Explain this then.....

[IannodaTruffe]

Because of waterlogged routes I only ran one 10k run each week throughout February. March has seen me very busy and until yesterday I had only managed one run, again 10k, on the first of the month. Because of this lack of running (and I haven't been fitting in any other exercise) I thought it wise to restrict my run yesterday to 5k to ease myself back gently. The mystery is, that despite thinking that I started off at a very gentle pace, I managed to knock two minutes off my home 5k PB, recorded some of my best ever kilometre split times for this route and felt that I had loads in reserve by the finish.

Has anybody else experienced this phenomenon, after reducing their running frequency?

[notbad Graduate]

That's interesting, perhaps it's a similar principle to tapering before an event?

[Beek Graduate]

I am currently reading 'Running for fitness' by Owen Barder in which he says you should aim for one rest break during the year and do no speed work for about a month to give your body the chance to repair - otherwise it [body] will force a break on you through illness or injury.

Maybe that explains your superlative performance after a long gap?

[Nerdio Graduate]

Rest is very important. So maybe the rest you have had has helped. Not only that, your mindset for the run was relaxed, so I guess you just went "with the flow".

Great stuff though, 2 mins off a 5K PB is very good

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Personally... I think miles logged is not just for the here and now, but it's stored in a freezer too... So we can get it out if its been a while ( hope that makes sense?!!). And well done

[Jennyh543]

Yes I agree with everyone, somehow you keep the muscle mass and a rest refresheshes both your legs and your mind.

I had 2 full weeks off with zero exercise and this weekend came back and smashed my Parkrun PB. I felt fresh as a daisy.

I do wonder whether people who run 5-6 days a week aren't pushing themselves too much?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Very interesting to find others have experienced this and maybe we should not fret too much about enforced breaks from running. I beat my PB for this course even after having to stop to retie my shoe lace.....so maybe we should all stop for twenty seconds half way round a run.

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

This is making me think. I have, until now, ran on holidays and weekend breaks because I don't want to lose fitness (or motivation). I am now thinking I might not take my trainers on holiday next time and have a break. I have started doing one run a week with my husband who doing the c 2 5k and he is now on week 7. When I did the week 6 run with him, the one with 10 minutes then 3 minutes walk then 10 minutes, my speed wasn't much slower than usual. So maybe a wee 20 to 30 second break isn't that bad an idea. I may experiment!

Mind you 10k is still way beyond me so maybe that makes a difference too?

[Tootsvanoots Graduate in reply to lizziebeth57]

Interesting. I ran on holiday last year and it was one of my favourite running experiences. I usually run in London, in some lovely parks. But oh what a great experience it was running along a deserted French beach before all the sunbathers had arrived. This is what I put up with the rainy runs for - the pleasure of a beautiful run on a beautiful day. Holiday running is great.

However, I am also in favour of not getting too het up about not running. I've had a really busy week and only made it out for the first time today. It was fine. And I'm all set for my Parkrun on Saturday. Lets just all enjoy the experience, however we do it...