Do my legs really feel like lead or is it my mind playing games with me?

[MrsE74]

Hi. I’m on wk7, r1 and can’t seem to get my legs going! I did my first parkrun yesterday (42:54) but had to walk/run. My hubby says it’s my head that’s telling me I can’t do it and I need to push through (he’s a 6m/m runner!) but I feel like I’m running through treacle! Any tips?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Preparation can make a huge difference......hydration (2.5-3litres per day), nutrition (broad range of nutritious food), restedness (you can't run well if tired). The list goes on in ever more detail.

Everything in your life affects your running, however you are still a very new runner with just a few hours of running on those legs, so give yourself a break, slow down and when your body has developed its natural endurance a bit more, you will be able to work on pace, without legs tiring.

Heavy legs is a classic sign of poor hydration, although if you are gasping for breath you will not be getting enough oxygen to your muscles.

[MrsE74 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

It’s probably more to do with hydration if I’m honest. I don’t drink nearly enough fluids! I don’t run out of puff when running, it literally is just my legs that won’t/can’t go any further!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to MrsE74]

runnersworld.co.uk/nutritio...

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Hydration and nutrition are key factors👍

You'll really need to work on your hydration. It will make a big difference to you.

Some is just mental gremlins 😉👍

[Rignold]

3 litres a day minimum. an extra litre for every hour of exercise.

20% of that will come from food, assuming you eat a lot of veg and fruit.