Does Running ever feel easy?

As a new runner, one of the most common thoughts and questions that may cross your mind is whether running will ever get easier. The answer is YES, it will, but it takes time and consistent effort. Running is a high-impact activity that can be challenging for your body, especially if you're not used to it. However, as you continue to run, your body will adapt, and the activity will become easier.

One of the key ways that running gets easier is through muscular adaptation. When you first start running, your muscles are not used to the movement and the impact of each stride. But as you continue to run, your muscles will become stronger and more efficient at the movement. This means that you will be able to maintain your pace for longer and with less effort.

Another way that running gets easier is through cardiovascular adaptation. Running is an aerobic activity that requires your heart and lungs to work harder to deliver oxygen to your muscles. As you continue to run, your cardiovascular system will adapt and become more efficient at delivering oxygen to your muscles. This means that you will be able to maintain your pace for longer periods of time without feeling as tired.

However, I won’t lie I believe the first few kilometers or the first 15 minutes of a run will always be tough tough, even for experienced runners. As your body warms up and adapts into a comfortable rhythm and your aerobic energy system comes in, running becomes easier. But the initial start can be tough, also at the 20 minute mark if you really aren’t feeling it and tired, it is probably a good time to just head home.

It's also worth noting that running longer distances may seem daunting especially if 5k’s never feels easy. When I was growing up, I only ever ran 5km and couldn't imagine enjoying a 10-20k run. It wasn’t till in my 20’s listening to some friends talking about their 10 + km runs they were loving, that I thought them first crazy and amazing people that could do that sort of distance, but it got me to thinking and experimenting, and I now feel going out for a long easy run is easier than a 5k or less run, you get into the comfortable rhythm, you can go further and see more, and you hit a bit of a sweet spot for at least 5 mins ;) 10minutes if you are lucky.

If you don’t find running enjoyable yet, a few tips are walk/ run further, find others to run with to distract you, build up your fitness with alternative training like our classes so you don’t have to do that start from the beginning struggle, Learn how to run more efficiently.

Maddie joined our group 5 weeks ago and is doing a our run class on Wednesday and our strength and conditioning classes, and sent me a message to say she felt easier out running than ever before, feeling more efficient and faster in her running.