Why are my EZ runs so slow?

Training Advice/Discussion General

1 year ago 01/20/2023 2:21pm EST

Haven’t been running very long (about 2 years) and completed a half marathon in 1:32. I was definitely in better shape cause that was in the middle of marathon training with 0 taper, and felt I could run 1:30.
however, my easy runs are so slow. I usually go by feel and make sure my heart rate is in the 130s. I end up running around 9:40/mile pace for most of them. My training partners who I often run faster than in training do all their easy runs at least a minute/mile faster than mine. Why are my runs so slow?! Is this a problem? I’m trying to run 1:27 this spring.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 2:28pm EST

re: Questionforyallllllll

you said it yourself, you're keeping your pace to where you want your hr to be. perhaps your training partners who you already said race slower than you are that way because they are running their ez stuff too fast.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 2:37pm EST

re: Questionforyallllllll

They are more efficient at running at low HR than you are, that's mostly a function of consistent training over years. They probably have been running a lot longer, and as a result have a larger base. However, its far more likely they are just running them too fast.

Anyway, who cares who runs the fastest easy runs. That's like comparing your resting heart rate. It doesn't matter at all.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 4:29pm EST

re: Questionforyallllllll

My last race in November was a 36:34 10K yet almost all my runs are 8 minute miles and they often feel quite tough. I typically run for an our or more. It's weird. There's people a lot slower than me who are always training a minute faster.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 4:46pm EST

re: de monies

de monies wrote:
My last race in November was a 36:34 10K yet almost all my runs are 8 minute miles and they often feel quite tough. I typically run for an our or more. It's weird. There's people a lot slower than me who are always training a minute faster.

You are probably racing faster BECAUSE you are running slower in training.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 4:54pm EST

re: Questionforyallllllll

Questionforyallllllll wrote:
Haven’t been running very long (about 2 years) and completed a half marathon in 1:32. I was definitely in better shape cause that was in the middle of marathon training with 0 taper, and felt I could run 1:30.
however, my easy runs are so slow. I usually go by feel and make sure my heart rate is in the 130s. I end up running around 9:40/mile pace for most of them. My training partners who I often run faster than in training do all their easy runs at least a minute/mile faster than mine. Why are my runs so slow?! Is this a problem? I’m trying to run 1:27 this spring.

That's your slow pace. And it doesn't matter how slow it is, you still get the training benefit.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 5:27pm EST

re: Questionforyallllllll

Questionforyallllllll wrote:
I end up running around 9:40/mile pace for most of them. My training partners who I often run faster than in training do all their easy runs at least a minute/mile faster than mine.

You run your workouts harder, so you need to run your easy runs slower. That allows your next workout to be faster, which requires more recovery during your next easy run. Repeat cycle and you're faster on race day.

What would you gain by running everything at medium pace like them, with faster easy runs, and slower workouts? Nothing, except slower races.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 5:36pm EST

re: Questionforyallllllll

I think there's a point where easy runs become too slow. If you tell a beginner with no knowledge of the sport to run super easy, they're just as likely to run at 12 minute pace.

1 year ago 01/20/2023 5:42pm EST

re: Here'z a thought

Here\'z a thought wrote:
I think there's a point where easy runs become too slow. If you tell a beginner with no knowledge of the sport to run super easy, they're just as likely to run at 12 minute pace.

What's wrong with that for a beginner? Ever tried walking 12 minute miles? It's rather quick.

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