"Off-season" running

docsallen

When I am training for a race, I (try to) follow specific paces for my easy-tempo-speed-pace runs. I usually find it hard to keep my easy run as easy as it should be. When I am not training, I shorten my long run and only do 1 long run every 2 weeks, and I run whatever pace feels good that day. How do you modify your running routine in the off-season? Does cutting down or running easier in the off-season help you become a faster runner when you are training?

Thanks!

dewd2

I typically switch things up a bit and train for shorter races. After my Fall marathon last year I didn't do any specific training but kept my mileage up until January. I ran a longer race in late January and then switched to training for a 5k. The meant speed work a couple times a week and lower mileage. After that was over I started to slowly build my base back up and now I'm back in the marathon training mode.

spiriteagle99

I don't race much, but I like to be able to start race training without a lot of buildup. I've been doing a half or 10k in the fall and a marathon and sometimes a half in the spring. After my spring race, I cut back my mileage to about 35 mpw and run whatever I feel like on the day. Since my off season is during the summer and heat and allergies affect me badly, that means most of my runs are easy. I do fewer long runs as well, since I can get 35 miles with 2x 6, 2 x 8, 1 x 7. I'll do some strides if I'm feeling good or a fartlek run but no formal speed workouts. When we're traveling I'll do more trail running, which means really slow, but fun.

ContraryMaryMary

What's an off season?

I have two big events I do each year, about six months apart, and a bunch of other events in between. That means I don't really ever drop out of build up mode - instead my long runs get cut back by a third for a month or two, then I start to build back up. That being said, downtime/rest is very important, however, I just like to ensure I don't ever drop below a certain level of fitness to where it would be a drag/chore to build myself back from. In my rest times, I simply run at the pace my body suggests and don't worry about what my watch says.

docsallen

Thanks! After training for a race I usually want a mental break from following a rigid running schedule and think it is good for my body to take a break from the miles and speedwork. But I don't want to lose so much fitness that starting up again is hard. And mentally it is hard to cut back alot. It seems like your between training running still includes long distance or speedwork at your own pace.