Why is it harder to run 2 x 10 mins than 20 mins straight?

[njd967]

Just completed W6R2 and have to say I really did not enjoy it yet W5R3 felt pretty good. Is it physical or psychological?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Did you go off a bit over confidently fast after the excitement of the end of week 5? That was what happened to me (and has happened a fair bit after any particularly good run!). I thought going back to intervals would be easy so pushed the pace up too high. Got through it but it wasn’t fun!

[njd967 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Not sure I can blame my pace….but quite likely that I did go off too fast. On reflection, my route was more hilly so will stick to the flat for the time being. Thanks.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

It isn't...........but if you have just run W5R3 then you very likely reckon that you have cracked this running thing and that you are capable of just about anything.

One twenty minute run does not a runner make..............to crudely paraphrase the Bard.

It is largely psychological, in my opinion, although you might require a longer recovery period after longer sustained runs.

Any run can be hard or, oh so much easier, if you pace yourself correctly. You have to have a pretty masochistic bent to actually enjoy every minute of a sinew straining , gut wrenching personal best run..........but of course the glory of achieving a new record adds a different gloss.

For me, slow runs were always the most enjoyable and generally memorable, as I could appreciate my environment, alongside my ability to run, even if there was no glorious reward of a personal best at the end. The PBs were hot, hard, sweaty, uncomfortable and frankly not much fun.

If you take into account that your running body will actually develop more effectively at a nice easy conversational pace, rather than the frantic, injury risking thrust of a hard run.........It is a no brainer really.

Slow down, keep running, keep smiling.

[njd967 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Great advice…..will concentrate on being Mr Slow!

[Zev1963 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

This is so true. I've been running now since 2014, but I still find that if I make a conscious effort to take the first 5 minutes or so especially easy, then the whole run feels easier, and I often end up with a better time than if I set off at a faster pace

[njd967 Graduate in reply to Zev1963]

Thanks for the advice....will be conscious of initial pace next time out.