Does Second Wind Really Exist?
- Have you been too tired to continue with your:
- training runs
- racing
- speed walking
- Did you find that “burst” of strength to continue pushing through your race? (with a slight level of exertion?)
- Chances are you probably experienced your second wind (which is different from the runner’s high).
- Personally, when I’ve competed in marathons, my heart was pumping, lungs were burning, muscles tightened, felt cramps in feet or my legs, and then after running and feeling sluggish for 20 miles, I would find my second wind around mile 21, realizing, I only had 5.2 miles left, and the finish line was in reach. It was my willpower, my adrenaline kicking in, my burst of energy, my Second Wind.
Studies have shown that your “Second Wind” is a result of the body’s use of oxygen, which must be balanced to counteract the lactic acid buildup in your muscles under stress. When your training (or racing) your body uses glycogen or taps into the energy stored when conducting intense activities such as endurance racing (sometimes in training).
- Occurs After the race has been completed
- The feeling of euphoria
- Reduced anxiety
- Release of endorphins after long duration of exercises (i.e. running, race car driving, intensity sports. etc).