Slow it down!

[Jigglemooce]

Having read lots of responses to posts saying to 'slow it down' I don't really know what 'slow' is! I'm using a treadmill because of eye problems and I'm walking at 4.8kph then jogging at 7kph. Is this 'slow'? I do t realty know what slow speed or fast speeds are so enlightenment would be great please. 😜

[Irish-John Graduate]

The best definition of running (vis a vis walking) I know is that if both your feet are off the ground at the same time at some point between steps, you are running.

So, yesterday I ran 5k in 44 minutes for a speed of close enough to 4mph.

I can walk about that fast for a short distance really and those race walkers sure as heck go faster

However, for me the exertion of running for 44 minutes pays off FAR more than walking 'only slightly slower" for a lot longer time would be.

"Slow" for that Bolt fellow over there would be "unbelievably fast" for most after all.

I set my own goal for "fast" when I had enough running time under my belt to have a good idea of what is good for me and it is 5k in 40 minutes or less

I've done it once and will probably again as I get fitter -but I don't worry about it either. It is a goal and keeps things fun and encourages me to keep reaching within myself to continue to keep running on those days when I just am in a "blah" humour.

Slow and steady got most of us to Graduation, after that we either figure we want fast, distance or stamina or whatever compromise works for us to keep us from getting bored

Hope this helps, really all it is at this level is that we only compete with ourselves after all is said and done 🙂

Best wishes for your route to graduation and beyond

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I think that sounds like a good speed. More importantly does that feel ok??

[runswithdogs Graduate]

It's whatever is slow for you. If you're struggling, pull back on the speed. It's not about the number, it's about being able to complete the runs. Happy running.

[OldPossum]

At one point I'm sure I ran slower than I walked!! But as others have said its about you feeling comfortable with what you are doing. If you are not sure try slowing it down a little and see if it feels better or worse.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

'Slow' is different for all of us. All I can say is that if you are struggling, slow it down a bit. If you are coping fine then it's probably right for you. Just concentrate on doing the time for now.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

"Slow and easy" means that you should be able to converse completely freely -- even sing- while running. When I say "completely freely" , just like you are able to speak when you are walking easily. A good way to work this out is to walk as fast as you can for a while - and then "launch" yourself into the jogging gait rather than the walking gait. This is probably easier to do on a treadmill. Once in this jogging gait, a pace of only about 1 minute per K faster than fastest walking pace is about right. So, for example , my fastest walking pace over a 5K is around 9:20 mins per k - so therefore 8:20 mins per K is an extremely easy (but slow) pace for me . If I pick it up another 30 seconds per K to around 7: 45 mins per K , I can still talk freely but I am on the borderline where I have start to have to keep my sentences shorter.

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