Question 1

Why do my legs feel heavy at the start of runs?

Accepted Answer

Heavy legs at the beginning of runs are a common experience caused by several physiological factors including delayed muscle activation, blood flow redistribution, and metabolic startup lag. Understanding these mechanisms helps athletes adjust their warm-up strategies and expectations.

Question 2

Is it normal to feel worse during a taper?

Accepted Answer

Yes, feeling worse during taper is surprisingly common. Reduced training volume can lead to perceived fatigue, sleep disruption, and heightened awareness of minor aches. This is typically a sign of proper recovery occurring before race day.

Question 3

What causes heart rate drift on long runs?

Accepted Answer

Heart rate drift during long runs occurs due to cardiovascular stress, dehydration, rising core temperature, and glycogen depletion. Understanding these factors helps athletes pace appropriately and manage nutrition during endurance efforts.

Question 4

Why do easy runs get slower during training?

Accepted Answer

Easy run pace naturally slows during heavy training blocks due to accumulated fatigue, incomplete recovery, and the body's need for genuine aerobic adaptation. This is often a sign of proper base building rather than declining fitness.

Question 5

Why does running feel harder even when fitness improves?

Accepted Answer

Running can feel harder despite improved fitness due to increased training stress, neuromuscular fatigue, or accumulated metabolic load. Fitness gains often occur during recovery periods, not during peak stress phases.

Question 6

How do I decide between a 10k or half marathon as my next race?

Accepted Answer

Choosing between a 10k and half marathon depends on your current training volume, available preparation time, injury history, and specific performance goals. Consider your weekly mileage, time commitment, and whether you're prioritizing speed or endurance development.

Question 7

Why does HRV drop even when you feel rested?

Accepted Answer

Heart Rate Variability can decrease despite feeling rested due to accumulated training stress, incomplete nervous system recovery, or non-training stressors like sleep quality, nutrition, or psychological stress. HRV reflects autonomic nervous system state, which may lag behind perceived recovery.

Training FAQs

Running Mechanics & How It Feels

Heart Rate & Physiological Signals

Training Cycles & Periodization

Recovery & Fatigue Management

Performance & Adaptation

Nutrition & Body Composition

Training Load & Metrics

Wearable Data & Advanced Metrics

Race Selection & Strategy Decisions