Running is a mind game

starvinkevin
starvinkevin Posts: 331
in Fitness and Exercise
I started running last week at 1.5 miles downhill - I've already improved my endurance significantly since then and ran 4.8 miles 2 days ago on my 5th run @ 9:15/mile pace with half the run uphill. Last time I ran before last week was 2 years ago - but I knew what my body was capable of so I knew I could run that far. If I can do it ANYONE can. It's all a mind game!

Replies

  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Be careful increasing too quickly is a recipe for injury.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    Be careful increasing too quickly is a recipe for injury.

    this. it is a mind game, but it isnt just that. you legs are absorbing huge impact and it does take some building up of muscles to safely cope with that.

    too much too soon is the most common cause of running related injury.

    but do keep it up. it's amazing to run. just maybe dial back a bit.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Be careful increasing too quickly is a recipe for injury.

    True, much of running is mental (or at least many people think runners are mental :happy: ) your body needs to undergo significant physiological adaptations to successfully run (and by successful I mean injury free) longer distances.

    The leading cause of running injuries is too much, too soon, too fast. Don't be a victim of your own enthusiasm, allow yourself adequate recovery days and increase your distances moderately. Running is something you can enjoy for the rest of your life, take your time and keep it fun!
  • brunotolosa
    brunotolosa Posts: 18
    I agree with all responses..

    I am just like you sometimes.. I always need to push a little bit more but less (sometimes) is more when it comes to your early days of running. Take it easy and make it enjoyable- running is a learning journey and you should take one step at a time..

    Learn about your running form, posture and stride rates; learn about the importance of adequate fuelling (pre/post/during races); learn about different types of running training (trail, hill, tempo, HR, etc.); learn about different running shoes (and the art of running WITHOUT shoes like we were built to); learn that RESTING can be just as important as RUNNING; etc, etc etc..

    Take your time and make it right, pal! It is nice, however, to see how our running community is growing day by day!

    Cheers from London!
  • starvinkevin
    starvinkevin Posts: 331
    Thanks for the tips guys - yeah ive actually been running off and on for about 10 years so that prob explains my improvement too - I know that beginner beginner runners prob can't improve as easily because their legs haven't built up yet. I'm doing it right this time - I'm eating 1500 cals a day instead of going crazy 1200 like I did before and am making sure I have several rest days. I want to do it long term this time instead of just for crash dieting. I'm actually just thinking of keeping my distance at 5 miles and aiming for speed rather than increasing distance just to get a good cardio workout vs going crazy like I did before which led to injury.

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