When will it get easier?

[Angie09]

I having been trying to maintain my running over the winter 🥶 months which has been difficult with the cold, wet and icy ❄️ conditions we have had.

Now that the weather is improving I’m hoping to get in more consistently.

I’ve just completed a 4km run 🏃‍♀️ 3rd run so far this week and have completed 10km in total so far. My pace is improving BUT when will it get easier as it feel so hard and such an effort each time I run?

I’ve added my stats from today. I can’t see anything in then that need changing? 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

If it feels hard, why not slow down?

[Hidden]

I'd say: slow down? I run 3,29 km in 30 minutes... Look up Slow Jogging, you might like it?

[Angie09 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will slow down on my next run 🏃‍♀️. The slow running is very interesting although I do not see others runners adopting that strategy.

[Hidden in reply to Angie09]

Yeah me neither, I mostly see Ferrari-runners passing me. But then I think, so what? I run for fun and for my health. I don't run to catch up with Usain Bolt, you know? Plus, slow runners have less risk of injury and can run longer (in years) than fast runners.

Though I have to admit I don't think I am as slow as the Slow Joggers. I generally run at 6,4 km/h or something alike. I think Slow Jogging is even more slow.

[Hidden in reply to Angie09]

You aren't other runners you are you..

You have to have your own strategy to follow, one that suits you.

Run slow!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If your pace is improving then you are pushing hard..........a gentle jog at an easy conversational pace is not only easier but, counterintuitively it is the best pace to develop your runner's body. This is why elite athletes spend up to 80% of their running time at this pace.

In reference to your observation of other runner "not slowing down", how do you know they are not running at their slow pace? They probably are not, as most recreational runners spend far too little time at an easy pace, developing capillary density and mitochondria, and do not push hard enough when working on pace.

This article may help explain the principles to you. mensrunninguk.co.uk/top-fea...

[nowster Graduate]

As others have said, pushing for a faster pace for half an hour every time is probably not helping your training.

Slow down, mix things up, etc.

[Jericho2332 Graduate]

Slow down and run longer distances, the rest will come naturally 👍🏻

[Angie09 Graduate]

Thank you all so much. 🏃‍♀️