Does it ever get easier?

[Gagsy]

Just completed W9R2 and I have really struggled finishing both week 9 runs! I must say I really enjoyed running up to about the end of week 7 and now I am finding it so hard!! I haven’t missed a scheduled run day yet but I haven’t looked forward to the runs like I did in earlier weeks. Feel like I’m waiting for something to click into place. When will it get better?! The sense of achievement seems to have disappeared even though when I do look back to previous weeks I can see the progress!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Can you put your finger on what it is your struggling with ?Breathing , Heavy legs , Aches or pains, ?

You just have the one run to go now before consolidation , it would be great to get that enjoyment back again !

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are very likely running too fast.

Can you speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you run?........if not, you are going too fast.

I have been running for eight years and this morning my run was a delightful tour of my river route, despite the fact that I hardly slept last night. My pace was probably one of my slowest runs ever....... deliberately.

You can make any run difficult or considerably easier, simply by pacing yourself to suit your physical state and the demands of the run.

All runners are recommended to spend 75-80% of their running time at an easy conversational pace to build stamina and endurance and for a new runner it is recommended that you do all your running at that pace.

When you have developed strength and stamina you can work on speed, but for now it is in your hands how tough any run is.

Why make it tough, when the optimal pace to develop your body is nice and slow? Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Spot on. A big learning point for me. And it worked.

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

Agree! Slow down breathe and enjoy your surroundings. Change your route if you always run the same way it makes a huge difference. Keep going you will feel amazing and your body will thank you for it !

[Gagsy Graduate]

Thanks everyone- some great advice there!! I do have a tendency to set off too quickly so will try extra hard on the graduation run to stay nice and slow and hopefully enjoy it!!! My partner comes back from a run telling me about all the wildlife etc he’s seen and I come home having not noticed any of it because I’ve struggled the whole run 😂