That last 2 KM

[Curlygurly2]

I find if I am running, say, 6KM I begin to struggle around the 4 KM mark, if it's 10 KM I'm doing I feel really tired at 8KM. If I'm going for 12 KM I can easily run 10 K but then it gets hard - it seems it's always the last 2 no matter the distance! Anyone else found this?

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

Was musing something similar on the way back from Parkrun this morning. I know setting out with a target affects how far I can manage but bizarrely (as someone who couldn't run for the bus three years ago, I can't believe I'd ever say this) I often find the first 5k really hard!! Even doing Parkrun it's not til the last km or so that I really start to settle. Maybe you could trick yourself into thinking you are going to run further than you are!!!

[Bazza1234 Graduate10]

I think it is the mind!!! When I finished my HM, I felt that I could not possibly take one step further and told this to an experienced runner. He said - that is what you are supposed to feel like at the end of any race regardless of length. He went on to confirm with me that this is the way I feel after a 5K run too He contends that our minds know that today we are going to do say 5K - rather than 21.1 - and paces accordingly . At the end of the race, we are exhausted regardless of how long it was

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Bazza1234]

Or possibly it's the body that paces...sounds like you we have the pacing right anyway.

[Frank-ntj Graduate10]

I find it the same as ancientrunner, I struggle for the first couple of miles then my breathing settles and I feel more comfortable. It could well be those pesky running gremlins in your head, setting yourself a bigger target at the beginning might help. Good luck Sarah! 😊

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Frank-ntj]

I too find the first bit hard, my legs hurt, but I know that passes...Maybe it's to do with increasing distance. I haven't actually done the longer runs many times.

[AncientMum Graduate10]

Suspect it's definitely 'all in the mind', Sarah. When I was following the programme and it got to w9 I was determined to do a 5k on my last run. The problem was, as soon as Laura said I only had 1 minute left to run I immediately became totally exhausted, even if I was fine the moment before she opened her mouth. To get round this, I had to switch music from the the w9 podcast straight after the second to last song so I didn't hear those fateful words. The result was that I ran my first full 5k reasonably easily.

The point of my long rambling comment is that our legs are only as strong as our heads. I don't know what the answer to your problem is, Sweetie, but you're one determined lady so I know you'll find a way. xx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to AncientMum]

It isn't really a problem Carrie, I was just interested if anyone else found the same thing.

[AncientMum Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

Should have realised you'd be able to power through it, Sweetie x

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to AncientMum]

What I meant really was I plan a route to run the number of KM I want to that day, and always get knackered at 2 KM from home. Well, I can't let that bother me can I? I still have to get home lol!

I guess I haven't really done that many longer distances - I've done 10 K about 6 or 8 times, and that 12 KM route only twice. Maybe it will improve if I do it more often.

How are you doing now Carrie? I hope you're feeling better xxxx

[AncientMum Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

I'm not doing too bad, thanks m'dear. I've still got a pulled muscle in my side but I may risk a run tomorrow because I'm getting worried about my fitness draining away. It's never simple is it, this running! xx