Is a faster pace conductive to longer runs, or vice versa? + Is getting into shape easier when you've already run the time?

Training Advice/Discussion

3 years ago 10/08/2020 9:47am EDT

Are faster paces naturally a byproduct of long runs, or are going on longer runs going to make you naturally faster?

In these past few days of training, I have realized I am significantly slower, and then I realized that my mileage was really low. I am not sure if it is a direct correlation, or maybe I am overthinking it. The reason I am asking is because I was also wondering:

If I am really out of shape, should I push longer runs, or should I do what I have been doing and take it comfortably?

Also

Since I have taken 4 months off of physical activity (injuries), I am now very far from 5 minute mile shape. Does this mean I will have to try the same amount of effort to get back to 5 minute mile shape? Or will it be easier?

3 years ago 10/08/2020 10:13am EDT

re: ElGuerroujFan

For me, my 5 and 10k PR 's always came shortly after running marathons. So my biased answer is that the long runs help your short run aerobic speed development.

I have heard time and again of runners who got back into the groove, after broken bones or illnesses, a lot quicker than when they first trained. There seems to be some brain/muscle memory, or some other structural adaptation, that influences the outcome. So, making up for lost conditioning isn't starting from square one. I recently took 2.5 weeks off from running due to wildfire smoke. It only took me 3 weeks to get back on track, but of course, I'm still behind my original plan by 3 weeks.

3 years ago 10/08/2020 10:47am EDT

re: RyecorDone

Thank you! This has given me a bit of hope. I am currently the slowest guy on my team, whereas pre injury I was 6 or 7 on var (or would have been)

3 years ago 10/08/2020 2:39pm EDT

re: ElGuerroujFan

Yes, just continue to increase your mileage gradually and keep putting in consistent work. You'll return to fitness sooner than you think. Just don't get impatient when you're coming back from injury.

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Is a faster pace conductive to longer runs, or vice versa? + Is getting into shape easier when you've already run the time?

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