Another crazy Kat question about running

 When I start running the first 2 mile seem to be mentally painful. No physical pain at all. They just drag by, and I feel like I will NEVER get through them.  I constantly ask myself what my pace is, should I be faster, do I need water etc....its nuts.   After mile 2 its like someone flips a switch and woohoo I love ever second of running.  My mind settles down and my times even get better the further I go.  Does anyone else do this or I am just nuts?  ( well, my mother had me tested, I'm offically not nuts. Hahaha)    Do you have any tricks to settle the mind?    It is much worse on the treadmill which I dont have to use to often.  Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!!

Kat

I do the exact same thing. No idea how to get past it. I just grit it out.

 I always start my runs with a little anxiety about whether I'll be able to run more than a mile...or two. Once I get settled into a pace and I do a systems check and realize im not breathing very hard, my legs are ok - I relax a little. Running in middle school and HS was always a traumatic event for me because I never was able to run an entire mile - i still have some issues from all those days, but Im getting more confidence as I run more (or at least I was before i injured myself :( ..)

 The first mile is often the hardest for me... takes me time to figure out the breathing or get into a rhythm or something... so yes, I think we're in the same boat.  It's wonderful to have the endurance to get through the beginning and then hit your stride and just keep going.

 Thanks for your responses!  At least I am not alone and if I am nuts, I am in GREAT company!!!

Forgot to say ... My pcp (retired distance runner too, he's in his 70's) recommended Jeff Galloway's Book on Running. He says that taking a walk break in the first mile is essential to distance running. I do feel better when I do this. Typically I'll walk 5 minutes as a warm up then jog 10 and take a 1 minute walk break. Two sets of this usually sees me beyond miles two and I'm then able to push farther without breaks. I don't know if this is relevant or not...

When you pass your second mile, you achieve what I call as my "zen".  Its that happy place where all of my muscles, joints and brain relax and enjoy the run.  It takes me a little while to get there too --I can usually hit it right after mile one now but in the beginning it definitely took two miles or so.  Good luck and enjoy your journey.