"My sport is your sport's punishment." A quote that someone recently posted in the Road Lizards Facebook group. I think that plays into the negative feeling that some people have of the sport and even can lead to negative training habits. Many new runners or those "just getting that cardio in" fitness folks often believe that the only way to run is a hard run. They'll go do a few miles at max effort and come back exhausted. I think that's part of the reason why you see people with impressive physiques struggling during a 5k.
Most training miles should be easy miles. It sounds counterproductive to many new runners. If I want to get faster, I should work hard all the time, right? We all laud athletes that outwork their opponents. Guys like Jordan are revered for their legendary work ethic. However, this mentality simply doesn't work in running. Believe me, I've had my share of "scoldings" from Terri for going too fast. It's hard to accept an easy pace, especially during a group run with faster runners. Some, like Ryan and I always seemed to do, think they're running "easy" when they're really running moderately fast. The tip I give to the people I train is to carry on a conversation about their day. If they can't easily converse, they're going too quickly. Granted, if you're like me and have a busted up nose, it's not always the greatest gauge. However, an imperfect gauge is better than no gauge at all. The other gauge is that you should be able to do the run again (at the same pace) at the end. Not exactly "if you wanted to," but that you'd be able to. That's why the weekly long run isn't considered an easy run. Sure, it's a slow pace, but running another 15 miles just after finishing 15 is probably a bridge too far.
There are a multitude of reasons to run slow, both physiologically and mentally.
It's more fun! Yes, Anne, I'm talking about fun while running again. You've truly converted me. Many non-runners never get hooked because they go all out every run and it hurts. Why would I want to voluntarily do something that hurts 5+ times a week? Taking your time during the run cuts back on the pain. You have time to share stories and experiences with running partners and take in the scenery (as it were, guess that depends on where you're running).
It helps prevent injuries. Running easy helps maintain fitness, keep or build your base, and repair minor injuries. The blood gets flowing in your legs and helps your tissues rebuild. (McMillan, 2011)
Furthermore, running hard every time can cause injuries. The body is broken down from constant hard work and is more susceptible.
You get faster! Wait, wut? Yes, taking the easy days truly easy helps the body make gains with the workout days. The body is ready to go, making those strides.
The easy run is the most typical group run. Tuesdays nights the Road Lizards do an easy run at Middle Concho Park. It's not exactly a "no drop" run but we make sure that everyone is doing well and take breaks to group up and sometimes take pictures.
Thursday nights are the Team RWB easy runs and Friday nights are the Road Lizards river easy run. A lot of what goes into these runs is just being around other runners. Many of us come from different walks of life and it's our chance to share our life, family, and work stories from the previous week(s).
Enjoy your easy runs guys and remember that you can only run too fast, never too slow on an easy run.
Much better sources about the importance of running easy include:
Terri Troll (just in general)
Runner's World Easy Does It
Tina Muir's blog 3 Ways to Run Easy
Redefining "Do the Best You Can"
Runners Connect 2 Simple Reasons Your Easy Days are Ruining Your Training
Most training miles should be easy miles. It sounds counterproductive to many new runners. If I want to get faster, I should work hard all the time, right? We all laud athletes that outwork their opponents. Guys like Jordan are revered for their legendary work ethic. However, this mentality simply doesn't work in running. Believe me, I've had my share of "scoldings" from Terri for going too fast. It's hard to accept an easy pace, especially during a group run with faster runners. Some, like Ryan and I always seemed to do, think they're running "easy" when they're really running moderately fast. The tip I give to the people I train is to carry on a conversation about their day. If they can't easily converse, they're going too quickly. Granted, if you're like me and have a busted up nose, it's not always the greatest gauge. However, an imperfect gauge is better than no gauge at all. The other gauge is that you should be able to do the run again (at the same pace) at the end. Not exactly "if you wanted to," but that you'd be able to. That's why the weekly long run isn't considered an easy run. Sure, it's a slow pace, but running another 15 miles just after finishing 15 is probably a bridge too far.
There are a multitude of reasons to run slow, both physiologically and mentally.
It's more fun! Yes, Anne, I'm talking about fun while running again. You've truly converted me. Many non-runners never get hooked because they go all out every run and it hurts. Why would I want to voluntarily do something that hurts 5+ times a week? Taking your time during the run cuts back on the pain. You have time to share stories and experiences with running partners and take in the scenery (as it were, guess that depends on where you're running).
 |
| Saturday morning easy run at the beach (photo credit: Jammie Preiser) |
Furthermore, running hard every time can cause injuries. The body is broken down from constant hard work and is more susceptible.
You get faster! Wait, wut? Yes, taking the easy days truly easy helps the body make gains with the workout days. The body is ready to go, making those strides.
 |
| Mila after her easy run, waiting for Sheraz and I to finish ours (Photo credit: Milagros Boyce) |
 |
| an easy run nearly requires a beer at the end |
Enjoy your easy runs guys and remember that you can only run too fast, never too slow on an easy run.
Jammie took a video after our last easy run
Much better sources about the importance of running easy include:
Terri Troll (just in general)
Runner's World Easy Does It
Tina Muir's blog 3 Ways to Run Easy
Redefining "Do the Best You Can"
Runners Connect 2 Simple Reasons Your Easy Days are Ruining Your Training
Comments
Post a Comment