Getting even slower

[Lifluf]

Well I've got to the end of the W3 magic plan which I'm doing to try and speed up. But I seem to be getting slower.

I blamed it on the hot and humid weather for the first 2 weeks but I don't think I can now.

Before I started the plan I used to occasionally walk for a minute or so whilst I had a gulp of water to refresh my dry mouth but now I'm not stopping. I can't see anything else is different.

I suppose I haven't really got to a longer distance yet...patience is not my strong point!

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Perhaps you could do the timed version of the plan, rather than the distance? As the runs get longer it's fine to keep a slow pace. I find interval runs helpful occasionally and do short runs but speed up intermittently to push pace a bit. Ot's all a bit haphazard and I don't use a structure for them. I think it's called 'fartlek' runs. That might help, rather than constantly pushing for a faster pace or a distance target on every run. I realise that will make you depart from the magic plan, but it sounds as though you are feeling disappointed, so the aim woukd be to get you enjoying your runs again! It isn't good to be on a strict programme if it's not suiting you at this point.

[Lifluf Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog]

Thanks Roxdog. I am on the timed plan at the moment and I am still enjoying my runs but I had hoped that, even if I didn't see a speed improvement straightaway, I wouldn't find I'm actually a bit slower.

I might add a few interval runs in the mix and see what happens though.

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

I'm also getting slower on the magic plan but I've come to accept that I need to be slower in order to build up strength and stamina. Plus, there's no way I'd be able to complete the longer runs otherwise 🐌🐌 like roxdog said, maybe try some intervals during the shorter runs?

[dijep Graduate10]

I was trying to chase pace for a few weeks but now I'm trying to ignore it and just do the times (I'm doing the time magic plan) Everyone keeps telling me speed will improve eventually 🤞

[Beatlesforever Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

I'm also on the time plan. Letting go of pace was the hardest thing but I now work on heart rate zones and it's made the whole thing more enjoyable. Like you, I hope speed will improve eventually... I'm also quite impatient so I've decided to concentrate on stamina, at least I can see some progress happening there 🐌😂

[Lifluf Graduate10 in reply to Beatlesforever]

That sounds like a better attitude. I shall try to do the same. Thanks dijep and Beatlesforever.

[Beatlesforever Graduate10 in reply to Lifluf]

We'll get there eventually ☺️