Legs

[Sillybilly1]

Question, why is is my legs are the first to struggle? I have managed to get up to the 8k mark and am happy with my progress, breathing is fine (after it sorts itself out) but it’s always my legs that weaken first, I have a healthy diet an drink 3lts of water daily....not a problem just wondering why?

[GardenGirl52]

Do you do any strength exercises on your non-running days? I was okay with 30 minutes but struggled to go that bit further to reach 5k and found that some basic exercises made all the difference.

[Sillybilly1 in reply to GardenGirl52]

Thanks for the suggestion, I don’t do any other exercise and this would probably explain it. Will have to devise a non running day routine.

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

One of three things can end a run early - brain, breathing or legs. They can all be trained - at the moment your legs need it most. The good news is they’re the easiest to improve 👍.

[davelinks Graduate10]

Hydration is critical during long runs. When you lose fluid through sweat and you don't drink enough to help offset this, your blood volume can actually become thicker. Your body has to work harder to pump this blood. You might feel like your legs are more tired than usual or the run just feels harder.

[davelinks Graduate10]

runnersworld.com/training/a...

[Sillybilly1 in reply to davelinks]

Great link....some insightful information in that report... think I have a “fuelling issue” will look into my calorie intake and report back in a few weeks time!

[Dimi3is]

Check your iron blood level too

[mrrun Graduate10]

Squats can really help, lots of them. If executed properly (knees aligned with your feet and never passing your toes) they work wonders for your leg muscles which in return provide a cushion for your knee mechanism hence minimising injury risks. What's not to like? Then there are planks, push-ups and various stretches, stuff that you can easily do at work, of all places.

[RunRunRun13 Graduate10]

I normally have wholewheat carb dinner the night before a long run and lots of water throughout the day.

Eat a small banana before I set off which keeps me going - so maybe take a look at your food intake or strength exercises to help you. Might be your not eating enough - 8K is great !

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

You're asking them to work hard, which until recently they haven't had to do. They're still getting used to it! They will catch up 👍🏻😁

[misswobble Graduate10]

We have to build running legs and it takes time. Slow runs and rest days build legs Rest days are cross training days when you do anything but run

Cycling, swimming, gym, home exercise, yoga etc etc. It’s all first to,the running mill

Good diet and hopefully quality sleep all help our running

Good luck with it. Have fun 👍😃