What causes "the second wind?"

If you are in shape, is there such a thing as a second wind? I don't think so but that is just an opinion.

Global warming.

Chili.

A few possibilities off the top of my head:

1)Getting muscle temps up to have optimal enzyme temperature.

2)Release of endogenous opiates and endocannabanoids.

3)Reaching a steady state for cardiac output, capillary dilation to muscle fibers, epinephrine levels, etc.

If it's a second wind near the finish of a race or hard workout (say, with less than about 15% of the distance remaining)then it's your "central governor" (per Noakes) that is "letting go of the reins" .

Basically, your brain no longer feels the need to protect your body from exerting itself too hard since it knows you'll be done soon.

ShaduS wrote:

If it's a second wind near the finish of a race or hard workout (say, with less than about 15% of the distance remaining)then it's your "central governor" (per Noakes) that is "letting go of the reins" .

Basically, your brain no longer feels the need to protect your body from exerting itself too hard since it knows you'll be done soon.

When I feel bad in a race, I always think to myself that it will pass and I'll feel better shortly and it does. I made some good improvements by trying hard not to slow down (much) during the rough periods.

Going out too fast, then recovering.

Yeah probably when you slow down and recover.

Like 5:00 pace the first mile, 6:00 the next, and 5:00 the last. You managed the last one in 5:00 because the one before it was only 6:00

When you start out running your body initially uses muscle fibers that are aimed primarily at long, slow repetitive motions (running). These muscles can last a long time, but evantually tired. The body then switches to fibers that are used more for fast, explosive movements and uses them to help with the slower repetitive movements while the fatigued fibers recover. So not only do you get fresh muscle fibers, but you get ones that are usually used to help you sprint.

Its a good question and it seems to happen at any level. But I suspect "second wind" is a catch all phrase for various different reasons why a runner suddenly feels better during a run.

I remember Solinsky after his 26:59 said he was hurting midway though the race. But then he said he got a huge burst of adrenaline. Not sure if that equates to a "second wind".

Improper warm up I think is another reason for novice runners like me. I'm a non runner who goes out for jogs without a warm up. Often I'm struggling early and then things kick in.

I'll be sure to pass on the chili---

Junk Master wrote:

Chili.

Onion rings and dark beer.

Overexertion followed by overcompensation during which the body partially recovers. The original trajectory plotted in the mind of the athlete during the overxertion is re-plotted in consideration of the partial recovery. The point at which the slope of that line gets steeper is the imagined "second wind".

You'll find that if you run a race at the correct, even exertion, you will never have a second wind. Just one long, slow burn.

Endorphins