Keep It Easy
Finding your easy run pace
Running is pretty simplistic, wouldn’t you agree?
Left foot, right foot. Repeat.
But because it is in fact so easy, it’s also really easy to go overboard.
Last week I wrote about how to avoid overtraining and this week, I focused on the most fundamental aspect of distance running: easy running.
If all you do is easy running - run how you feel, nothing hard, just enjoyable running - I guarantee that you’ll get in shape. It won’t be PR shape, but you’ll be in shape. From that fitness though, you can then add speedwork - intervals, threshold, tempos. And that’s where you go from “in shape” to fast.
That’s the thing though - we see easy run pace, we believe in easy run pace, but we don’t practice easy running. Because easy pace is easy, we cheat a little. It might be a few seconds here and a few seconds there, but they add up. The cumulative fatigue from those micro-doses of “too fast running” lead us to the overtraining. They lead to fatigue we can’t fight. They lead to feeling flat and stale. They lead to injuries.
On days when we are tired, we try and run faster/harder than our bodies want to go. Instead, embrace easy. You will absolutely continue to get faster even if you run 1 minute per mile SLOWER than what you consider to be your easiest possible pace.
Trust that running easy is good for you, no matter the pace.
Friday’s Action Plan:
Since there are no races on the horizon, try running as easy as possible for a week. Stop and smell the roses. Finish each run feeling absolutely fresh and relaxed.
Events Coming Up:
Shop Local, Online. The Haddonfield Running Co has given my readers a special 10% code on all running shoes, online. Orders will be delivered/shipped very fast! Code at checkout: “TWM”
What’s Got My Attention:
Article: The Man Who Runs 365 Marathons a Year | Outside Online
Video: Driving rain, porta-potties & camaraderie: Des Linden's epic 2018 Boston Marathon win had it all
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Thanks for following along on the journey! Have something you’d like to add? Have suggestions or comments? Email me: TrainwithMarc@gmail.com
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Marc is a middle school teacher and coach but also works with distance runners online. I help distance runners around the globe by providing support, writing customized training plans and designing workouts to help them reach their racing goals. I write for my blog every Wednesday morning and newsletter every Friday morning.