I'm a runner and an insomniac, too. Here are my two cents, but please know that none of us are doctors here, I don't think. We're just speculating:

I do know this, though - you ABSOLUTELY need protein in your diet. Protein is what helps you build lean muscle. If you're not getting enough protein, your muscles will basically wind up using themselves for trying to build... and that just doesn't work. That's not to say that it has to be MEAT that you get your protein from; it could be anything, including protein powder supplements, but you NEED protein if you're getting that much exercise. You also need carbs, so don't skimp on those either.

Here's the other piece of it - sleep is when your body regenerates and heals. Personally, I've gotten by with crap sleep most of my life because I haven't had a choice, but sometimes it takes a toll on my body; I imagine it does yours, too.

Keep in mind that your heart is also a muscle. When you do cardio, that's what you're really exercising. Granted, your heart is an involuntary muscle in the sense that it's not something you can build, flex, or extend like your biceps, quads, or delts, but it IS something that can be strengthened and nourished.

If you're doing cross country, you're working your system pretty hard. PLEASE make sure you're getting the right kind of nutrition and supplying your body with the fuel it needs to function at the level you want it to. Try upping your protein intake - if meat isn't your thing, pick up a container of whey or soy protein at a supermarket (you don't have to get them from expensive sports nutrition stores, I promise), and drink at least one every day you train.

Just a note - We all have bad weeks sometimes. I've had the experience of barely being able to finish a mile all week, taking a couple days off, and being totally fine after that. The seasons are changing (at least where I am), and that's when people get sick.
It could be a virus. I'd advise you to try to make sure you're eating BALANCED meals that include mainly protein, veggies, fruits, complex carbs, and even some refined sugar if you want, and see if you feel/run better. If not, make a doctors' appointment. Can't hurt to get checked out. Mononucleosis, I believe, is one that presents most of the time with hypersomnia (sleeping too much), but in some odd cases it can cause insomnia instead (I think).
Treat your body like you'd treat your car - give it the right fuel, keep it tuned up, and take it in when there's a problem. :)
Best of luck to you.

Siren

Very helpful, thank you so much!

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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