Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Reasons you shouldn't sweat a slower run time

Have you worked hard, only to find your run time slower? Maybe something has changed affecting your performance. Here are a few things that can set your run time back:

you selected a new route with more hills-hills can take the wind out of your sails. The plus is, you just get more powerful as you tackle them step by step.

you ran an unfamiliar venue-new streets, unknown intersections, unfamiliar neighborhoods can contribute to slower times. The upside is that your races are also conducted in unfamiliar locals, so use the experience to grow as a runner.

you dodged wild animals or other obstacles-just as in the warrior dash, Spartan race, tough mudder, you never know what your challenges will be. Take it in stride, take your time and negotiate those obstacles. If not, your penalty could be more impacting than a few burpies.

you did not allow recovery, or were just plain tired-lack of sleep or failure to rest weary muscles and organs can lead to fatigue and slow times. Take one to two days to rest and feel the distance. The upside is purposefully planning a few weeks without rest will help build your endurance and resiliency. This should be performed with caution and purpose and for short periods.

you ran at different times of the day-I know my run times are slower very early in the morning. They are faster in the evenings. Mix it up aka, keep it real. Test your body by moving your training times.

The downside to slower runtimes is just pride pure and simple. However, in some circumstances, they could be health related, so go check it out. When not health related, keep going, don't let slower times upset you or interrupt your training. Better to have a slow training day than to have no training at all. Keep learning about your body, ask questions and keep pursuing excellence.


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