I'm getting faster; is this a good thing?

[Paul Steadman]

I have been running seriously for about 10 weeks. As I understand it,
this is a time I might see some gains. Well my last couple of runs have
been markedly but unintentionally faster than previous ones. I guess
that's a good thing but should I be taking steps to moderate my pace to
protect connective tissues that may not be as developed as larger
muscles, cardio-vascular system etc.?

Thanks in advance,

Paul

[Layne Wallace]

Hi, Paul,

I don't know if this will help much but my first runs were in the 14min/mile
range. I haven't tried to get faster just fitter and my event pace has
dropped under 10min/mile. I've also worked pretty hard to find a form that
keeps my knees from hurting and that has actually increased my pace. I'm not
sure that slowing down to protect beginning bodies is worthwhile until the
beginner has the right form. Of course, I'd certainly defer to the more
experienced folks here.

Layne

[Ozzie Gontang]

In article <3C275C54...@the-wire.com>, Paul Steadman
<pa...@the-wire.com> wrote:

Paul,

You'll get faster as you get in better cardiovascular condition. Know that
building a base according to Arthur Lydiard, one of the leaders in jogging
and also in coaching world class athletes, it's important to build a
foundation for 2 or 3 years. As long as you're listening to your body and
steady in your training, you'll improve.

Since improvement is over time, don't allow yourself to get caught in the
syndrome that each run has to be faster than the previous.

Play with good running form and style. Mainly keep enjoying yourself.

--
In health and on the run,
Ozzie Gontang
Maintainer - rec.running FAQ
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/by-newsgroup/rec/rec.running.html
Director, San Diego Marathon Clinic, est. 1975

Mindful Running http://www.mindfulness.com/mr.asp

[Jeff]

"Paul Steadman" <pa...@the-wire.com> wrote in message
news:3C275C54...@the-wire.com...

No.

-jeff

>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Paul

[Tim Downie]

"Paul Steadman" <pa...@the-wire.com> wrote in message
news:3C275C54...@the-wire.com...

Interesting question. Nearly everyone has heard of the 10% rule for
distance (i.e. don't increase your weekly milage by more than 10% per week)
but I've often wondered if one shouldn't also consider *effort*. Harder to
quantify but nearly all my aches and pains have been a result of increasing
my effort/speed rather than my distance. Of course speed gives you part of
the info but doesn't take into account hills etc.

On the whole however, I think the key word in your post is
"unintentionally". If you're finding relatively easy then you're probably
not pushing yourself too hard.

Tim