Just been reading about the first mile/15 mins or so always bring the worst regardless of fitness as it takes this long for your muscles to start getting the oxygen they need...has anyone here that’s got past the stage of running that far/long that has noticed that it gets easier after that?! I’m
Hoping!😂
As you get aerobically fitter, your body can utilize more oxygen (quantity) quicker (time) - so yes it does get easier. However the basic mechanism regarding oxygen deficiency at the start of exercise remains. A really good warmup makes things easier too.
It does get easier as you get fitter and to the point you don't really think about it so much anymore. I always find my second km is quicker generally than my first and have even run a PB 5k after having done 5k already.
The old toxic tens...healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
It does get better - we promise! I'm about 6 months post C25K graduation I still get toxic tens, it’s just a matter of physiology... we all suffer from it, you just learn to have coping mechanisms - like your 5 minutes warm up and taking it easy to start.
I run longer distances now and also get the ‘effing’ fours and fives which is at 4 and 5kms in, I feel tired and then it improves. I think we are all a little different some of us will be really good and manage the smaller distances without so much as a huff, others will be huffing and puffing.
the one thing I can say with certainty is that it improves as your fitness improves.
Thankyou Jan!! 👍
It does get better - promise! It really is so hard doing it for the first few times... but then you realise, in amazement, that you can! and you do!!
Keep at it - you 'll be running 3 miles before you know it!
Thankyou! I love this little community, so supportive...wish i'd found running sooner!
You ;re very welcome! I know the feeling - about this community, and finding running sooner...but you know what they say: better late than never! Enjoy all the endorphins and the feeling of accomplishment as you move through this programme and realise that yes - you ARE a runner, and yes - you CAN run 30 minutes/5k/more than 5k/however long you set the bar for you - yes you CAN!!
I feel like I've already noticed a difference in that the toxic phase is less pronounced and passes quicker. Might be partially in my head but if it works... 👍😁
Knowledge is power.
If you know what it is, why it is and when it is likely going to pass then you don't get hung up on it and you don't try to push the effort until everything is running smoothly.
It may... sometimes... but not always...my toxic ten sometimes lasts for twenty... sometimes it does not happen at all. But you get stronger and can run through it and onward
I know what to expect... I know I will run through it . You will too. Give it time...
yes, I often find it lasts a fair bit longer than the first ten minutes- but you learn if you keep going it will get better - honest.
Yep its absolutely true. I dont find it takes me 15mins but a good 5 or 10 mins and then all of a sudden i feel ok. Its quitw strange lol
Wow, someone has managed to make the first few minutes of warm up sound terrifying for you.
In the early weeks all your runs are in that state, so you have experienced this; and the good news is that you have the best to come on the long runs.
Mental strength I have run 70 park run plus another twice a week but somewhere on every run I feel like running away. But health wise I feel ten times better. When I feel like giving up I remember how much my body loves me for loving exercise.
Great! I’ve been thinking about doing a park run, it’ll be more of a park run/walk to begin with though!
Run / walk is perfect that what parkruns are for to get fitter at your pace.
Don’t get downhearted. I found the program much easier from week 7 onwards. All that stopping and starting in the early weeks was necessary to build muscles and fitness, I suppose, but made every running stretch feel difficult - at least, that’s what i found. The other trick is to start really slowly - a bouncy walk really - and ease into the run.
Keep going. You WILL enjoy the longer runs. 😄
I think once you know why you feel that way it becomes easier. You know if you keep going a wee while longer you will feel more comfortable. For me that helps! Don’t worry about it, but when you feel it’s hard work in those first ten minutes just tell yourself that is as expected, and keep going.
You may be right. This week's run had 4 successive quicker 1kms. It started off as Mo the Lawn and ended up Mo Farah (well same amount of hair anyway).
All probably partly due to aerobic stuff, partly to do with terrain (last bit downhill) and partly due to wanting to get in for a hot chocolate.
I've also just started on Strava and discovered "sections". So I did try a bit harder at certain points.
an awful 13.1 miles today...
5 Miles like a Gazelle!!
100 miles in a month!!!
Ground 0 (Zero) 1.3 miles
