One of the most underrated and misunderstood training runs is the “easy pace” run. Understanding the easy pace and how to incorporate it into your training is essential if you want to improve your speed and endurance. So why are these leisurely runs fundamental to your training?
The Science of Easy Pace Running
Easy-pace running is aimed at building your aerobic energy system. This system is critical to all runners since it helps increase your body’s efficiency in using oxygen to produce energy. With better aerobic conditioning, you can easily run for extended periods without getting tired, improving your stamina.
Easy pace runs are also less intense and gentler on your muscles, joints, and ligaments. This gradual adaptation to running helps lower the risk of injuries, ensuring safer and more sustainable training. When you need active recovery, go for the easy run. Especially after a race or intense training session, an easy run can expedite recovery. It can stimulate circulation and help with toxin removal. This easy pace run is also helping you prep for any upcoming training.
How to Determine Your Easy Pace
Your maximum heart rate (Max HR) is a benchmark for structuring your training intensities. Your easy or conversational pace should align with 60-75% of your Max HR. This range ensures you exercise within the aerobic zone, optimizing energy usage without overexertion. This run should feel comfortable and sustainable. You’re likely hitting the right pace if you can hold a conversation or speak in complete sentences without struggling for breath. Keeping the pace “conversational” is a great way to gauge this run if you don’t (or can’t) track your heart rate. Often times, this is a better gauge anyway.
Easy Runs and Performance Enhancement
By boosting your aerobic capacity, easy runs enable you to sustain effort over longer distances, a crucial factor in endurance sports.
Contrary to what you might think, slowing down can boost your speed. A solid aerobic base, built through easy runs, allows for more effective high-intensity training and faster race times. Of course you’re not off the hook… you DO still have to run fast, to run fast 🙂
Easy runs allow for increased weekly mileage without overwhelming your body, fostering consistent, injury-free training.
Tips for Leveraging Easy Runs
- Embrace the Pace: It’s important to keep your easy runs easy. Let go of any pressure to push hard constantly. Don’t worry about what your friends are posting on Strava.
- Form Focus: Utilize these runs to concentrate on your running form, enhancing efficiency and reducing injury risks.
- Enjoyment: Use your easy runs to relax, take in your environment, enjoy music or podcasts, or engage in introspection.
- Terrain Variety: Mixing up your routes and running surfaces can keep your routine engaging and stimulate different muscle groups.
Integrating easy-pace runs into your training regimen is a strategic move for any runner aiming to improve. These runs build a solid aerobic base, prevent injury, and facilitate recovery. Remember, only some runs need to be intense to be effective. Embrace your easy days, and you’ll run faster and stronger. Keep on running, and enjoy every step of the journey!
Need help getting started?
As a running coach, I work with people at all fitness and experience levels. So I can help get you started, build you a plan, and work with you every step of the way. Whether you are just starting out, or ready to train for your first (or next) race, I can help.