It’s been a few months since I started my running journey, and I thought by now it would have gotten easier. However, I’m still struggling, and I can’t seem to understand why. So, I did some research and here’s what I found out.
The Plateau Effect
I recently learned about something called the “plateau effect” while reading Runner’s World, and it’s a real thing. It turns out that when you start a new exercise, like running, you see rapid improvements in the beginning. But over time, those improvements start to level off, and you hit a plateau. This can be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of the process. It’s important to keep pushing through and stay consistent with your training.
Body Adaptation
Another reason why running isn’t getting easier for me could be because my body has already adapted to the level of running I’ve been doing. According to Verywell Fit, when you first start running, your body is quickly adapting to the new stress and demands you’re placing on it. However, as you continue with the same routine, your body becomes more efficient at meeting those demands, which means you burn fewer calories and build less muscle.
Overtraining
Overtraining could also be a reason why I’m not finding running any easier. Pushing too hard without enough rest can lead to overtraining, which can actually make running feel harder, not easier. I realized that I may not be giving my body enough time to recover in between runs, and this could be hindering my progress. It’s important to listen to my body and incorporate rest days into my training schedule.
Mental Barriers
Finally, I’ve come to understand that a big part of why running isn’t getting easier is the mental aspect. The more I focus on the difficulty of running, the harder it seems. According to Active, our brains are incredibly powerful and can significantly impact our running performance. I need to work on my mental toughness and adopt a more positive mindset to overcome the mental barriers that are making running feel more challenging than it should be.
Conclusion
So, as frustrating as it may be that running isn’t getting easier, I’ve come to realize that it’s a combination of factors including the plateau effect, body adaptation, overtraining, and mental barriers that are contributing to this feeling. Moving forward, I plan to mix up my running routine, incorporate more rest days, and work on developing a more positive mindset to break through this plateau and continue making progress in my running journey.