When does running become "easy"?

[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

[teigyr]

I think there are people who are more gifted than others. While I was in 5th grade when I started (and a senior in high school when I was too injured to continue), I struggled. The younger I was the easier, we'd do training runs where I'd have to stop and throw up then continue running. This seems inconceivable to me now!

When I got into high school, I knew people who were much faster than I was with less training or history. It was frustrating. I was an above average runner due to training but I still didn't have whatever gift it takes to do it well.

I think the heavier we are, the more stress we put on our joints. I feel floating and happy when I'm on my bike, not when I'm plodding along wondering why I'm not almost done.

I think it will get easier but I also think that there is a sport for everyone and my "perfect sport" isn't someone elses. I've known people who would rather run than ride and I can't even imagine that!!!

[HillSlugger]

I've been running since the end of October. It took at least 4 weeks before I could consistently do 30 minutes without walking. Although I've watched my pace continually drop to where I'm doing 3.2 miles between 10:15 and 10:25 it still isn't easy. Each time out I'll be 1/2- 1 mile in and wonder how I'll ever go the whole length. Somehow I manage to keep the legs going and eventually find that I'm done.