Running Faster: How Do I Do It? - JP Fitness Forums

Danagrrl · 08-08-2005, 04:49 PM

Hi Everyone,
I am brand new to this site and I am so happy about all of the enthusiasm.

I am wondering if anyone has any tips on how to run faster. I am training for a 1/2 marathon in October and I am pretty much on track with my training (had some plantar facitis issues that are now under control). I guess what I am saying is that irregardless of what I do, I tend to fall right back into my turtle mile pace when I am running.

I feel comfortable when I am running (a little heavy-clunky on my feet--I'm going to try some new shoes) and when I am done I have a lot of energy. This is not making me happy, as I used to (15 years ago) clear a 6:00 mile. I know that's unrealistic for me now, but I'd be happy with a 9 minute mile, and THRILLED with an 8/8.5.

Any and all help would be appreciated...

ReadyDad · 08-09-2005, 08:22 AM

I'll give a try at advice, seeing as I just set my personal best-ever mile time at 8:21 (Hey, I started at 11:42.)

Training with a heart rate monitor has been very helpful fo me, since it gives me a pretty good idea of when I am pushing myself enough and not overdoing it.

In terms of form, I am trying to use shorter strides and use a light touch on the mid-to-front part of my feet. In terms of sheer speed, this has made a big difference because the compact movements seem to be more efficient.

I hope this is helpful. I am planning on doing the 10 mile race in Harvard (Oct. 1). Will you be there?

BamaDave · 08-09-2005, 10:52 AM

You may want to try running intervals at faster pace during at least some of your training runs. These can either be pre-planned distances on a track, or more variable in length and/or time. If you run a Google Search for "Fartlek intervals," you should pull up some good info. on how to incorporate these into your training.

Danagrrl · 08-09-2005, 11:29 AM

thanks for replying
I actually do use a heart monitor, although I am wondering if it is programmed correctly. Any ideas where to look to chart it?

I also use track runs (I'm trying to work off the FIRST plan) and while I can get my times down-way down- on the track, I am not sure why sustaining them is so hard...I may try to incorporate more of those speed workouts from July RW mag (those are great).

I like the comments on form--I am wondering if that may be part of it. I feel, more often than I'd like, that I have lead weights on my feet. Even when I was competing in h.s. and weighing in at (gasp!) 96 pounds, I still felt "heavy". I am sure this is affecting my form, as pics of me look like I am being pulled down into the ground.

No, I won't be at Harvard...doing Baystate 1/2 instead.

Again, any and all f/b is apprciated