First 8 mins hellish - help

[OneDayMaybe]

Hi all

I can’t believe I’m in week 8 and know that I can complete week 9 as keeping going isn’t so much the problem - however slow but I know that will improve with time so not beating myself up on that.

But my problem is, how do I get passed the reaching my 2nd wind easier? I want to run with a friend and try a park run but I honestly feel so out of breath and desperate to stop throughout my starting 5-8 mins I’m too embarrassed til I crack this. Am I doing something wrong or do I just need to give it time?

Thanks

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

It took me a long time to calm my breathing down until I stopped worrying too much about it. I am sure I'm still not the most efficient breather when running.

It is quite hard running with someone else unless their pace is the same as yours, fortunately the only run I've done with my friend was at my pace.

I find music helps me as I don't hear my breathing which can be annoying but I do like running without too so it's a balance

Keep at it and maybe you will find what works for you.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All runners take a good five to ten minutes to get breathing settled and get into the swing of a run, so don't worry. This means that it is pretty futile to push hard right from the start.

For parkrun, if you want to be able to run hard from the off, do an extended warmup, to get over the "toxic ten". Have a look at this for warm up ideas runnersworld.com/ask-coach-...

[Shelby1973 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’m glad you’ve said that everyone struggles with the first 5/8 mins that’s my worse part where I think I can’t do this ! But push through and sometimes manage another 30 mins . Any idea why ? I’m just curious x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Shelby1973]

There is a very simple explanation here glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/gl...

[Shelby1973 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank u . Toxic 10 learnt something new x

[Wantorun2013 Graduate]

I’ve not had problems with breathing but l think the key is about trying to relax as you run. I’m quite an anxious person at times but as soon as l start running l just relax and therefore my breathing calms down. When you are feeling out of breath try and take a big breath and on the breath out try and relax into it and untense your muscles the more tense you are the more likely your breathing will be erratic and not steady tidal breathing. Hope that makes sense good luck take your time Rome wasn’t built in a day 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Wizziewood]

Oh dear! it's that awful 'toxic 10' business (or in my case nearly 20!). I'm afraid all you can do is slow down and work through it. I don't immediately notice any difference but find I gradually plod along a bit faster (or should I say slightly less slow!)

Well done for getting to W8, you're nearly on the podium ... good luck with the next few runs. Happy running!