Barry P., I just had to reply with sort of a different take....I'm completely new to training with any sort of "program." I used to just go out and do whatever, whenever I felt like it.
Which brings me to 2 weeks till my first marathon, religiously following a set program. And I feel very ready.....
I'm a very weak runner, with absolutely no track background whatsoever. When I slowed down on the long run, and continued ramping up mileage during the week, I couldn't believe the inadvertant gains. Inadvertant I say b/c it was all done UNintentionally. I slowed down more b/c I was fearful of crashing and burning during long mileage. When I'd finish and feel strong I was pleasantly surprised.
So speaking for someone who's not trying to get faster, slowing down does work. Once I let go of finishing at some arbitrary time, I found I made great gains.
Which brings me to 2 weeks till my first marathon, religiously following a set program. And I feel very ready.....
I'm a very weak runner, with absolutely no track background whatsoever. When I slowed down on the long run, and continued ramping up mileage during the week, I couldn't believe the inadvertant gains. Inadvertant I say b/c it was all done UNintentionally. I slowed down more b/c I was fearful of crashing and burning during long mileage. When I'd finish and feel strong I was pleasantly surprised.
So speaking for someone who's not trying to get faster, slowing down does work. Once I let go of finishing at some arbitrary time, I found I made great gains.