When does running become "easy"?

[Offthegrid]

For those that started running as adults, how long does it take for running to get easier? I've progressed to walking 1 minute, jogging 4 minutes, and I can do it, but it's really tough. Just feels like riding uphill continuously. I feel very proud after every workout, but I just don't look forward to them like I thought I would.

I know when I get to jogging continuously it still won't be "easy." (And that's a relative term, of course.)

I guess I just really want to know is how long does it take of jogging 3-4 times a week until it feels "good"?

[Tri Girl]

Susie, I don't know if there is an answer for that question. I've been running for 3 years (I'm 33 now), and it's still not easy. When I was 20 lbs lighter it felt easier than it does now, but it still was never easy. 2 marathons (getting ready to do another) and one IM later, I still don't love to run. I do it because I have to, not because it brings me great joy and because it's easy. It seems like most runs are a struggle and I hardly find myself getting in the "groove." Don't know how much of that is mental, tho (probably a lot).
So- I gues I don't have an answer, but I do know it does get easier. It's certainly easier than when I first started, but I'm just not sure in what measureable amounts we're talking about.

[Bluetree]

I wish I knew, too. Jeez, it's the run that kinda freaks me out in tris. One of my tribuddies is a former collegiate T&F star. He talks about how he gets into "the zone" where he feels he's just floating along, and wants to run forever. I think he's built like a human gazelle. He gets this glazed, faraway look in his eyes when he talks about it. I must stare at him in shock/disbelief/envy, because one look at my face always brings him back to reality.

[Tri Girl]

He talks about how he gets into "the zone" where he feels he's just floating along, and wants to run forever.

Man- I wish I could find that zone. Can it be bought, cuz I'd pay a lot for that feeling??? Never been there, don't know what that's like.
I get in a "zone" alright- it's the "oh crap, I'm still running" zone.

hee hee- at least I CAN run, and for that I'm grateful. Still, it would be nice if it were a little easier...

[Bluetree]

I get in a "zone" alright- it's the "oh crap, I'm still running" zone.

LOL That sounds like my zone, too!

I think a big part is genetics. When I look at him, he's built like a runner. No excess upper body fat/muscle and legs that seem almost disproportionately long. He's in his forties, can still run a 5-minute mile and does the Oly running leg in sub-8.

Of course, he fights to keep from sinking like a stone on the swim, so at least we have that on him!

[Pika]

Bluetree LOL that is the only zone I have been in as well- I don't know how long it takes to get easier- I just know that if I don't run for a week - the next run is harder- knowing that keep me pretty consistant- I guess the reverse must also be happening- it must get easier - just that the increments seems so small I don't notice it as much.
Keep with it Susie- it does get easier.

[mimitabby]

when i was in my early 20's i could do that...just floating... for a while. Now even 100 feet..
it feels.. very uncomfortable... I think my knees are too old for running.

a little voice inside of me says "get it checked" but I can walk for hours, bike for hours... just running, i hope i never HAVE to because i can't sustain it for more than a couple hundred feet.

[rocknrollgirl]

I started running last January, and it probably took me about 4 or 5 months before it got easier, and now I love it. Keep in mind, that I only run in the woods, so it is easier on my old tired body and lots of nice visuals to keep me occupied.

Ruth

[KSH]

Lady, I wish I knew.

Since starting running again Nov. 2006... it has always been a *struggle* for me in one sense or another.

Either I breathe too hard and get side cramps... or my legs hurt... my knees hurt... blah-blah-blah.

It has gotten better... because I CAN run at all... and I CAN run for 3-5 miles without stopping. Although it's slow... at a 10 to 11:30 minute mile... but I CAN do it.

Maybe I'm just not positive enough, but I truly believe that some people are naturally gifted runners and some people... well, it will always be a struggle. I fall into the "it will always be a struggle category".

I think it took me a good month of running to get to where I could run without stopping.

I have to agree with TriGirl on the losing weight part. Losing 7-10pounds did make running a little easier. At least there was less jiggling in the trunk when I ran... and it felt easier.

Well, not sure if I helped much. Happy to see you are still around since you don't update your BT log anymore.