Thursday 27 October 2011

Becoming Speedy Gonzales

This is probably a bit of a premature post - I've been back running about a month (and only once/twice a week), and yet I'm worrying about speeding up.



The thing is, I've always been a slow, ploddy runner. That's why I was soooo surprised with my accidental PB at parkrun the other week. And I know I want to get a bit faster. However, what's pushed me into thinking about it this week was a post on FaceBook by my friend (and new running partner):
Average Pace: 8:37 min/mi
Distance: 2.10 miles
Duration: 18m:05s
Hmmm... I can't run that fast! I checked my parkrun pacing on my trusty garmin, and I managed that pace for the last 0.1mile only! And I was really pushing myself. I get the feeling he's going to be really bored on runs with me...
 
So, my question is, do I make working on my speed a priority? And if so, how do I go about doing it?! I've heard of people running intervals fast, then jogging lightly to recover - is that what I should be doing? 

7 comments:

Cathy said...

haha look at what we're both doing. I'd do it by running the same route and timing it. Personally I'm not good with intervals I'm better at running at a continuous pace. It'll depend on what best suits you.
Though I can't talk I haven't ran for like 3 weeks.

;)

Elle said...

I was working on speed a bit. Running intervals once a week.

I think if he wants to run with you, he will slow to your speed for some time.

Good luck, but don't overdo!

RainStorm said...

@Elle - I hope you're right! It was really nice to have someone to run with! Will have to give some time to attempting interval training and see if I can face it!

@AlwaysWright - I'm hoping running regularly (or at least vaguely regularly) at parkrun will give me that improved pace information. Plus I tend to run faster there because it's a race!

Mad Scientist said...

It was far more fun running with someone I'll slow down a bit :-)

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

To get faster you have to run faster! Intervals are a great way to do it! Great job on the personal best!

RainStorm said...

@MadScientist - well, if you slow down a bit and I speed up a bit we can meet a happy compromise!

@Christy - I tried some fast intervals yesterday and nearly died! But felt fine afterwards so I guess I just need to keep working on it.

Karen said...

I'm working on getting my endurance back to run, but when I was a regular runner I found intervals were the best way to build speed. Just take it slow, though - don't want to overdo things :)