Running too slowly?

[Amy1931]

I've approached C25K with a slowly does it mantra which has taken me to W8 R3. Far beyond anything I could ever do before. This morning a couple running together over took me. Fine, I'm slow and happy with what I'm doing, only my legs didn't think the same. My tempo picked up more in line with them. Even after I could no longer hear their footsteps I still couldn't shake off this newly acquired tempo. So I went with it! Remained fairly consistent and shaved 10 seconds off my normal average min/km speed. PR on Strava! It took more effort but was completely manageable. Is there such a thing as running too slowly and how do you know how fast you can safely run without causing injuries? I don't want to start sprinting but I did really enjoy running faster.

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So I was reading about this a little while back. The text I found said if as a beginner you can recite the whole text of Shakespeare then that's too slow and at the other end if you can't string together a reasonable length sentence when running then you're going too fast.

I just don't see how you can test that theory out without looking very strange, carrying the complete works of Shakespeare with you!

In seriousness though, you evidently had more legs in you, if it felt comfortable and you feel fine post warmdown, then maybe you've been holding back a bit. In the podcasts they do say if you feel you can increase your pace then to give it a try...

Good luck carrying Shakespeare

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I think you need to listen to your body, you felt comfortable so the pace was probably fine. I think pushing yourself is a good thing. Just don't push TOO much

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Speed and distance come after graduation, that way you have given you joints and muscles at least 9 weeks to adjust to your new sport. Ths NHS have kindly provided two podcasts that help with both these genres. Stamina and speed. As you progress with running you will find that you will run at different speeds depending On The type of training you are doing. There is still so much fun to be had even after graduation as you learn all the different things you can do with your running.

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[Amy1931 Graduate]

I think if my legs are fine when I wake up tomorrow I might use that speed going forward but wait until graduating before pushing it any further. I probably need to build up my strength before carrying Shakespeare! Thanks for the tips and advice guys. I really have caught the running bug, there's a lifetime of running ahead so no rush is there 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Realfoodieclub has given great advice...there really is no, too slow.... If you find your happy pace and are not puking too hard.. that is fine.. but, as she says.. the time for building up stamina, speed and distance further, comes after Graduation... And it does come, if you wish it...I did a speedy 3K within a run yesterday.. from choice, and with no real effort.. simple because I have tried to just keep building up my running legs!

So... enjoy it, but make sure you stay safe... the Graduation podium awaits!!

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

I know what you mean. If I am finding it hard to keep going I hear Oldfloss saying slow and steady. There is no too slow if it feels right.

However sometimes I find very slow harder to do. It is usually my legs that feel like giving out rather than finding it hard on my breathing (that's due to the swimming of course) so I luckily wont have to carry Shakespeare

I think you have to find your own natural pace.

[Amy1931 Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

You're spot on there nikkiwabit. I feel I've found my new pace. Whilst slightly faster and requiring more effort it does feel more comfortable to run at that pace. I'll be sticking to the advice to take it easy though and continue progressing with endurance at my new more comfortable pace rather than focusing on speed.