Why is my pace slower in a country park?

[moonmar]

Today I ran a few hours later than normal and at a country park rather than the road. My best pace ever over a Km has been 7.9 but I usually run an average of 8.4. Today, all through the run it was 9/km.

Was it the later start time, venue or because it was a new route?

[Hidden]

Unfortunately, it could be a combination of all of the above. For example, now I'm in a routine of early morning runs, when I go out at the weekend, after the comparative (!) lie-in, it does feel different some how and difficult to describe. I do find my motivation and effort is a lot less the later I leave a run, particularly once I've started eating through the day. A new route could add a bit of uncertainity if you are not sure what to expect: it might be an idea to walk the route before you run it, so you know any areas which may be difficult, what the conditions are likely to be and be able to place yourself mentally - eg 'after the next corner is the half way mark'. Timing may be important here - I don't like running in my local park at weekends because it gets so busy, but first thing on a Saturday is lovely.

Complicated, but the simple answer is that we all get bad runs, and that you will get better the more confident you become with the new route.

[misswobble Graduate]

Country parks tend to have more uphills and downhills, plus different terrain and you tend to look where you're placing your feet.

[moonmar Graduate]

Thank you both. I don't feel so bad now.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

I have the same problem. Although I'm not so sure it's a problem as such. I do most of my runs on Tarmac and all the best, fastest runs are done there. In the park, it's typically slower, but the scenery is much nicer! I put it down to the terrain. Think about it; does your car grip and accelerate better on the road or on gravel, dirt and grass? I suspect it's the road and I don't think it's any different for you feet. Shoes make a difference, I invested in some trail shoes for my park runs and I run more confidently in them there, although I have to admit, they were a bit of a luxury purchase.