The worst part is the start, not the end.

[Monners]

Since commencing C2 5k several months ago, I've noticed how numerous contributors have written about their tiredness towards the end of runs. I concur with this in respect of the early weeks of the programme. But maybe I'm the odd one out because I really don't like the first part of the runs. The ending and successful accomplishments are exhilarating.

This morning for example, which was my 6th 'post C2 5k' run having graduated two weeks ago, I really didn't want to get up. After half a mile, I pondered if this might be my first failure. With a bit of determination I persisted but I wasn't enjoying myself.

Upon completion, I checked Runkeeper and discovered it was my fastest around my local area doing 3.54 miles in 37 minutes 19 seconds bringing my average minutes per mile down nicely.

My point is that the 'getting up, getting started and first part of the run' is by far the worst part. After that it's relatively straightforward, gratifying and even enjoyable.

So how to motivate myself for the next umpteen years is liable to be an issue. The bathroom scales are showing very slow progress. And I'm no good at the mind games such as telling myself all the usual motivational spiel. I start a run by telling myself I'll be quite happy in about half an hour - but it doesn't help at that point in time!

Anybody else hate the start and love the end?

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Yes, lots and lots of people here say the same thing. My knees hurt for the first few minutes and I feel really unco-ordinated like I have the wrong legs on! I never notice when that goes off but I really do take quite a while to get into my stride, sometimes as much as 5K.

[Tomas Graduate]

I wouldn't say that I hate the beginning, but I can definitely recognise the increase in love for running as the run goes on. I think it might have to do with the body getting thoroughly warm - not after 5 minutes walk, but after the first 10-20 minutes of running.

[davelinks Graduate]

My worst part is the first 10 mins or so until I'm firing on all cylinder's. Your times good for a new runner over the distance, perhaps you could slow down just a tad for a while, maybe you go off too fast before you warm up?

[Qscout Graduate]

I struggle to get breathing right and finding a rhythm for the first half mile or so. Then once I find my groove feel like I could run for ever. Found myself not wanting to stop once Laura said you can go back to a brisk walk now.

I think my body is still in shock being asked to run but once the initial shock is passed its okay.

[RachelLewes Graduate]

Yes - the first 10 minutes is a slog and the last 10 minutes is always a buzz.

[Glossy Graduate]

I like the bit just before the end! My route is out down a loooong road and then I turn around and come back. It would seem as soon as I turn around I improve, probably because I feel like I'm on the way back (even though I'm only half way through!). My times are always quicker on the way back as well.

My last few minutes though are always awful! All of a sudden when I turn the corner I feel shattered and have to repeat positive phrases in my head to keep me going to the end.

[Smellimelli Graduate]

I am right there with u ...... I find the getting up up part ok .... But motivating to go running is a challenge. First 5-10 mins I wanna give up but then I know I'm 1/3 of the way through then half them I'm cool and know I'm gonna finish it lol. But I could easily b talked out of it before I've started and first 10< I am thinking screw it I give up. So yea I agree with u.

[Zev1963 Graduate]

Yes, definately the first 5 minutes of the run I find difficult. I'm with Curly on the wrong legs thing, and I'm with Qscout on the breathing thing. After 10 minutes I'm normally enjoying it. I think it is a good idea to start off the first 4 minutes quite slowly and then build up gradually. I find that if I remember to do that then the run as a whole feels much better.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

I agree, first 10 minutes are heavy going so I just plod through it and think, at least do 30 minutes. By the time I am running 20, feel fine, just keeping going, by 30, could keep going!

[Monners Graduate]

Thanks for your comments Folks. So I'm not abnormal (some may disagree).

What this tells me is that those of us who have the inner strength to kick ourselves out of bed in the morning (or have the wherewithin to get out after work) are really strong mentally. Just like in Physics, getting mass to start moving is the hardest thing. Once moving it's a lot easier to keep it going.

So now I know I'm physically able to do it, I shouldn't worry about that. The focus is on starting. Perhaps we should organise mutually synchronised alarm clocks.....

My latest mental solution is to say that in ten minutes I'll be a reasonable chunk through this run. And ten minutes isn't long to wait is it? And then I'm almost halfway through. Who am I kidding? #mindgames

[Lillbol Graduate]

I agree. Definitely only into my stride in the last half of the run. Is it something to do with endorphins or oxytocin or something?

[Hidden]

Oh yes I find the first five minutes terrible. I love the end when I can go a bit faster and the endorphins are starting to kick in

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

The start was definitely the worst part this morning. I really need to dig out a pair of gloves! The finish was fine as I did my final 1k several seconds faster than my first 1k.

[Monners Graduate]

Me too. Parkrun was cold, wet and windy. The end seemed a long way off. But then.... you're there, you're in your stride, breathing becomes steady..... and before you know it, you're enjoying a well deserved coffee!