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Enjoying Running
Absolutely agree with Nigel about running too fast most of the time in training. I've recently started a programme of base building, having read a lot about it on the Runners' World website and various links therein. It seemed like a sensible way to go to safely increase mileage and at the same time train my aerobic system and all those slow-twitch mitochondria in my muscle fibres. I'm finding it hard to go from about 8-8:30 minute miles to 10+, but it's enabling me to run easily on consecutive days which previously I found difficult. Now that I'm using a heart rate monitor I'm learning what different efforts really feel like: previously I tended towards the "one pace for all" approach, whether it be a training run, a long run or a race. What I discovered through using a heart rate monitor was that what I perceived as an "easy" run was actually not easy at all. And sometimes I'd set out to run "easy" but when I worked out my pace it was closer to tempo speed.
Slowing down on these dark winter nights has got to be an advantage in more ways than one, too - it gives me time to see that raised paving stone before I trip over it, time to see that dog poo before I step in it and time to enjoy my running rather than feeling under constant pressure to race against myself.
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