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Monday, January 10, 2011

Maybe some people were just meant to be slow runners.

What do you think about this idea?   Do you think that some people will always run the same pace or close to it no matter how hard they try to get faster?  I have to wonder this sometimes as I read about people knocking minutes and seconds off their run pace and my pace stays the same (for the most part). While I don't run 5 times a week, I run enough that there should be some improvement. I would even feel better about things if I felt that my running was becoming more efficient even if the pace stayed the same.  I don't feel that however. It is just as hard and just as slow as it always has been.  The only exception is running downhill. That is the one time I can run at a faster pace and get an idea of what most people's "slow runs" feel like :)   Thank goodness I can ride a bike!

16 comments:

  1. I think everyone has their own pace. Sure, most of us can improve, but at some point we hit the speed we are "meant" to run

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  2. I think we all can improve. I say that because I am a slow runner and really want to improve!

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  3. Do you do speedwork? Otherwise, I think there is something to be said for body biomechanics. Some people are simply gifted runners and can run efficiently, almost effortlessly, and rarely sustain injury while cranking out 6 minute miles.

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  4. Personally. I agree. I truly think you set yourself up to get hurt with speed work. If you aren't shooting for a kona slot, run your pace

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  5. I am part of your team, slow runner (if I a even allowed to call myself that) and I can ride the bike

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  6. You sound frustrated...I'm sorry! I think runners can improve their speed, but only to a degree. I do think runners have their own pace and without devoting all your training to running (which is unrealistic) the pace will reach a place it's just meant to be at.
    Have you talked to you coach about it? What does he/she think?

    P.S. The TRX class I took was given by The Power Method (http://thepowermethod.com/?page_id=2) They have a free week pass which I'm planning on getting when I get back from AZ.

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  7. I'm with Shannon on this one.
    I pretty much despise running for the most part, but to be a triathlete, I know that's what I have to do, you know?

    I started terribly, and I am slow (8min/km, on a good day!!). I eventually cracked it and hired a running coach, and every single time I see him, I am improving. Every time I run with a friend, I improve.
    All he does with me is work on speed. Intervals, sprints. Until I think I am going to pass out of puke. Long runs I do on my own, I don't (think I?) need help with that part. Mp3 player in the ear, dog on leash, let's roll!

    Sure, I am not gifted. I am tall, yes, but I have the shortest legs in history (my friend who is 5 inches shorter has longer legs than me, fail...) but I will try my best!!

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  8. I am slow but training makes me less slow. My body will limit my speed as will my mind and getting older. What does this mean? I don't know - I think a little slow at times too.

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  9. So I was curious to see what was said. I'm not sure which way to go but I still like the idea of meeting with a running coach and seeing what they have to say.

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  10. I feel the same way! Sometimes it can be so discouraging. But, even though I'm not getting any faster, I am able to run further and longer, so I try to focus on that. It helps to look back through my training log and remember when I struggled to run 5 minutes at a time!

    I also remind myself that no matter how fast I get, there will always be someone faster!!

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  11. I think most people can get faster, but for some it's not that natural and takes a really long time to see speed improvements. Others decide they want to up their speed by a bit and it's done.

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  12. I think we do have genetic limitations, but I would be willing to bet that you haven't reached yours. I liked the suggestion of speedwork. But in one workout a week that focuses on speed...

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  13. Just wanted to let you know that like it or not I just awarded you the Stylish blogger award over on my blog. :)

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  14. Not sure I agree with my boy Bob here.

    I think in terms of pace, when it's there and it feels good, take it.

    One of the best pieces of advice I ever heard about running faster was, "In order to run faster, you need to run faster."

    I know, duh. But, it makes a lot of sense. Good luck. Enjoy the journey, that's what it is all about.

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  15. I'm just starting out to train for a sprint triathlon. I'm overweight and out of shape. I feel like I'm not improving on my pace but I am improving on my stamina. When I first started I wasn't even able to run one mile without stopping. I'm not up to 4 miles nonstop. I'm new to the world of triathlons (swimming and running mostly) but I've been cycling for about 2 years now. I'd like to finish a half ironman within the next year and I'd really appreciate it if you(and anyone reading this) can follow my blog and give me any feedback on how I'm doing.

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  16. I think the biggest speed improvements can be made by improving run form. Run drills are thankless, tedious and painful sometimes but I think that's where most of us stand to gain the most in terms of efficiency, economy and speed.

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