You better believe I had to get this shirt for Brooke.
Poor marshmallows.
Jess and I met early to hit the trails. We did seven miles along the bench of the mountains and it was gorgeous but I am pretty sure we were either going straight up or straight down the entire run.
Good thing Jess was there to keep me from taking 10 trillion breaks. I hit up the gym afterwards and did 4 miles on the treadmill to make 11 miles for the day.
A lot of people ask me about hydration belts/bottles for running and I don’t really use one but Jess says that she absolutely LOVES this one and uses it every single run! You can find them HERE!
I’ve been trying to drink more water so every night I fill up these three water bottles and made a goal to finish all three throughout the day (I also have a glass of water with all of my meals).
Hooking people on the good stuff one day at a time.
I thought it would be interesting to see what the hardest part about running is for everyone!?! It’s easy to look through social media and see all of the successful runs/happy runs/people rocking their runs all of the time BUT I think it could help if we share the hard parts too so we know we aren’t alone. We can relate with each other and see how others get through the hardest parts and overcome them.
I’ll go first… the hardest part about running for me is:
-The first 1-2 miles. My body feels like it is stiff as a board, I think it literally creaks as I get warmed up. I wish I was still in bed during this first part and I really doubt myself if it is the first 1 or 2 miles of a hard workout or extra long run.
How I overcome the hardest part of running for me:
-Remind myself that my body always warms up and feels better after 15ish minutes. When I doubt myself I tell myself—> who cares if I finish or not… running isn’t my life and Brooke loves me no matter what:) I might as well put it all out there and try my hardest rather than quit early.
What’s the hardest part about running for you?
Race-day anxiety? Finding time to do it? Endurance? Speed? Running in extreme temperatures? Injuries? First, middle, end of a run? Getting out the door? Hills? Establishing a routine?
How do you overcome it?
110 comments
Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs
The hardest part for me is just the mental part — I always find myself defaulting to a train of thought that says “you can’t do this, it’s too hard, you’re not strong enough”. I’m working on it, but it’s tough!
RunnerGirl
Pacing myself is the hardest part! Especially during a 5k, I really want to just SPRINT that first mile lol (in part because I’m excited about racing, I don’t do 5ks every day ya know;) and I have to slow myself down or I’m dead 1/2 way through :P
I’d also say just pushing through those runs when your legs are dead or your tired.
Probably more stuff too lol but I’ve been having FANTASTIC runs lately. I’m doing the Whole30 and it’s given me so much more energy! It’s not exactly an easy way to eat, but I feel really good and my running has definitely improved! :)
Sam @ The Running Graduate
I find that miles 2-3 are the hardest for me. I always start out too fast and it takes me a little bit to settle into a groove. Another hard thing for me is speed. I know I’m just starting out and it will come with time, but sometimes it’s discouraging to feel so slow. I just tell myself I have more time to soak up the Vitamin D!
Meaghan
Hardest part about running for me is finding the balance between too little (and therefore being miserable because I feel slow and tired) and too much (where I get burnt out and don’t enjoy it as much)!
nyviewsnikeshoes.om
Erica { EricaDHouse.com }
Nathan bottles are the best!
Brittnee
That Nathan bottle is my favorite!! I tried running a race without it once, and it was like part of me was missing! The hardest part of running is usually that first mile. I find that I let my mind wander and think about stress and the billion other things I probably should be doing, but once I hit miles 2-3 my stress is gone and I’m focused on happy thoughts :)
Aimee
Hardest part for me is comparing myself to others or thinking that I should be able to do “x”. I get through it by reminding myself that I am sooooooooo much farther along then where I was about 2 years ago (when my journey with running truly began). I have my bad runs/days, but I remind myself that I still got out and did it (which, sadly, is better than about 98.2% of the rest of the American population).
emily g.
training smart. after my stress fracture, I have had lots of time to reflect on my approach to training, and when I’m cleared by the doc to get back at it, I know I will need to take real rest days (not rest days that involved a 5 mile walk and a half hour on the elliptical), and when I do easy runs, I will need to actually run at an easy pace… wish me luck! ;)
Carson
Finding time to be consistent is the hardest for me. I work rotating 3- 12 hour shifts a week. So I can only run realistically 4 days, if I want to see my family on days that I work. If I don’t write my workout down, then I spend my off days catching up around the house instead of prioritizing my workout.
Christina
The hardest part for me is getting out the door and the first three miles. I actually get anxious about my run before I leave to do it. Then it takes me a while to warm up…running is not easy for those first miles! THEN I start getting mentally discouraged because I feel like I shouldn’t be struggling this early into a run! I know, I need to get out of my head. Usually after 3 or so I find a groove and end up enjoying my run :).
Laureen @PeachyLau
Motivation to get started. Once I’m out there I’m usually super happy.
Lauren
The hardest part of running has changed for me. It used to be the results never being good enough / putting too much pressure on myself. Now it’s gaining confidence back & trusting myself after breaking my pelvis last year & then stress fracturing it in the same place this year. My pain tolerance is a little to high – because I can’t tell if I’m majorly injured (ran 30km with it broken last year thinking if pulled some muscles!). So definitely trusting myself again / finding confidence.
Amazing 11 miles you put in today! Top effort. The scenery where you live is spectacular :)
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul
The hardest part of running for me is pushing myself once I’m tired. I have to play lots of pump up music to keep going!
Anna @ That DAMM Runner
My mental game is definitely the hardest part for me. That and making myself go faster – which is a huge part mental anyway. When it starts to get uncomfortable I’m like “Eh no thanks…I’ll just slow down…”
I used a Nathan handheld water bottle for the first time last weekend. I find that when I run more than 8 miles I really wish I had some water. I didn’t love it though because I HATE holding something (even though it’s strapped on my hand). I prefer camelbacks but I feel like such a goober with a backpack on when I’m only running 8 miles, haha.
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
Along with everyone else, the mental part is tough. Also… running in the wind. I hate it! :)
Leah (goodnight cheese)
Haha, love that shirt! Reminds me of the Cinnamon Toast Crunch commercials where they’re all cannibals trying to eat each other.
Kristina @ Blog About Running
I am so with you on the first couple of miles being the hardest. I actually don’t think I really feel like I’m in a good groove until mile 5-ish! The first mile I often have to stop and stretch because my calves get so tight! Once they are good and loose I can start cruising.
I would say the best miles for me are 5 – 12. Anything before that is kind of still a warm up and anything after that starts to feel a bit long. I’ve got my first 17-miler this weekend so I just have to remind myself to take it slow and steady and try to enjoy the moments — even when I’m tired at the end!
Lolamd
Hardest part for me is mental and being slow. I have been running off and on for last 10 years. And any time it feels tough I just start walking so am working on that aspect. I do have a love/hate relationship with running. I hate the thought of it but when I do it I love it..lol
Tamlin
I struggle with what I think being a “runner” should like as opposed to what it actually feels like.
Courtney @Trigirl Chronicles
Endurance is the hardest part for me! I was trained as a sprinter so shifting my focus to long and slow instead of short and fast has been a trying effort, but worth it!
Katie
The hardest part for me is starting!!! Once I get out the door I’m ok but getting up the oomp I need to start is always a struggle.
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
Completely agree with that creaky body problem! I thought that this morning as I rolled out of bed for a 5:30 hill run (which if you ask me is pretty early to be torturing yourself).
Lately I’ve also had these weird thoughts right smack dab in the middle of the run where I’m like, “I want to stop.” for no reason at all! I think that sometimes happens when I’m run down in life in general, but you just can’t beat that post-run feeling!
Erica
Speed.
My love for running automatically makes people think I am good. I just genuinely love it!!! Maybe after baby I should see if I can finally train to take some time off.
Mary
Running with faster people. Even though I totally get it, they’re not judging, I never judge when I run with people slower than me…. I just get awful anxiety about it and then my throat closes up and I start crying. I wish I could turn it around to fuel determination, but instead i start wheezing and panicking.
Lauren
I’m a runner with asthma, and the most frustrating part of running is when I’m having a bad asthma day. I have some really good days (mostly in the fall), so my body “knows” what it’s supposed to feel like, but in the spring and summer I have days where I can hardly get a deep breath even when I’m not running. My legs and brain are ready to push hard, but I have to slow down or take breaks for my lungs.
I’d be interested in any blogs or stories about other asthmatic runners out there! I feel like there isn’t a very big community online for runners with asthma, and we could probably help each other out by sharing what works for us!
Jill
Lauren,
Thanks for sharing. I too have asthma. My Dr. Said I have the lungs of a 60 yo. I’m 42! Like you, I run anyway. But I struggle with pushing a faster pace/speed. My legs can go so much faster than my lungs. And I always wonder if Im not getting enough oxygen to my muscles. I’ll never be the fastest, but at least I am able to run :)
Jill
Zoe
I would say getting out the door/ remembering the good parts
Annie
Janae… I agree with you. The hardest part of my run is DEFINITELY the first 1-2 miles. You are young! I am 49… so I feel 10 times more “creakier” than you during those first few miles. I have learned to ignore the Garmin for the first mile at least. Then game on! :)
Amanda
Hardest part is having the energy after work and 3 hours of commuting
The Hungry Runner Girl
3 hours of commuting… wow! Amanda–> commute plus work, you are amazing!
Chrissy @Pink Polish and Running Shoes
The first two miles are hardest for me too. I get that same stiff feeling in my legs and my back, but it always works itself out. The temptation to give up before that point is strong though!
Mindy Kohler
The hardest part for me hands down is waking up at 4:30am, and dragging myself out of bed to run alone. Because of my work schedule I have to go insanely early – so early that I rarely see anyone else on the roads until I am headed home. I wish I could find another crazy soul to meet up with to keep me accountable. I need that thought of someone waiting for me to get me out the door. If I can talk myself out of bed I am usually fine. Unfortunately, my bed has been winning lately, which sucks because I know I am wasting the last few weeks of nice temps and hint of light in the morning.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Oh MINDY! WOW. Girl, I cannot imagine getting up that early. Move to Utah and I will do that with you once a week;)
Mindy
I’m in Utah (Heber), we would just need to meet halfway in Provo canyon, and it would have to be a SLOW day for you!
Tara
I agree with you Diana – that is the hardest part for me too! I have to get up at 4:30 to run as well. Between the running, kids (2 and 4) and being a full time professional I am exhausted at the end of the day. :) Nice to know someone in Utah is doing it too!
Jill B
I also run at 4:30am. I had a few friends who would meet me once in a while but they’ve all had schedule changes. Going to alone is really hard to find the motivation to get out the door.
Sarah
The hardest part about running for me is getting out the door. I overcome it by remembering that the first and most critical step toward achieving my goals is to simply show up.
As long as I just keep showing up, I will get faster/stronger. I don’t worry about every run being amazing or always having the effort to complete a workout or getting lost on a run or having to walk sometimes. As long as I just show up, I know I am making progress! Just keep showing up… that’s my mantra at 5am.
Michelle Kim
I’m currently struggling with finding motivation for running (I did 18 weeks of the Hansons plan, got my BQ, and have been running here and there after the race).
I let myself have this mental and physical break from running all the time and just do other things (weight lifting for the most part). I figure my mind and body will yearn for the high mileage weeks again.
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.com
I have always thought that running was 70% mental, and that the multitude of mental aspects that go into running are the hardest part.
More specifically, the fear of loosing my consistent workout regime is my biggest fear. I don’t Know why, this is relatively new, and 1-2-3 years ago NEVER struggled with.
Just one more thing I can improve :)
Diana
That hardest part of running for me is getting going. The first few km are always hard, the I get warmed up (looking at the comments, this seems to be fairly common). Then the hardest part is learning how I should run – I’m still working on some sort of form that work with my terrible biomechanics (legs slightly different length, flat feet, unco-ordinated everything). Always needing to back off so I don’t hurt my feet and knees.
Also, quick question – since it takes so long to get going, do you do a couple miles before a marathon race to warm up? or would that waste energy, so you warm up on the run (so to speak)?
The Hungry Runner Girl
Before a 1/2 marathon I will do a mile warm-up but I don’t really do much before a marathon… I need all the energy I can get. I just know the first mile or two is going to be slower and that I can make up for it later:)
YES, learning proper form is solo hard! Good luck Diana!
Jasmine @ A cupcake for my thoughts
Since I’ve only been running for a few months, I still struggle a lot! I find the first 8 minutes SO hard then after that I convince myself to keep going until 10 then so forth until I’ve finished how many miles I want to do! I’m still learning to pace my mileage increase since I made too big of a jump and payed for it! But I have truly fell in love with running and I can’t wait to do my second race on September 28th- The Colour run in London, I’m so excited!!!
Jill
Welcome to the running addiction! Keep it up!
Jasmine @ A cupcake for my thoughts
Thanks Jill, I definitely will keep it up :)
Lori
Honestly, after 20 years, boredom. How I get over it? I give myself a break, and do something else, or tell myself I’ll do something else if I still feel that way after 10 minutes. Usually after 10 minutes, I am fine and happy to keep going, but the days I’m not, I switch exercises and don’t worry about it.
Cheryl
Getting out the door and the first 2 miles are challenging for me…
What helps? The hubby saying,” just go!”
Erica C
mental part totally! I will start out okay, then after a couple of weeks I talk myself out of pushing myself harder. :/
Sarah
The mental part is definitely the hardest for me! I psych myself out if I wait too long in the day to run, but I get so anxious about it that I end up procrastinating on my runs instead of just doing it first thing in the morning. I have to tell myself that the first few “new” runs (first run back after a break, in a new place, different weather, etc.), I am allowed to do whatever I want without judgment. If I only want to run for 10 minutes, then that’s okay for the first run and I’m allowed to quit without being hard on myself. Once I get out there, I usually keep going. And once I get a few regular runs under my belt, I’m usually less anxious about getting out the door. :)
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I am the same way in that before the run (especially a long run) and the first 2 or 3 miles are the toughest part for me. I don’t get in my groove until mile 3 or for a long run sometimes the 4th or 5th. It’s a struggle some days more than others but I’ve never come back from a run wishing I hadn’t gone :)
Andrea
The first mile is the worst. Getting your breathing under control and being comfortable getting your body warm is really hard for me. During super long runs, I struggle with my mind telling me to stop. It’s the greatest feeling to know you didn’t stop when you desperately wanted to!
Susannah
The first 10 minutes are the hardest after that I feel like I can run forever.
One thing that does get to me is feeling the mommy guilt of running and not spending that time with my 3 kiddos. I balance that by waking up early and running on the treadmill but there is nothing like running on the open road!
LeAnne @ This is my faster!
I use Nathans hydration gear too. It’s awesome! I have the belt and 1 individual bottle (with the little case)…similar to the one in the pic but with the reflective insulation.
The hardest part of any run for me is the first 1-3 miles. I get really bad shin splints that typically don’t go away until mile 3. Once I pass mile 3, then my biggest challenge is my endurance (which is really low). When I find the right rhythm the run gets better, but there are times when I just can’t “find the right groove” (so to speak) and I probably look like a crazy person trying to fix my form and my arms etc through each running interval.
Hopefully I’ll get better
Sarah
Long time reader, first time commenter here! :) Hardest part of running for me over past months has been physical AND emotional! I had twins (first children) in May and was lucky enough to run throughout my pregnancy but getting back into my groove post-preg has been an incredible challenge. My body feels so different and I get discouraged fast. I hate that i need little breaks and that my speed is shot. Establishing a routine w/ substantial mileage & twins is no easy task either! So glad I can always find encouragement on this wall!! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
GIRL!!! You are amazing to even get out of the house with twins! YOU ARE AMAZING for getting out and running. I would be taking 400 breaks! Our bodies sure do change after babies:) You’ve got this and keep being amazing!
Grace
For me it’s the feeling that it’s never going to end. Sometimes I get a panicky feeling, but I just have to calm myself down and come to terms with the fact that long runs take a long time!
Jennifer
The actual training schedule can be overwhelming for me. When I look at the amount of miles/ goal paces/ speed workouts, it can freak me out. I just try to focus on one day at a time…down to one mile at a time.
Sherilyn
The mental part, like many others said. It is such a huge relief to me to know that other runners feel the same way.
Last week I had such a bad long run because I couldn’t get out of my own head. I kept telling myself “why do you bother doing this?” “you’re not any good” “you’re not going to be able to finish anyways”. And all those negative thoughts did get the best of me. I haven’t had an issue finishing any long runs prior to this, so all of those bad thoughts were unfounded. Tomorrow I am trying out a new route for my long run so I’m hoping that it’s a fresh start and I will only have happy thoughts.
Caitlin
Getting my butt out the door and those first 2 miles. Those are the 2 most difficult parts of running for me.
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise
Ahh, that shirt for Brooke is too cute! Do they make it in adult sizes? :) I think the hardest part of running for me is the last few miles of a long run when I’m building distance. My legs hurt, it’s pretty hot when I’m running in the summer, and my brain just wants my body to give up. Takes a lot to push through that, just like the last few miles of a marathon.
leigh
Couldn’t agree more on the beginning of the run being the hardest. Whenever I really don’t want to go out, I always tell myself to run to the dock (which is just over a mile) and if I’m really not feeling it by then I can turn around. I’ve only actually turned around a handful of times!
Kari @ Kari On
The hardest part for me is finding the time and then motivation to do it after a long day at work. Some days all I want to do is come home, put sweats on, and relax. One of these days I’m going to try to run before work and see if that solves the problem.
Emily @MyHealthyishLife
I COMPLETELY agree that the first 1-2 miles is the hardest. It takes that long for my body and mind to get with the program. If we’re being honest though, I’ll say the first 4 aren’t the most fun. After that I kind of get in a groove.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
Definitely the last 2 miles of my regular 9-10 miles is the hardest. My body is tired , sore and just wants my compression socks and foam roller immediately.
Danica @ It's Progression
I think that ultimately the hardest part of running for me is just doing it (“getting out the door”) – I’ve been running regularly for years now (ranging from 5-25 miles per week) and I still get intimidated by running, which is so bizarre to me. I get over this by reminding myself of how great I’ll feel after my run is complete – and that always holds true!
Martina
I’m a first time mom, my sons a year old now. The hardest part for me is not feeling that I’m being selfish leaving my son with someone else to go for a run, and as bad as it sounds I worry that others are judging me for it as well. I can only hope that I’m setting a good example for his future.
Annie
Martina!
You are giving your son a gift! A great example of a strong mom. My son is now 23 and a marathoner himself. Keep putting your fitness on the agenda!
Martina
Thank you Annie :)
Kaitlin
Two things are hard for me when it comes to running:
1) Getting out the door.
Solution: Remind myself if I don’t do today’s workout/run, tomorrow will only be more difficult.
2) The first 1-2 miles. I definitely relate to the mental worm hole that occurs in those miles where you feel you shouldn’t be struggling so much so early.
Solution: Remind myself how great I’ll feel in just a few more minutes.
As an aside, the Hubs and I just got our Vitamix today and can’t wait to start making “the good stuff”. :-)
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl
I’d say for me it’s motivation! I used to run religiously and hate to miss a day, but that was because it was fueled by an eating disorder and a need to be super skinny. Now that I’m over that I don’t feel the need to run as much anymore!
Kristin
Honestly the hardest part for me is getting out the door! Once I’m out I feel awesome!
Ps. I have the same water bottle and it’s awesome!
Emily @ Fit as a Mother...
I’m with you – the first couple miles are the hardest for me. It takes me a while to get warmed up and in the groove. My long distance runs end up being faster than my shorter runs. The longer I run, the better I feel!
Joanna @ knitlit twit
Right now, the hardest part is getting out the door, and then not selling myself short by cutting the run short. Because I’m not following a specific training plan, I don’t ‘have’ to run any particular distance any particular day, so making sure that I still do something can be tough.
Emily@2designcents
Though I don’t run like I used to, I think the hardest part of running for me is the “bad days” when I want to do more, but I just can’t do it. It never fails to amaze me how mental running is. If I’m excited about something I usually always have an amazing run.
Tara Handke
The first couple miles are always stiff and uncomfortable but once I get going I’m ok.
I also have a problem with overdoing it and wearing down my body too much. I get too focused on getting in more miles rather than quality ones and end up exhausted and sore.
I’m training for my first marathon so I need to back off a little bit so I can make it to the starting line without getting injured or too burned out.
I don’t take enough rest days either… I have lots of things to work on!
Kathee
I have a hard time the first couple of miles too. I just take it slow and wait for the excitement to kick in.
I’ve never understood how people can run without water! Anything over 3 miles in summer heat I take water. My brother needs a lot of water when he runs too so I wonder if different genes tolerate running differently. During a hot long run I’ll even fill up my 4-6oz bottles half way through. I use a fuel belt so I can carry water and fuel and not even feel it.
Shannon
The hardest part of running for me is trying to stay motivated during the work week. Its really hard to wake up in the early morning and run, especially when its still dark out (It scares me and there are safety issues), so the only time to run is after work. After working 9 hours its hard to find the motivation to run when I am drained and hungry for dinner. Sometimes I will slip off my training schedule and not run for a couple days. It helps to remind myself that I am only human and once in a while a deserve a break and a lazy night ;)
Erin
I have two hard parts- Getting out the door is by far the hardest. I sometimes will sit around for an hr reading blogs or thinking about others things before I can get myself moving. By then, it is usually 8:00 at night or later and I’m running in the dark and am up all night! Any suggestions on how to get moving would be appreciated, as I constantly do this and haven’t found a cure yet!
The other: Cooling down. By the time I am done running, I am usually tired and have no more time to work out. I know cool downs are important, as well as stretching, but I often will skip them basically because I’m lazy by the time I’m finished running.
Cori @ shes going the distance
Hardest part is being patient with speed. I just tell myself that if i do the workouts, i’ll see results in a few weeks. It takes time and isn’t instant!
tess
Starting. For sure.
Or not being able to run. That’s right up there.
Erika
Comparing myself to others. Some times I hate social media. It just makes me feel bad about myself as everyone posts their highlight reals. Know what I mean?
Claire @ for the joy of running
Thank you so much for writing about this! I feel like we all always talk about how great and awesome running is (it is!) but don’t touch on the hard parts as much. The hardest part for me is endurance. I am a new runner and upping my mileage is the hardest for me.
Gwynn
The hardest part about running for me would be seeing my pace/times. I’ve gone the past few days without tracking my runs just so I could take it at my own pace instead of trying to hit a goal speed and burning myself out right away. I just imagine my best friend (who is a phenomenal fitness/running beast) and what she would be pushing me to do if she were on the run with me. Weird, I know. But it’s what works right?
I just got done my night workout, ate my quest bar & now I’m ready for bed.
Fiauna @ Read.Run.Radiate
I use that same Nathan water bottle. LOVE!
The hardest part of running for me is also the first mile or two. My legs always feel like they are asleep. Ugh. The other hard part is feeling like my best is good enough. It seems like everyone is out there celebrating their 20 mile run with an average pace of 6:15 while I’m over here with my 6 miles and 8:30 pace.
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
I too struggle at the beginning of a run! However, once I am in my groove, I normally feel great :) I also hate side aches and seem to get them quite a bit :( Any tips?
Andrea
Same for me- the 1-2 miles is always the hardest. I’m always evaluating how I feel and trying to get in my groove but I always remember this quote I heard once “Never judge a run on the first mile.”
Lea J.
The hardest part of running for me is just getting out the door. It’s so easy to convince myself that it’s ok if I stay in and watch TV or take a bath. And while those things are ok sometimes, I know once I’m out runing that I feel incredible.
Beth
Injury!!! My enthusiasm seems to exceed my physical ability… and here I am sore and hurting again. :(
Kristen
The hardest part for me has to be reminding myself of how fun it is. I’ve been loving lifting and HIIT for the past year or so but I had a recent elbow issue and have started getting back on the roads and trails. “All I can do is run” is changing back into “Let’s go for a run!”.
Stephanie
I am new to running and was so proud of myself when I finally reached the point of truly loving to run. Then not long after that my right calf started bothering me. I started foam rolling and pushed threw it. Weeks later it just wasn’t quite going away. So I am taking this week off and trying to just let it rest with the hope that I can get back out there next week with no pain! I’m trying my hardest to no when to push myself and when to take a break and let my body recover. In years past I would let something like this convince me to just give up all together but I have a goal to run at least one 1/2 marathon and one full marathon over the next year and I am determined to accomplish that goal!
kristin
the hardest part of running for me is running consistently when i’m not training for a race. i feel like i’m constantly building because i always slack off as soon as a race is over. my only solution so far has been signing up for more races!
Kay
Good luck with the water! I started bringing my new mint Lifefactory https://www.lifefactory.com/catalog/16-oz-glass-bottles bottle and I fill it up all day at work!
Staci
Our province is in the middle of a heat wave, +35 Celsius before humidity yesterday (98%). Even running at 9:30 at night was still crazy hard, I felt like I was running through molasses. I’m not an extreme temp person and I REALLY struggle with running when it is this hot.
Emily Ruth
The hardest part is finding time with a demanding work schedule. I never regret getting out there though and have found my 8pm runs invigorating!
Patti
I would say normally it is pacing myself through the run or trying to maintain a certain pace. But since the summer started, I would have to say the hardest part of running is the heat/humidity! I can definitely feel the difference when it is cooler out. Plus I seem to be able to run longer distances easier, too.
Loribeth
Getting out the door and doing those first two miles is what I struggle with! I love the rush afterward, though!
Sarah @ KS Runner
I have two. I work 50-60 hours a week so finding the time to fit it in can be hard, marathon training keeps me accountable though. I know that I can’t skip many runs before it effects how I’ll perform in the race! I also always feel a little stiff the first mile or so. After that, it’s smooth sailing!
Blair
So so relate on taking time to warm up! I’ve just learned what my body needs and I do not push it for the first 2 miles of a run. My coach always gives me at least 2 miles of warm up on a hard workout day and sometimes I even get 3. I see some runners who go out and run an easy run at a steady pace the whole time. Not me! Pretty much every easy run is an easy progression as my body naturally warms up. My first mile might be 1-1.5 minutes/mile slower than my last one but it all feels the same effort wise!
Traci
The hardest for me is definitely the humidity! It’s just so tough!!!
Sara
The weather is the hardest part for me. I really struggle if it is too warm/humid. I run at 5am before work a few days per week and that is the best time for me since it is cooler and not sunny yet. My dog comes along on every single run and she struggles in the heat as well. She has us take breaks in the shade sometimes and I don’t complain one bit. We are both so excited for Fall running! :)
Jeni
The hardest part for me is about 20 minutes in, for about 5-10 minutes I feel tired and out of breath! Then I sort of get over a hump, and start to feel great again! I have no idea why, but at least now I know it happens, it’s easier to just push through it! Also being injured :-(
jc
The hardest part of running for me is the second mile. No matter what I do it is ALWAYS my slowest mile. It’s must be where i find my stride or something because I know if I can make it past that point I will be fine. Sometimes I don’t make it past that point, but we are a work in progress.
Tantra
The hardest part of running is finding time in my day… I’m sooo busy with kids n working… There just not enough time:/
Losing Lindy
My mind plays games with me. It tells me things trying to get me to quit. I am so slow too, so it is hard when it takes me twice as long as most to do my workouts.
Ashley
The hardest part for me is always the buildup I create before each run! Sometimes I’m stoked and ready to go but most runs begin with me being super doubtful! No need for that mess Ashley !
Traci
Honestly, I don’t really consider myself a runner, but I do enjoy running sometimes. I really enjoy it but I’ve never run more than a couple miles. EVER. So I will be perusing the comments in case people have tips for getting over that (mental) hump.
Kay
The first part of a run is always the hardest for me too! The last piece is usually a little hard too because I tell myself “you’re almost there!” and then two minutes later I’m like man this is further than I thought.
The other challenge I have is balancing running with being happy and young– I’m still in college so I try to make sure I don’t pick my run over spending time with friends or enjoying myself. I used to overexercise obsessively- now I double check to make sure I’m running for myself and not being too obsessive.
Liz @ Carpe Diem and Run
The hardest parts of running for me: The first 3 miles (which doesn’t bode well for cross country – our races are 5k) and my breathing. I just got an inhaler in July, which helps until I go really fast (like in a race) and then I really cannot breathe.
Lisa @ Exercise eat repeat
I am very slow and never seem to get faster but i am ok with that. i am not a natural runner so the hardest part is motivating myself when i am just not feeling it and know that i need to do the miles!
Kelly
I think my first mile is my worst mile, I nearly always feel like a slug when I’m doing it.
Janice
Hardest part about running is getting out the door. I tend to psych myself out. All the negative thoughts roll through my head. I then have to convince myself to at least go out for 2 miles. It usually hits me close to mile 2 that it was no big deal that the negative talk was wrong. The negative talk is always wrong. We are stronger than what we give ourselves credit for.