Lockdown 2021 Run Challenge

PhattPike · February 25, 2021, 9:30pm

One for the serious runners on here - what distance/time/pace would ye do for an easy run during the week to keep yourself ticking over?

Went out for a handy auld jog earlier and did the 5km in 25:12 - occurred to me I’ve no idea if I should be going faster, slower, longer etc.

Thomas_Brady · February 25, 2021, 9:31pm

Correct.

fenwaypark · February 25, 2021, 9:32pm

Easy pace is a pace you could easily hold a conversation with someone.

PhattPike · February 25, 2021, 9:35pm

I might sing the Limerick Rake to myself when I’m out for my next jog.

Wexford1996 · February 25, 2021, 9:44pm

I’d be anywhere between 5 min and 5’30 pace if I was just going for a jog. There’s lads that are slower than me that would never run slower than 5 min pace. As @fenwaypark said whatever is comfortable for you. Shouldn’t feel like effort.

TreatyStones · February 25, 2021, 9:47pm

I find it harder to run slow than fast.
Was doing my slow longer runs at around 5:25 pace

flattythehurdler · February 25, 2021, 10:27pm

Is there any point at all in that, other than fresh air and a chat? Not doing much for you surely?

TreatyStones · February 25, 2021, 10:28pm

I think @fenwaypark & Kev had a few rows over this

mikehunt · February 25, 2021, 10:32pm

The thoughts of heading back to two screaming wains and a frazzled wife adds a nice few minutes to the time.

Wexford1996 · February 25, 2021, 10:34pm

Mainly recovery. Some reasoning in this article. https://www.runnersworld.com/advanced/a20835578/the-easy-day-pace/

flattythehurdler · February 25, 2021, 10:36pm

Recovery running just needlessly batters your joints. I can see zero point to exercise if you’re not exerting yourself. I’ll run 10k with the lad and Claire tomorrow morning, but it’ll do me no good at all.

Mac · February 25, 2021, 10:41pm

The point is that it shouldn’t batter your joints though. A good chance to focus on technique and to take in a different surface

Fran · February 25, 2021, 10:41pm

An easy run for me about 2 years ago was 5km at 6+ minutes per km. An easy run these days is 5:30 per km or 5:50 for a 10km. It’s all down to your level of fitness I suppose

flattythehurdler · February 25, 2021, 10:45pm

Running batters your joints. It just does.

Thomas_Brady · February 25, 2021, 10:46pm

On roads 100%.

Wexford1996 · February 25, 2021, 10:53pm

You’re still gaining fitness from it though and can’t run hard every day. You’d just end up getting injured. I’d normally do 2 hard runs a week. Everything else be at around 5 mins per km or slower.

flattythehurdler · February 25, 2021, 10:55pm

I don’t think you are gaining fitness. You’re better off on the bike or doing Bikini bootcamp.

alf_stewart · February 26, 2021, 12:38am

I’ve been doing lots of slower long runs since Christmas. I’ve knocked nearly 2 minutes off my 5k and took 5 mins off my 10k time this evening. No injuries either compared to my routine before Christmas where I always tried push myself and was bollixed walking around.

flattythehurdler · February 26, 2021, 6:51am

But maybe just resting up would have done as good

fenwaypark · February 26, 2021, 7:15am

Run your easy runs easy and your hard runs hards.