Right now, actually.
You go out for a run or any form of fitness and in the very early stages, it is tough going.
No matter your preparation or your athletic ability, it starts out hard. And that is the way the Highlanders season is shaping up.
Last November, they selected a team which looked on paper to be at least the equal of most sides, they added some X factor players in Hosea Gear and James Haskell, and they started training early.
Things were looking good.
Expectations were up.
But then injuries and distractions got in the way.
Now, hope of repeating last year's surprising start to the season - three straight wins - is more forlorn than likely.
The fact is the Highlanders are going to be more tortoise than hare. They need their second wind - all their players back - quickly.
The side has a raft of injuries and for tonight's game, about a third of the squad is going to be watching from the stand.
It may not be until the fifth or sixth round that coach Jamie Joseph has most of his squad to pick from.
Until then, the side may have to look at just doing the basics, and doing them well. A solid set piece, kicking the goals and not making errors.
The team has to keep composed on the paddock, take every chance that comes along, and, most importantly, against the Chiefs tonight, not miss a tackle.
That is where the experience of players like Jimmy Cowan, Andrew Hore and Adam Thomson comes into play.
They have become the key men, and both Jamie Mackintosh and Josh Bekhuis need to quickly get up to speed after long spells out with injury.
The team has a tough draw to start, with the Crusaders and the Waratahs at home next, before taking on the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Highlanders must hope they have chalked up a win or two before the side gets back to full strength.
It is a long season. Looking on the bright side, maybe the injuries will all come early. At the business end of the season, the team will be running strong.
A full-strength Highlanders side on paper is an impressive unit.
A quick, attacking back three, solid midfield, All Blacks at halfback and first five-eighth, big, athletic loose forwards, a solid tight five with a hooker who is back playing at long last for his home town side.
That shapes as a strong side with few, if any, weaknesses.
But the trouble is only the bare bones of that side will be on view in Hamilton tonight and Hamilton is a graveyard for the Highlanders. They last won there in 2003.
Since then the pickings have been slim, and the Chiefs have a lot going for them - a new side, new coaches, new players.
If the contest was a Hollywood script the ending would be known already. But it is not.
If the Highlanders can tackle well, kick their goals, and not get on the wrong side of referee Jonathon White, then they are in with a shot.
How the Highlanders shape up
Backs: Backs: Ben Smith, Kurt Baker, Hosea Gear, Kade Poki, Telusa Veainu, Kendrick Lynn, Tamati Ellison, Siale Piutau, Shaun Treeby, Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Chris Noakes, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Smith.
Forwards: Nasi Manu, James Haskell, Elliot Dixon, John Hardie, Doug Tietjens, Adam Thomson, Nick Crosswell, Jarrad Hoeata, Josh Bekhuis, Culum Retallick, Chris King, Ma'afu Fia, Bronson Murray, Jamie Mackintosh, Andrew Hore, Jason Rutledge.
Coach: Jamie Joseph (second year).
Captain: Prop Jamie Mackintosh.
Key players: Flanker Adam Thomson, first five Colin Slade, winger Hosea Gear.
One to watch: Hooker Andrew Hore returns to the South after a decade with the Hurricanes. The 62-test All Black will add layers of toughness and aggression to the forward pack.
Last year: Eighth.
Prediction: Ninth.
