easy runs, but even when my heart rate is 140, the effort feels like my HR is 155 ish. I went to a doctor and explained that I was training for a marathon, but I suddenly couldn't do even half of workouts that were totally fine before. She asked me to send my previous bloodwork from my endocrinologist, which included a complete metabolic panel, CBC, iron levels, thyroid levels, and some vitamin levels. After I sent it, she messaged me that everything looked good and she didn't recommend more tests for now, but I should let her know if the fatigue continues. But those tests were from 7 months ago, when I wasn't having this issue, so I feel like that doesn't make any sense. I also haven't been sick, I even took a covid test to be safe and that was negative.

I'm thinking of ordering some tests myself and potentially trying to find another doctor. I have a race in 3 weeks that I've already decided to just do for fun and walk if I need to, but I have another marathon in December as my A race. Curious if anyone else had an issue like this so I can do some research on what tests to look into? I'm also thinking of looking for a doctor that sees a lot of athletes, because I feel like my current doctor thinks everything is fine because I can still run regularly, which is better than most people. But I'm very average at running so idk if I would just be wasting their time haha.

I know this is a really stupid question and I should probably just call, but I kind of have a lot of anxiety about making phone calls and doctors appointments. I also know the process is different depending on the clinic, but just want to understand the general process.

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Basically, I started feeling some pain in my right foot after a tempo run almost 2 weeks ago. I've had this before, but it got better on its own after resting for a day. But I'm concerned that it's still not getting better and it also hurts when I'm not running, so I think I should probably get it checked out.

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I'm just not sure whether you need to go to a regular doctor or urgent care first to get X-rays or some kind of diagnosis first or if you can just make an appointment online directly and they'll handle all of that. I have a race in a little over a month, so I'd really like to get this addressed ASAP.