Graduates, when does it get easier?

[Grandadmike]

I ran W5 R3 non stop 20 mins tonight. Was ok but 3 hours later feeling a bit stiff in the thighs and during run legs were heavy and calfs quite tight.

Does it get easier ?

[mrrun Graduate]

Heavy & tight? Are you hydrating properly? You should be drinking at least 2 litres of water daily, hopefully (ideally) more. Stretches? Do you work on your legs, before/after run and during rest days? Your shoe support (insoles) all in place?

These were some of the reasons which caused similar issues in my case. Sort them out, go carefully, listen to your body and the end results will be well beyond your optimistic dreams!

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Hey Grandadmike!! You’ve just done one of the epic runs. Well done you. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽! 😍

You do build up more stamina on every run. But don’t be tempted to go too fast. Stamina is about time, not pace in my eyes. If anything hurts, it usually means that you need to listen to your body and slow down.

Does it get easier? Yes, but I don’t know if I’ve ever used that word. It gets more and more enjoyable. You get stronger and so does your confidence. 😉

Trust that your body is changing and getting stronger every time you go out there. That continues after graduation too!! 😁

mrrun gives some great advice for you. Stretch, drink plenty of water and go slow. Keep going you’ve doing a brilliant job!! ❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I’m not sure I’d use the word ‘easier’, probably because we’re usually pushing ourselves a little more each run. I’m sure going back to the early weeks of the programme would seem less strenuous though.

I agree with mrrun about hydration and stretching. Both very important, and often skimped on. Your legs should be getting used to the extra workload, but they require TLC!

Keep at it. You’re well on your way and you’re nailing those runs! 👏👏👏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Have you upped your rest day exercises? Your rest day stamina and core strength exercises are getting more important as the runs get longer. Great warming up and your post run stretches are really important too.

Some rolling could help.. I have a massage stick too, which is fantastic for loosening those calf muscles, (important that you use it correctly though...). Then, just relax, slow down and try to land lightly. Kiss the ground with your feet

The thing is, each and every run makes you stronger.. do not be tempted to push too hard.. eventually your legs find your happy pace.

The longer runs beckon and they are perfect for gentle relaxed running... you are doing well.

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

If you sweat a lot whilst exercising it's important to keep your electrolytes up as well. We are so conscious these days of reducing salt in our diet that we can go too far the other way. There are various ways of doing this through diet and or supplements. I'm no expert so can't advise but have been through it. One sachet of electrolytes (Drs advice at an event) and 30 minutes later I was a new woman.

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

Well done you! I use a magnesium oil spray. If you need it it does sting while it absorbs but it helps reduce muscle fatigue and I cold rinse in the shower. I’ve seen some people prop legs up against the wall to ease legs to.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Poor hydration can cause the heavy leg feeling. Drink frequently each and every day, whether running or not.

Does it get easier? Strength builds over months, but every runner can make it difficult for themselves by pushing hard. Don't make the newbie error of thinking that you have to push hard to make progress. A gentle jog is perfectly adequate to trigger adaptation in a new runner.

Take care.

[Tanethra Graduate]

It never gets easier you just go faster . I all seriousness yes it does get "easier", i.e. your easier long runs won't leave you fatigued for days on end and you'll note if running a regular route you maybe faster on some parts or you find that hill that was a challenge is now an afterthought.

Don't forget post run stretches and foam rolling can aid recovery and as posters above suggested drink plenty

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

All the advice here is great, you will find out what works for you. The only thing I would add is that, what you’re doing now wasn’t easy 5/6 weeks ago, but here you are.

As you progress and move into longer or different types of running you’ll naturally be pushing yourself or doing things that aren’t natural for you, so it might feel difficult, but it will all work to the greater good of your training.

I had heavy legs and sill do at times, hydration is key along with what you’re eating. Because of this, some runs will just feel harder and others slightly easier and your pace might not reflect what you think you’ve done.

Just try not to over analyse and enjoy the experience & journey ❤️

Have fun!

[Grandadmike Graduate]

I think Hydration could be the issue I get so busy at work I have to keep reminding myself to drink more water but I have been a bit slack on that recently