Let’s let Gina Kolata, health and fitness writer for the New York Times, tell us what overtraining is. "Overtraining is an unintended consequence of the only known way for
athletes to improve  by pushing their bodies and stressing themselves
by deliberately going faster or longer than feels comfortable," writes Kolata in this helpful piece that many gentle readers should read carefully. Wait, here’s another thought from Gina Kolata: "Overtraining is the downside of training, the trap that can derail an
athlete’s success. It’s a real physical condition caused by pushing too
hard for too long. It can happen with too much exercise, too much
intense exercise, or both. Its hallmarks are poor performances,
exhaustion and apathy."
Been there? Know that feeling? Read Kolata’s piece in the Times. Then chill. Try reading a book for a change.
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Hup-Two-Three – C’MON DO IT!! Overtraining is a barrier that we trainers love to hit – time for a little break because we’ve busted our guts for an extended period, thereby maximizing our pain threshold level and advancing it forward! It happens and is a good sign for an advanced athlete.
The problem with articles like this is that a lot of people train at levels that are not anywhere close to overtraining and just use it as an excuse not exercise.