why is running so hard

Wondering Why Is Running So Hard? We Know How To Improve It

Granted, we know that running is good for our health and otherwise keeping us in shape. At the same time, however, it can be difficult to do. Perhaps you are just starting out and find it a challenge to keep up your pace, let alone remain consistent with a good routine every week. Regardless, it is frustrating you, and you have no idea why.

That said, we have answers to your questions! Read on in this article to figure out why is running so hard, as well as learn some ways on how to improve it. We will be answering your frequently-asked questions (FAQs) to help you out, and soon enough, you will be well on your way to becoming a better runner.

Without further ado, let us get started!


Why do we get tired when we run?

As the common theory goes, we get tired while running because we start to lose oxygen in our cell reserves, thereby accumulating lactate in our muscles which ultimately slow us down and cause us to become fatigued.

However, new ideas about the brain working with the muscles in your body have surfaced in recent years and some scientists claim that the reason why we tend to get tired when running is in part due to how the brain pre-controls for our running pace and endurance, as means of keeping enough oxygenated blood stored in our heart and brain.

That said, the longer you run, the more energy gets used and the more likely your brain will be telling your muscles to slow down, as well as become more tired in order to prevent your body from shutting down in the middle of running.

In a way, it also helps to conserve energy, which is why you find yourself still having that extra burst of energy at the end of the race. Fatigue is just as much about mentality as it is about it being physical.

Why is running so hard?

There are many factors when it comes to the reasons why running can be so difficult, even if you consider yourself pretty fit and in-shape. Here are some possible answers to that enigmatic question:

1. Just starting out.

As obvious as it sounds, if you are a beginner to running, then it is guaranteed that you will not have a lot of endurance and therefore will get tired easily. Perhaps you are winded even after just a ten-minute jog, but do not get discouraged. After all, it takes weeks, even months, of repeated exercise to get into better shape, which in the end will pay off for you and your body.

2. Pushing yourself too hard.

Maybe some of us have this mentality that pushing yourself to the limit will make you become faster and burn out in less time. However, this is far from true, for not only will you get tired easily, but also you can encourage injuries to happen. Even further, it does nothing to make you run easier or any quicker than before.

That said, it is better to be careful when running, to take it slowly in order to build up endurance before you can start to consider speeding up over time.

3. Adaptation.

Perhaps you are excellent when it comes to running on the treadmill, but out of breath even after one circuit warmup outside on the road. In essence, it comes down to the change in terrain, for factors such as weather, incline, and everything in between affect how quickly you get tired, as well as how you feel with the challenge.

Additionally, you might be running the exact same workout every day, which not only can make you feel bored, but also makes it harder for you to adapt to changes in workouts later on, which then can pose a challenge.

4. Not having a consistent pattern.

Some weeks, you might be running every day, while other times you go for months without running. Having an inconsistent pattern will not condition you to run better, let alone make the challenge any less easy for you, which can frustrate you over time.

What are some ways to get better at running?

1. Start out slow.

As mentioned before, it is best not to push yourself too hard in the beginning, especially if you need to build up endurance. Start out at 50 percent of your capacity before working up to 10 percent more each week, eventually running comfortably at 70 to 80 of your speed. Trust us; it works!

2. Vary your workouts.

Running should not be the only exercise that you do; rather, adding in strengthening and stretching into your workout regime can indirectly improve your pain tolerance for running, since they help build up resistance in the muscles while also flexibility to keep you loose and less stressed while running.

That said, doing things like weight lifting, yoga, and other cardio sports like swimming or basketball can make a huge difference in how you feel for running.

3. Make it consistent.

Again, going without running for weeks or months will not make running any easier for you, so it is a good idea to create a schedule and stick with it. For instance, pencil in a couple of runs a few times a week, as well as make a plan to run either in the morning or evening, when you know you will have time to do so. Your body will thank you for it!

For more tips on how to run better without getting tired, here’s a video for you: 


Altogether, running can be challenging, but it is not impossible for everyone to do- all it requires are a pair of good running shoes and a pair of legs to work with. There are many factors that can make running difficult, within yourself and outside in the environment, but by taking strides to overcome them, your experience with running will be a good one.

Happy running!




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