First 18 minutes are not great!

[Kab41]

I’ve just done week 9 run 1 and very very happy to have completed my first 30 mins (probably ever!) I’m 41... can I ask does anyone else find the first 20 mins including warm up walk a bit of a battle? Once I’m past this point I’m fine and even start to really enjoy it/run faster and think I can go on longer.. just wondering if it will change or will this always be something to get through!! Thank you x

[Kab41 Graduate]

Ps Hi everyone- I’m new! Xx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

There is a perfectly natural explanation for your experience and it is known to runners as the Toxic Ten healthunlocked.com/couchto5... although it varies considerably from runner to runner and is obviously the Toxic Eigtheen for you.........relax, don't push hard or do a prolonged warmup to avoid it.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[Kab41 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you- 😃

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done on completing your run 😁👍

It's a well known phenomenon known as the toxic 10 (usually lasts around 10 minutes into the run)

Search 'Toxic 10 while running' 👍

[mgrds Graduate]

Earlier in the program (like the end of week 5) I thought the half time bell had a big psychological effect on me - maybe it did - but i now realise that was probably the end of the toxic 10 and getting into my stride! Whatever it is a big psychological boost to remind myself that it get better after the first 10 mins ....

[Kab41 Graduate in reply to mgrds]

Thank you 😀