I run too fast!?

[sTrongFuse]

Hard to believe, but apparently it's true (according to the training pace calculator on Runner's World runnersworld.com/uk/trainin... ).

So far this month, I've done 7 runs. 4x5k, 1x6k and 2x10k. My 5k average is 7:00/km, my 10k average is 7:43/km and my 6k run was 8:02/km. My overall average across all runs was 7:21/km.

Now, I don't actually pay too much heed to my pace when I'm running, I tend to just go with how I'm feeling. When the km split goes off, I may take a quick look at my watch to see how I've progressed over the previous km and typically I'm in the 6:15-8:15/km range depending on the terrain, the temperature, how far I've run already, in varying combinations.

It's a comfortable pace. My average time for 5k (since completing Couch to 5k) is 36:52 with a PB of 33:29. Almost all of my running is, however, done at a faster pace than the calculator suggests is my easy pace of 8:45/km.

Should I slow down, or should I just carry on running at the pace I run at, which is simply whatever it happens to be on any given run?

[alisonx Graduate10]

I think this calculator is useful if you are training for something like a marathon -so you can aim for a pace range on varying types of run. Many plans mention tempo runs, etc, so i guess it would be a guide (?)

I am like you, i go out and run at the pace i am comfortable with, i don't check the km pace until i'm finished, some runs are fast some are slow. Depends on so many factors 😂 i guess the important thing is you keep doing your runs and enjoy it!

[sTrongFuse Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

That's pretty much my thinking. I've started doing the occasional organised 5k or 10k but mostly I run for me. I think my pace is fairly average for a recreational runner in his late 40s so I don't get hung up on it. I'm not training for a marathon or half-marathon and, if I'm being totally honest, I've no intention of ever doing so, so I suspect I'll just carry on at my own pace.

[alisonx Graduate10 in reply to sTrongFuse]

yes that's my intention too, i just run for me upto 10k - i may go further but not planning a HM anytime soon 😂 - though i note a few VRB's have said those very lines and low and behold they are in training!

[sTrongFuse Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

I've gone all Sir Steve Redgrave and given family and friends "permission to shoot me" if I even mention it, so I can't see me changing my mind any time soon...

[Whatsapp Graduate10]

I use this calculator as a rough guide. There is no way I can slow myself down enough to do the speed suggested in the easy run. Take it as a ball-park figure and use it if you are building towards an event.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Your pace sounds very similar to mine at all distances SF. And like you, I don’t really care how fast/slow I’m going. My only self-imposed proviso is that I don’t let myself walk. Why, I have no idea as I know loads of people do! I just don’t!! 🙄

I wouldn’t overthink it too much. Keep your running enjoyable and achievable for you. It’s how I’ve managed to creep up to 10+ miles. And I’m one of those people who said never ever run further than 10k. Load of tosh, I’m training for HM at the moment! 😅😅

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Ideally, yes... it takes some learning, but putting less effort into most runs does help the runs where you want to go quickly. Depends what you’re up to... if you want to run around the rugby pitch for 80 minutes then it doesn’t matter too much... if you’re looking at a PB attempt then running below your usual pace is a good skill to have.

[sTrongFuse Graduate10 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I think you've hit the nail on the head. For me the speed isn't important, it's always been about having the stamina to hurl myself around a rugby pitch for 80 minutes trying to keep up with players who, on any given day, are typically between 15-30 years younger than me and who aren't old enough to have spent over quarter of a century (at least) letting themselves go since their playing days came to an end.

The calculator is interesting, but I'm not going to get worked up about it. I'm just going to stick to "my" pace and that can be whatever speed my legs feel like covering the ground at.

[orangeguy Graduate10]

That's really interesting... like you apparently I'm running too fast. I always struggle to slow my pace though, I seem to have a natural speed of around 6.5 to around 7 mins per km but maybe the longer runs would be easier if I slow down a bit...

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Very interesting! I am similar in age, speed and running mindset to you. I'm getting back into a running structure after being unwell 3 weeks ago and feel a bit all over the place in terms of pace. I think the hardest thing is running at a slower pace for longer and not being aware of what that should be but now I know what to aim for. Thanks for the link and happy runnings to you! 😁