Does it ever feel easy??

[Run_rabbit_run]

I have been running outside since the beginning of January and even now, every time I start my run/jog, it seems to feel like very hard work. The first kilometre feels like I am running in slow motion, my breathing is all over the place, my legs feel clunky, and I'm thinking, "oh man, I don't think I can run very far today." It is probably just after 2k where I feel a bit of an improvement and things fall into place. This happens every time. Does anyone else experience this?

[dexdog Graduate]

Hi

Oh yes! For me it is the 3rd K when I feel I have a little control over my body! It has been over a year since I started C25K . I have to let the first 2 k just happen and then I decide how long/fast my run can be. Even then it doesn't go to plan. It has never felt easy but does feel so good once completed. I have been on IC for 2 weeks and plan a cheeky 3 K on Sat (fingers crossed)

[Kmcm66]

Same for me. The start of every run is awful and I think I wont can go far. Gets better as I keep going, despite negative thoughts, and by 3rd K I am in my stride. Tiring by 4th but determined to keep going by then. 5th K pure mind over matter. Hoping i can build up to running further one day !

[Tombenoly Graduate]

Yep!! I now start really slow and let the stride come naturally as I get going it usually takes me about 10 mins the middle bit of 15 mins is ok but the last 5 are a struggle

[sparky66 Graduate]

Yes.. I'm the same.. been running since Feb and I'm exactly the same..I can now run 5k and the last two k seem easier than the first two.. I'm hoping this becomes easier with time

I also walk/ swim and core excercise on rest days.. always have a warm up walk/ stretch..and it's still very tough!

We still classed as beginners..was going to add that I'm hitting 50 so may be a factor for me.. but I know there are loads of older strong runners here

So hope it's a time progression

[Slinkyminky Graduate]

First 5 mins of any run are the hardest for me. By 10 mins I've normally got into a nice rythym and pace and as long as I stick to that its usually a good run.

I have problems if I start thinking too much about breathing, pace etc, I need to let my mind think about other stuff like what's for tea etc when I'm running then it just all happens naturally and before I know it I've run for 30 mins X

[Tanethra Graduate]

You're not alone in this regard but once those feel good endorphin's kick in and you settle into a nice rhythm you soon forget.

[AnnieW55]

Same for most people to varying degrees. When you start to run the oxygen in your body starts to divert to where it's needed to run so is pulled from the rest of your body which then has to catch up (or so I've read - but does make some sort of sense). For me it can take 20 mins - I'm with Tombenoly on the slow start and Ido the same as Slinky and think of other things, or compose posts that never get posted!

[yatesco Graduate]

As others have said, it takes a long time, and a lot of effort for your body to decide you are actually a runner and that running is a good thing :-). It might never give up fighting you unfortunately.

So yes, we all hear you and feel the same. Stupid body!

[B0bP Graduate]

I found it hard work for the first 5-10 minutes when I started running and did a bit of digging and posted the following.

Bob

I thinks it's pretty normal to find it hard work initially though. I've done a bit of digging and found this from a post over on runners world.

"The best description of what happens I've ever read is by Dr Mike Stroud (medic, polar explorer - with Ran Fiennes - and all round very knowledgable bloke) in his book Survival of the Fittest - Understanding Health and Peak Physical Performance.

I quote - "When you start to run your muscles need extra oxygen but your body is not set up to increase the supply immediately. For the first few minutes of a race [or any run] you develop oxygen debt as you use more energy than aerobic systems can supply. It is only when oxygen in the blood has been depleated significantly and levels of carbon dioxide have risen that your brain senses these changes and sends instructions to set things straight. At that point you will begin to breathe harder and your heart will pump more strongly. But by then , besides having to meet the demands of your continued movement, you also have to repay the oxygen debt and clear the lactic acid that has accumulated. This takes time, and so the first couple of miles of any run can be rough.""

[Run_rabbit_run in reply to B0bP]

Thanks Bob! That makes me feel better