A curious reader (and recreational runner) of the Washington Post wonders why the first 20 minutes of every race are so difficult, and why things get easier as she gets in the groove of the race.
The short answer, offered by Ken Mierke, the head coach of Evolution Running in Fairfax, VA., is that it takes that long for your body to realize it’s going to be working for a while, and to start producing those soothing endorphins that help us to relax, and consequently loosen joints and deepen breathing. An advanced athlete, Mierke tell the Post, might warm up for a 10K with a 40-minute trot, and if that’ll tire you out so much you can’t actually race, he
recommends at least a 20-minute walk to get ready.
Read more in the Washington Post.
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