Running Rut?

by Jay
(New Zealand)

Hey there, I seem to be in running rut, where I haven't seen much improvement for a while now, i.e. more than 6 months). I run around 80kms a week, and go for a good long run on the weekends.



I just had a race last week, a half marathon and felt like I couldn't hold the pace, I started out quick but fell off after about 6-7kms thinking I had gone out way to quick, and was disappointed with my time for the amount of training I had done.

My training has most building blocks, i.e. varied, so I am unsure what to do. Does this sound common? How do I improve my speed endurance?

Thanks for any tips..............


Answer by Dominique:


Hi Jay,

Thanks for your question about your running rut. I think everyone, from time to time, will have this periods that they feel like they are not improving, or are going backwards. I know I am!

You do good mileage. Although I can't evaluate your running program, it sounds like you are doing training at all the different speeds.



First of all you need to work out whether this was just a bad race or really a sign of standing still.

A bad race can have many different reasons. You need to evaluate your performance of the day and think back. How did you sleep, did you eat well before the race, what was your taper like, did you just go out way too fast and did that backfire?

One important, often ignored, part of running training is goal pace running. Whenever you are preparing for a key race, it is advisable to include a number of goal pace sessions in your training, close to race date. For a half marathon the double-six, i.e. six miles easy, six miles goal pace is a good session.

These goal pace sessions help you understand what your current ability is and can help stop you from going out too fast.

Another idea is to have a good hard look at your training. When you start hitting higher mileage, then you run the risk of no longer taking a real hard/easy approach, because you want to cover sufficient mileage every day.

Your hard runs might have been too easy and your easy runs might have been too hard. Sometimes you might actually do better at somewhat lower mileage, just in order to make sure that you can hit it hard when you are doing your speed work.

I would suggest that you don't panic just yet. Pick a new key race and start training for it. It does not need too be the same distance.

A good approach to this kind of issue, is that if you feel like you are not getting the improvement you need for the half marathon, it may help to focus on a shorter distance for now, i.e. 5k/10k.



You can capitalize on that higher mileage with some good speed work and set a personal best for those shorter distances.

Then after that you can use that speed work and intensity to your advantage when you take on the half marathon again.

Hope this helps.
Wishing you best of luck.
Kind regards,
Dominique

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Running Training Helpline.



Like this page:


Share this page:


Like this site:


[?] Subscribe To This Site

XML RSS
follow us in feedly
Add to My Yahoo!

Helpful
Resources

  • Beginner Running Tips

    Are you a beginning runner? Then this is your best starting point. Many tips and running programs on offer, dedicated to you.

  • Running for Weight Loss

    Aiming to lose a few pounds? Get into the Running for Weight Loss section for tips and advice.

  • Running Training

    The Running Training section of the site has got the most articles. It is constantly getting updated with new tips and information. A must-visit if you are serious about improving your running performance.

  • 5k Running Tips

    The 5k is a great distance to run and train for. The great thing is that you can do it quite often and see big improvements.

  • 10k Running Tips

    The 10k is a real challenge. You need to run fast for an uncomfortably long time! Check out this section if you are strong of mind and legs!

  • Marathon Running Tips

    The marathon is a massive challenge. Proper training is so important! Make sure to check out this section if you have got your mind set on the marathon!




What's New?

  1. Five Tips for Running the Mile

    Want to improve your mile time? Here are some tips for running the mile that should help make you faster.

    Read more

  2. What is The Best Way to Train for a Beginning Runner?

    I have been running for a little over a month. I seem to be in decent shape for a former smoker. I started with 2 miles per run, twice a week for the

    Read more

  3. Is Distance Running Bad For You?

    Hi, I'm Anne, a 45-year-old who has newly discovered my love for running. I started three months ago when I participated in a fun run during which

    Read more

  4. Beginner Running with Ankle Pain

    I am 48 years old and I started running a couple weeks ago. You know run, walk when needed type stuff. I have gone out about five times doing pretty

    Read more

  5. Can Only Run Three Consecutive Days

    I am a truck driver who works every Monday morning to Thursday evening on the road. I am either driving or sleeping on the road and my truck only

    Read more