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.

[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.

[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.

[Wahine]

Hmmmmmmm. Not sure if I should answer this post. I'm not a gifted runner, but I don't think running is as hard for me as many. Having said that, here it goes.

Running is not easy. Running can be made easier with drill work (and weight loss). Running is actually much more technical than many realize. Imagine how hard it is to swim if you have poor technique. Running is the same way. The only difference is you're not going to drown if you don't do it right and everyone knows how to run at some level. On this same vein, some people are gifted with excellent form and get that floating feeling. The rest of us have to learn to run that way, if it's possible given your body type.

I used to go out and push on every run. I suffered through them all. Then I started working with coaches. I adjusted my form and my training plan. Now I only do one hard run a week, one long run (this is hard but not in the same way) and I do one easy run where I work on form.

I think it's very important to run/jog/walk at a pace that feels very comfortable at least once a week. To get me used to what this means, one of my coaches had me start my form workouts by running 10 to 15 min without letting my HR go above 115 BPM. I had to run slowly and with good form, if my HR went above 115, I was to walk until it was below 100 then start up again. It took months until I was able to run a full 10 min with my HR in this zone. Now I can run indefinitely on flat ground at 115 to 120 and a pace of 11 to 12 min/mile. Now I can run and it feels pretty good. The hard workouts and long workouts still hurt. Oh well, you have to suffer a little to improve.

Most of the drills I use are from Friel's Triathletes Training Bible.

This website has some good drills and descriptions as well:

http://www.endurancecoach.com/Running_Drills.htm

Have fun.

[mimitabby]

Thanks Wahine, that makes sense. I'll visit that website. (not that i want to run that much, i just want to understand why it's so tough. I weigh 10 pounds more than i did when i was in my 20's and a lot of that weight is leg muscle!

[JenLeath]

I started running two years ago. I had a strong cardio base, so after the first few torcherous 2 mile runs, I got the hang of it. I was never by any means fast, usually between 9-11 mm depending on the distance, but I loved every step of it. Until last year, I had some injuries and some difficulties at home, that seems totally derail anything I tried to do. I struggled through my runs for months, sucking wind with every run. I live in Utah and the winters are very cold and snowy, so I started running on the "dreadmill" only a mile at a time, run 5/ walk 2, I kept the run slow about 12 mm. Then I would walk for a bit and do another mile, I would keep this up until it didn't feel so good anymore. Then I hit the elliptical. After two months at this, increasing my run time as long as it felt good, I switched to the track. That was 3 months ago. I am training for a half marathon in April. My last month of runs felt great and I was faster than I ever would've expected. I think the key (sorry for rambling on ) is to do what feels good. I think pushing myself all those months actually hurt my running. As soon as I backed off and relaxed everything came into play. The weather is clearing up here, I am soooo glad Running on a track and "dreadmill" aren't my favorite. Good Luck

Happy Training

[Starfish]

I think the key (sorry for rambling on ) is to do what feels good. I think pushing myself all those months actually hurt my running. As soon as I backed off and relaxed everything came into play.

I haven't started running yet. I am thinking I will start a walk/run program in the fall toward next year. But, I am amazed at how going with intuition and how I feel is helping my swimming and cycling training. I expect it to help when I start running again, too.

By the way, MimiT, my experience sounds a lot like yours. I am not particularly built for running, but in college I enjoyed about 30 miles/week, and just loved it. Felt great. Twenty years later, I feel great in a pool or on a bike, but even jogging across the street makes me feel like a heavy, plodding cow. I have confidence that a program will change that, though! (hoping, hoping!!)