Run #2 always the hardest?

[thefutureliz]

Hi all! I just completed W4 R2 today. And I've realised a recurring pattern where I find the 2nd run in each week the most challenging out of the three. Has anyone else felt/experienced the same?

Today was really difficult, but I realised it's because I didn't pace myself in the first few runs and was going faster than usual. I need to remember to go slow and steady!

[Hannah337 Graduate]

Yes, 100% run 2 is the hardest, in weeks that you do the same run 3 times. Week 5 and 6 don't follow that rule imo.

For me, it's because before run 1, I'm anxious, I'm not sure I can do it because it's a big step up, so I have trepidation. For run 2 I know I can do it, because I did it 2 days ago! So my mindset is "this should be easy!" when really it's not at all.

Run 3 usually finds a balance somewhere in the middle!

[thefutureliz Graduate in reply to Hannah337]

Ahh that does make a lot of sense! When I first saw W4 I thought this is going to be a big struggle. But, because W4 R1 went so well I probably went into R2 with a bit too much confidence

I didn't realise how much of a difference a slightly faster pace can make on my energy reserves! I don't think I was going that much faster but it was so exhausting. Perhaps I need to get a running watch or something to monitor my pace.

[theoldfellow]

I find using Strava on my phone is quite helpful to look at my pace afterwards (I have not got the right kit to do it while running). Run 1, as you say, usually starts off cautious, and then builds in the middle, and tails off as I run out of steam. Run 2, sort of like the middle of Run1, but the run down is more pronounced. Run 3, starts very slow, and gets slower but not so much as run 1,....

I usually take 2 days off after Run 3, to resync with Monday.