Reason why first 10 minutes of a run is the hardest!

[Oxy237]

I'm halfway through week 7 and have been really struggling & wanting to give up with in the first 5-10minutes so I started searching why this was happening and came across an interesting article in 'Runners world' apparently this is quite common to a lot of runners new or experienced and no matter what your fitness levels! It happens because your muscles need oxygen but your body hasn't warmed up enough and is not set up to increase the supply immediately so it takes a good 10 minutes for it to kick in. Before I read this article I was thinking maybe as I was struggling so much at the start of each run then I wasn't cut out for running. This article has really helped me and as long as I push through the first 10 minutes then I know I can do it and keep going.

[Windoze Graduate]

Commonly known as the toxic 10. A decent warm up helps

[Oxy237 Graduate in reply to Windoze]

Ah you see I'd never heard of this because I'm still new to running and the programme tells you to warm up by walking for 5 minutes but I guess we are all different and some of us need more of a warm up.

Thank you

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes, once your body gets the idea that you are running it seems to catch up , go slow you can do this 😊

[Oxy237 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you. If I go any slower I might be walking! I managed a full 25 minutes for my Week 7 R2 today and battled through the brain telling me to give up. This extra knowledge was just what I needed to hear.

[Linhert]

Gosh that’s really interesting. I knew it was common but never knew why. That will help me to. Thank you

[MarkyD Graduate]

Yes, a discussion on the Toxic 10 is one of the "Pinned posts" in the FAQ section on this site:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Jaguar1965]

this is great knowledge - thanks as I struggle for first 5 mins for sure

[FionaLamb Graduate]

Thanks. I really suffer for the 1st ten mins. Now I know why!! Really interesting. It had actually got a bit better x

[J412 Graduate]

Completely agree with you. I've just finished w7 this afternoon and felt the same about not being cut out for running, but I pushed through and it got better

[HeavyFoot Graduate]

Just knowing what’s happening makes it easier to deal with. Tell the gremlins take a break.