Speedwork for the casual runner?

"timeOday" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
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Quoted message said:

When I read in here about people like Doug Freese who run all the
time, I think "how can they do it," in the same way that I wonder how
Chinese women who have to make a living by weaving baskets for 16
hours per day their whole life can stand it.

It's true my races and a few training runs are longer than most folks
but believe me, my mileage is much lower than most on the group.

Quoted message said:

Does any of this resonate at all, or do most of you just find running
to be pleasurable most or all of the time? Could upping my mileage
rewire my brain, or was running always naturally inviting to you?

This is hard to answer. Some years back I used to do most of my summer
distance training alone and from time to time I would question why am I
doing this. The past three to four years I had some of my winter running
friends keep me company during the summer. While I can run alone and
still do from time to time, having people with me is so enjoyable.

I'm not sure that simply increasing your mileage will change your
wiring. Whether it's 3 miles or 30 miles I typically find that the it's
the last 10-15% of a run that is difficult. It's more of a case of
finish impatience. Do you find every inch an effort or just the later
stages? If the former then I don't know what to suggest other get some
compatriots to run with. If it's the later stages then you can slowly
increase the first 80% before you enter boring time.

I also break my efforts into small increments be it laps, fractions(1/4,
1/2, etc) or aid stations. Chopping it into pieces allows smaller but
constant progress. If I'm running up a long hill I never loop at the top
but just a few feet in front. A mini head game but worth a try.

I also drive to different places for variety and/or try to hook with
others. Of course this is a hell of lot easier when retired with an
empty nest.

Soooo, people, smaller increments and variety keep my basket weaving in
the comfort zone. If you're also a Type A+ then there are personality
differences. Maybe some Ritalin? 😉

-DougF

timeOday said:

Stress really isn't the problem. To be honest it's more like boredom,
or laziness.

It can actually get less boring if you slow it down. Sometimes, what looks
like "boredom" can have a lot to do with the fact that you're running hard
enough that it requires too much concentration for too much time.

Quoted message said:

Honestly, don't you ever find running to be like mowing
the lawn, where you want the lawn to look good but you're sick of mowing
and you just wish it would be over already?

Yes. That's when I take a break. I do this either by running very slowly, or
taking time off (anything from a day to two weeks)

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi
http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/