running

amackg
amackg Posts: 48 Member
edited December 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I read you should be able to have a conversation while running. what is thr reason for this? I feel if i push harder I will get more out of my run,

Thanks

Replies

  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Define "more". What do you think you will get "more" of by running faster all of the time? More injuries is probably the most likely thing to happen.

    How long have you been running? New runners are usually looking to improve the distance they can run; their endurance. Running more slowly makes this happen. Speed is something that comes later. New runners simply won't progress as quickly if they are going all out on every run.

    Even elite runners run at an easy pace for them for 80% of their training time. The other 20% they will do hills or speed work. The easier training allows their bodies to recover more quickly because a lot less stress is being placed on it. There's been a lot of study into this and they've shown that this type of training leads to better results and faster race times.
  • GauchoMark
    GauchoMark Posts: 1,804 Member
    depends on the goal of your run. It is just a rule of thumb to keep you in the aerobic range.
    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/speak-easy

  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    edited August 2016
    Conversation reflects that are maintaining a healthy heart rate, elevated but not dangerously elevated. This is usually mentioned for any kind of cardio, not just running.
    Explained in this article:
    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/speak-easy
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    amackg wrote: »
    I read you should be able to have a conversation while running. what is thr reason for this? I feel if i push harder I will get more out of my run,

    Thanks

    It is counter intuitive but running slowly builds endurance better than pushing yourself to your threshold all the time.

    running.competitor.com/2014/06/training/train-slower-race-faster_52242

    active.com/running/articles/the-benefits-of-running-slow
    SueInAz wrote: »
    Define "more". What do you think you will get "more" of by running faster all of the time? More injuries is probably the most likely thing to happen.

    Agreed 100%
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    Running harder for what? What are you trying to make the most of in your running? Do you have specific running goals?
  • aashwill
    aashwill Posts: 64 Member
    If you can have a conversation during a 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, you aren't trying. And your training should at least some of the time reflect or exceed your race paces.

    I haven't run many conventional marathons, but I have run about a dozen ultras and have been able to hold conversations during them. But I am slow and am sure the competitive racers were exceeding a conversational pace.

    So to answer your question, no, it is not necessary to run at a conversational pace. But sometimes that pace is appropriate.
  • NikeSoccRu87er
    NikeSoccRu87er Posts: 6 Member
    aashwill wrote: »
    If you can have a conversation during a 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, you aren't trying. And your training should at least some of the time reflect or exceed your race paces.

    I haven't run many conventional marathons, but I have run about a dozen ultras and have been able to hold conversations during them. But I am slow and am sure the competitive racers were exceeding a conversational pace.

    So to answer your question, no, it is not necessary to run at a conversational pace. But sometimes that pace is appropriate.

    Running faster burns more calories and you lose weight faster...my adderall prescription helps me run to the point i'm drenched in sweat from head to toe...and i noticed faster weight loss on the scale + hot showers feel a lot better
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    aashwill wrote: »
    If you can have a conversation during a 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, you aren't trying. And your training should at least some of the time reflect or exceed your race paces.

    I haven't run many conventional marathons, but I have run about a dozen ultras and have been able to hold conversations during them. But I am slow and am sure the competitive racers were exceeding a conversational pace.

    So to answer your question, no, it is not necessary to run at a conversational pace. But sometimes that pace is appropriate.

    Running faster burns more calories and you lose weight faster...my adderall prescription helps me run to the point i'm drenched in sweat from head to toe...and i noticed faster weight loss on the scale + hot showers feel a lot better

    No. Running faster doesn't burn any more calories. It burns the same amount, just faster. You burn 0.63 kcal per mile per pound.
  • amackg
    amackg Posts: 48 Member
    aashwill wrote: »
    If you can have a conver.......
    I have been running for a few years and run 2.8 miles in 23 minutes but i never focused on the breathing and know nothing about aerobic range,

    If you can respond back thanks
  • amackg
    amackg Posts: 48 Member
    GauchoMark wrote: »
    depends on the goal of your run. It is just a rule of thumb to keep you in the aerobic range.
    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/speak-easy

    Just trying Get a 3 mile run in under 21 min. Can do 3 in 23ish..
  • amackg
    amackg Posts: 48 Member
    Im asking the question with the info needed

    I run 3 times a week, about 2.5-4 miles takes about 20-33 minutes i do not want to run more than 35 minutes due to my schedule . I have been running for 3 years never focused on mking sure to be able you have a conversation, usualy i can't should i be slowing down?
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited August 2016
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    edited August 2016
    aashwill wrote: »
    If you can have a conversation during a 5k, 10k, or half-marathon, you aren't trying. And your training should at least some of the time reflect or exceed your race paces.

    I haven't run many conventional marathons, but I have run about a dozen ultras and have been able to hold conversations during them. But I am slow and am sure the competitive racers were exceeding a conversational pace.

    So to answer your question, no, it is not necessary to run at a conversational pace. But sometimes that pace is appropriate.

    There's a big difference between running a race and running to train for a race. It's the training we're talking about here, not the races. I agree that anyone who runs a race at a conversational pace is not being competitive. There's nothing wrong with that, but when I run in a race I'm usually trying to PR that distance and I'm certainly going at a pace that limits talking to a word or two at a time.
    amackg wrote: »
    Im asking the question with the info needed

    I run 3 times a week, about 2.5-4 miles takes about 20-33 minutes i do not want to run more than 35 minutes due to my schedule . I have been running for 3 years never focused on mking sure to be able you have a conversation, usualy i can't should i be slowing down?

    OP, if you want to maximize your training time, 80% of your training runs should be at a conversational pace. The other 20% should be speed work like fartleks and hill runs or simply going all out to test your race pace.

    You are, of course, welcome to run at any pace you like with the time you have. It's your training time and your results, no one else's. If you aren't worried about improving your pace then keep on doing what you're doing. There's not any actual harm in running faster all of the time as long as you're giving yourself enough recovery time between runs.
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