I have been trying to follow some advice as I am trying to train for a long run. So I ran a long way slowly…why is it that my legs hurt more now than if I had run that same distance but 1 minute per k faster? I am honestly after some advice here as I must be doing something odd. I ran 28k at an avg pace of 5:30 per k. This is slower than I have run for a while and I felt great appart from my right calf muscle wanting to explode and my left calf muscle turning to stone! is it just that I need to get used to running at a slower pace or does it sound like I have a very odd running style?
thanks
Johan the confused and slightly more sore than he should be
I can’t speak to your specific biomechanics or running style but I can say one thing which I think might help you a bit. Try not to run “slowly.” Try to run easily.
That’s the best way I can describe it. Don’t get too caught up in a particular pace value, though it’s good to have an upper-limit, sanity-check pace in your head. Every minute or two ask yourself, “Does this feel easy? Is it relaxed and almost effortless?” If the answer is yes, then you are probably OK. If not, then… well… relax.
I know I say this a lot but frankly it’s something I have to remind myself of on repeatedly, every single run, every single day. It needs to be a mantra.
well it could be as easily as that your engine is strong, but your body isnt a fan of being on your feet for that much longer. when ultramarathoner dean karnazes did the 50 marathons in 50 days he said that his body felt better when he ran faster rather than just strolling along and making it easier, this running for a longer time
I did a half marathon a couple weeks ago with a buddy who is a pretty “new” runner. I typically would run a half in about 1:30 - 1:35 but I chose to run it with him (I was coming off a half IM the week before). We finished in 2:00. It was way more painful running slow for two hours but I was not sore at all the next day (unlikely if I would have “raced”).
Well I have obviously picked up an injury as today my right leg feels like the calf (just under the knee and to the outside slightly) is on fire. I guess its a simple case of upping the mileage way too quick (after my IM I did a HIM and then dropped off quite a lot, since I have been doing 15k reg running and intervals now I started doing 25k + regularly…). I like the idea of the “easy” rather than “slow” as this seems to be my issue. Saturday I was only thinking slow and in fact when I let my mind wander (which doesnt take very long) I picked up the pace without knowing so I guess I just need to find what works. First things first is to let my leg get better. As a little side note - I thought it would be a great idea to start using my MTB to get to work this morning, so off I go and then it snows, rains and starts to blow! I managed to freeze my hands, ass, legs and head! got to love this out doors lifestyle…