The 2-mile Struggle of a 5k run

lasarabande

Hello! I run 5k distances during lunch time at work. Anyone else feel that 2miler struggle? For me 2-3 miles is usually the absolute worst and I wonder what I could do to overcome this giant hurdle.

litsy3

Do you mean that you start to struggle after two miles? If so, you probably just need to run the first two miles a bit slower.

coreyreichle

If you're referring to that point before you get into your groove, if anyone has discovered how to not make the first 1 1/2 miles grueling, I'd be open to hearing about it. Then, I get into my groove, and feel like I can run all day

DrifterBear

Agree with litsy. Also add in some interval training. If you run in an area with street lights, run from one to the next then walk to the third and repeate. The run should be much faster than your 5k pace but not quite a sprint. If no street lights, just alternate 30 seconds of running with 30 seconds of light walking/jogging. Do this a couple times a week over a shorter distance.

tiny_clanger

Yeah, my 10k this morning. kilometres 1-3 were super tough, then everything got good at 4 and stayed good for the rest of the run. It's a mental battle I think. Just gotta keep on trucking until it starts feeling good!

oh_so_jo_008

I'm in the midst of training for a 5K. I used to run all the time but fell out of shape and want to start again, just to prove to myself that I can do it. Mile 2-3 is also my hardest mile, without a doubt. We got this!

Aed0416

I run a lot. For me it's the first 8 or so minutes. After that I'm feeling good. It's part of the reason that I rarely run those short distances.

tasch79

Agreed! I tend to find the first 5 minutes the hardest. I think it takes me awhile to get the breathing going properly. I was hoping this was something that would get better as my running improved but perhaps it's just the way it is. Got to just push past it.

lorrpb

5k is 3.1 miles so mile 2-3 is the last mile. Wouldnt it be normal that the last mile might feel the hardest ?

mbaker566

i whine in my head for the first mile or two of whatever length of run i'm doing.

tulips_and_tea

lorrpb wrote: »

5k is 3.1 miles so mile 2-3 is the last mile. Wouldnt it be normal that the last mile might feel the hardest ?

This is what I was thinking as well. Or, conversely, the last mile of such a short run might feel the easiest, knowing you'll be done soon! That's generally my thought process, anyway.