As I’ve mentioned before, I got my RRCA certification this past fall. I found the class really informative and I understand the science behind running more miles, slowly. I get how in the long run, you’re going to end up with greater endurance and a faster pace. If you don’t believe me, take a look at TMB. That girl has gotten super fast since she started piling on the miles. There are other running bloggers out there who’ve experienced the same thing. Running farther, slower, is easier on your body from an injury standpoint. We learned that the base building phase and the sharpening phase take place at different times in your training. And your overall pace will naturally speed up, just from the added mileage. Then when your base is built, speedwork comes in.
I get it. I really do. In fact, I’ve been doing a great job lately building my overall mileage.
I also believe that any run is a good run. (Although nearly pulling a SUAR on my Sunday run did make me question whether that was really a good run.)
But, I learned something about *my* running this past Saturday. That would be the run where I really pushed myself for the first time in a while. The run where I was stopped cold when I crossed the lactate threshold. The run, after which, I spent the entire day in an AMAZING mood.
Yep. I learned that every once in a while I need to pull out all the stops. Every once in a while I need to run all out.
Other people need to run long to get their fill. Me? Apparently, I just need to run right up to my puke threshold.
Good thing race season starts on Saturday. ;o)
(Edited to add: Just to be clear, running fast has nothing to do with training gains and everything to do with running as my anti-depressant. I don’t run fast in an attempt to get fast. I run “fast” to get happy.)
I am so not a puker, so I'll take the long, slow route. While I lament being slow at times, I've seen a significant increase in pace overall when it comes to racing. I'll never be a real threat to any of the "real" runners, but I feel great and am happy with my progress.
And that's why I love the run slow to run fast method. Most of the time it's comfortable, but every once in a while you get the chance to prove how hard you can run.
I think I was born for long, slow runs. Heh. I mean, most of us back of the packers are running longer than anyone else, right?
Yeah, I'm not a run to the puking stage kind of runner. This weekend my Sat. run was great and Sun. not so much but I'm going to blame it on the weather.BTW they have now upgraded our storm to 24 inches and it is still raging past it's "stopping" point. But I have electricity!I will be in DC on Friday. I am thinking about getting in line early to try to finally get into the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. If that doesn't work may try Native American Museum or Spy Museum or Phillips Collection. I have been to the Newseum and loved it. I haven't talked to Em yet about Friday for sure but if you can meet me for a part of it let me know.
Is the SUAR bathroom issues? If so I had the same Sunday run you did and there is no place to stop once you are past the church as there is way too much snow and you cannot get out into the bushes, no way no how.
I completely agree! I use the HR training method so most of my easy runs are pretty slow compared to my race times, but hey if that's what my body wants to do then I listen!
I'm about the long, slow run and dread the shorter runs in training you are supposed to do at a faster pace. I end up doing ALL runs at the same pace – whether its 3 miles or 13 miles. BUT … every once-in-a-while I'll do a 3-miler without watching the clock the whole time and I surprise myself by how fast I am (relatively speaking). Those happy surprises make me feel pretty awesome. For like a whole week 😉
I think we really need a mixture…keeping it fresh. Too much of one type of running starts to get boring.
I'm so pumped that it's race season! LOVED pushing my limits yesterday and getting an official time in the books to prove it.Excited to see some speedy splits from you!!
running is therapeutic. and if, as a runner, you need to take advantage of that and let it all out on the road, then good god do it up.
I LOVE THIS! i've loved watching you change your attitude towards running. and i don't think that one run up to the puke threshold is going to throw off all of your really smart training. way to kick it in the butt!
I love seeing the increased mileage working out for so many people recently! Good luck at 4 Courts this weekend! Hopefully I'll see you there.
I totally run long to get happy. Even though it delights me when I am fast, and saddens me when I'm slow, I'm trying to trust in the trials of the miles to build my pace behind my back. 😉
I love running discoveries like that, figuring out what works best for you. And congrats on not crapping yourself. hahahah.
I have a feeling Saturday's run was good preparation for Four Courts. I don't know about you, but I am pretty sure that I will be approaching puke threshold on the way back up the hill! Maybe I will see you there.
I agree 100% – we need the long slow runs, but after a while they become "easy" … it's great to measure ourselves occasionally!
I totally get running feast as an anti depressant. I truly believe running has kept me out of that pit of depression this winter. Keep on keepin on!