Any ideas why first run sections are hardest? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Any ideas why first run sections are hardest?

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate
7 Replies

I'm on w3r2 and loving the programme. I really look forward to the runs and love the feeling afterwards. However, the first 1 or 2 run sections of every run seem to be really hard compared to the rest which seems odd as I surely should have more energy at the beginning of the run. Does anyone else experience this and/or know why it happens?

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maxilib profile image
maxilib
Graduate
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7 Replies
Amandana profile image
Amandana

Oh gosh yes. Sometimes it feels quite weird starting to run and takes a while to get into a good breathing pattern and get the pace right. People who are farther along (especially graduates) talk about the "toxic 10" - referring to how awful the first 10 minutes can be. :)

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply toAmandana

I wondered if it had something to do with getting into a good breathing pattern - I struggle with that especially at the start. Knowing it's normal will really help to get through the psychological barrier - thank you! ☺

Wanna-Be profile image
Wanna-BeGraduate

I always think of it as my body throwing a tantrum. You ignore it carry on and it calms down and accepts that this is happening now!

maxilib profile image
maxilibGraduate in reply toWanna-Be

Ah thanks that's really helpful to know - I guess putting on the most motivating music at the beginning and starting off downhill might be useful. I love the analogy of the body throwing a tantrum 😂

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

Oh, yes. At times it takes short period for the body engine to adjust its parts but as you go further the things get better. Even now when I'm about to tackle HM there will be runs where there is a niggle or two until I'm fully warmed up but that will largely depend on how l rested, food intake, stretches and hydration.

Get those guys in place and you are cruising!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Quite normal healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I totally get this! I thought that maybe I needed a longer warm up.. 🏃🏻‍♀️

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