Runners: Why so slow?

ronocnikral wrote: »

GaryRuns wrote: »

ronocnikral wrote: »

I don't either. I do have a handheld lactate meter. It was cheaper than my garmin watch.

That's gotta be tricky, poking your finger every mile during a long run to see if you're maintaining the proper level of exertion. Or do you have the device implanted so it reads real-time?

You clearly don't understand how to apply lactate testing into a training program.

You clearly don't understand the meaning of the the wink emoji. I'd be happy to give you a link if you wish. LMAO.

Seriously, testing your blood is overkill for most people. The point was that an HRM, while admittedly not perfect, is significantly better than the metric of "conversational pace". It's also better, particularly for new runners, than the most common method used by pro-am runners, perceived exertion. They're also more accessible (you can throw a rock in your local bike or running shop and likely hit one) and easier to understand and learn than lactate measuring devices and how to interpret those results.

And the point of my specific response to you, an HRM also provides real-time feedback while you're running, something lactate testing does not do. New runners need to learn how to pace themselves during a run to avoid overdoing it, and an HRM gives you, not immediate, but fairly rapid feedback if you start pushing too hard. I love it on my long runs because I often lose focus and start pushing too hard and my HRM brings me back to reality.

And yes, after you've run for a while and if want to take your training more seriously, measuring lactate is a great way to take your training to the next level. (<--- See, no wink emoji here. I was serious.)

lilawolf wrote: »

I don't actually have any desire to run more than 5-6 miles at a time. Absolutely no wish to run marathons, HMs, or anything else super long.

Basically, I'd like to be able to run 5mi (maybe a 10k), have a fast 3mi (5k), and a faster 1 mile. Less than an hour for 5 miles/less than 24 minutes for 5k/less than 7 min/mi.

It all comes down to my general "Zombie apocalypse" training plan (don't laugh, WHO has one too). If you're still running after 3 miles, you need a better plan. I'd much rather spend the rest of my time/energy on fighting (krav maga including sparring) and building strength (lifting).

If I need to run 5-6 miles often to accomplish the other goals thats fine. 5mph was an easy, go forever pace. Ran 4 miles yesterday before I had to go to work. Thanks for all of the advice.

Good point...you need to train to your goals, not somebody else's.
However, even though zombies are known do pretty quick 5Ks, you only have to be faster than the person next to you. And if you DO get caught...I don't want you to be so fast that you'll catch me. Have a donut would ya?

I don't like going slow enough that I can hold a conversation. I lose focus and don't push myself as much. Tho I have told a friend of mine (who just started running) that time will come with distance. The longer you run the faster your speed will get (over time). So I believe that the whole slow down thing is for someone who just started so they don't burn out as easily.