This goes for any amount of time you go out for.

[Realfoodieclub]

Slow and steady is my thing.

[amateurwriter Graduate]

I never thought about it that way, so thank you for opening my mind and making me realise that no matter how long I want to run for it doesn't matter how slow or fast I run for.

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Brilliant! Love it after my very slow 40 mins earlier!! I ran for 40 mins though!!! Whopppeeeee!!!!!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I had my second "easy" 5k run today while using my HRM. I set it for 130max and 120 min - which should have me running "easy" ( and it does). I discovered today that when the alarm for 130 goes off and I either run more slowly or walk, my HR initially goes up to 135 for a short while before starting to drop back to 120. It takes a while to get back to 130, but then drops quickly the rest of the way to 120.

Anyway, it turns out that I am basically running 1 minute and walking one minute ( at a pace of 7:45 mins per K) so it was a really easy run - feel like I could continue it forever!! Slow and easy is the way that we all should be running for 75-80% of our weekly mileage -- but how many of us do that??? In time I will start to up the Heart rate max and call that new figure a "hard" day - then will do an easy day ( 120-130) followed by a hard day (120-130+) . I will continue this for a few months and see where it leads me.

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

After 14 months I am still getting to grips with exactly what slow and easy means for me because my competitiveness (with myself) often means I push a bit too hard!

I am working on increasing my distance so am running longer and slower for one run each week. Funnily enough it's the one I enjoy most... hmm.

[MarlyParly Graduate in reply to lizziebeth57]

Yes I enjoy my long slow run each week the best too

[Hidden]

Seems I only have one pace - slow!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Snap

[Hidden in reply to Realfoodieclub]

How long have you been running for RFC? And what's your average pace? Mine is around 8.30 per KM... the other day I ran 7KM in 63 minutes, worked out after that it's about 4 miles... 4 MPH? Not even walking pace really...

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I graduated an year and half ago and my average pace is 8.49. But I love being out there and all the benefits that come with a run. My body acts differently when I run to when I walk so I know it makes a difference to be able to run. My shape has changed dramatically. So I really don't care how slow I am, I'm just enjoying myself. I do it for me and I'm happy.

[Hidden in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks for that RFC, you probably know my confidence has taken a bit of a bashing after last week, I feel like the slowest person in the world sometimes....that's true about running being different to walking, even slow running. I too enjoy being outside, running has changed my whole attitude to weather. And I found some new friends here on HU to chat to!

[MarlyParly Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

You have such a great, healthy attitude to it all, very inspiring, thank you for sharing x

[AndyD Graduate]

I'm just about to start week 8, so not far to go now. I really do believe that the important thing is being out there running for an hour. Whether it is fast or slow, it is far better than doing nothing on the couch.

Whilst I can understand that some people want to keep knocking seconds of their PB's, I think I will be happy to get to steady pace and then just keep plodding. I have already noticed a change in my fitness level and lost a few pounds so maybe that's enough for a lot of us.

[misswobble Graduate]

I was out running t'other day and noticed I was barely moving. I seemed to be putting a lot of effort in but practically running on the spot. I don't think it matters. I think my body had slowed down cos it needed to, so I was free-wheeling for a bit til I felt I could push on. Running slower, or walking, does give you the chance to get your heart rate down, re-collect your puff and get on. If it gets you further then that's all to the good.

It does take time to get quicker so just keep plugging away. I ran 3 k's to help myself speed up a bit

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It's a really zippy day if my pace is under 9k/minute.

Thanks for posting this. I actually went out to run 5K yesterday but didn't quite do it, but I'd got my 30 minutes in and felt glad to be alive.

(Which is good because one of our precious cats was hit by a car this morning and no longer is and I am needing to hang onto the good stuff)

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Oh google me I am so sorry. They are precious to us I know how much it hurts sending hugs rfc x

[Hidden in reply to GoogleMe]

Oh, so sorry about your cat, I know how awful that feels, big hug xx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Oh GM , I am so sorry to hear that xxx Big hugs for you ((((( ))))

We love our pets so much , but when they leave us , they break our hearts xxxx

[MarlyParly Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Aww no!!! So sad about the cat:( glad the run helped get some perspective/release somehow. I am finding the running more addOctober mentally than physically right now. *hugs* xxx

[MarlyParly Graduate]

Me too! So glad to have some company with that, I feel very slow but am proud of running for longer times x