10.11 miles this morning with my Irving Running Club crew. I love running with this girl especially because she is always so bubbly at 5:30 a.m. How she does it, I do not know. I clearly need to buy the coffee that she is drinking.
So today I thought I’d chat real quick about a few reasons why you shouldn’t overlook the beauty of the ‘easy’ run. Sure, we all need our speed work, track, tempo days where we bump up the intensity but scaling it back is important as well.
–Time on your feet. Yes, it is true that the more time you are able to get in on your feet, the more efficient you become as a runner. That is why we do our long runs. They are the bread and butter of any training program.
–Less stress on the body. You need those days that challenge you and days that help you recover. Rest days and easy days are both important and you should definitely do both. Motion is lotion, so if you are able to get back out there after a hard workout and do some easy running it will be less impact on your body so you can get back out there to do the hard stuff.
–It’s good for you mentally. Easy running helps you to really know your body and what it needs. It is nice some days to just get out there and not have to worry about being a slave to numbers.
–Injury prevention. We all know those runners that seem to GO HARD all the time and then all of a sudden they are sidelined on injury boulevard. Don’t be that runner. You are welcome.
–It helps to gauge and get an idea of what your easy pace is…you can find out here.
How is your training going? Do you run with a club, solo, or both?
Both. I equally love my solo and running friend time.
thedancingrunner 
I primarily do solo running. I’m trying to do my longer runs with a group though. 🙂
Sweet! I’m sure there are some solid running groups where you are!!
I used to run with a group of friends, but then they kind of dwindled off the running game, then I ran with our local Team RWB, but then the captain changed dates and time that I really don’t know how anyone can make!!?? Currently, during the week I’m solo, but on the weekends its me and the BF!!
Have a great day!!
Jodi
Yeah it can be hard when not all of your friends are on board with training! I hear ya!! I hear Team RWB is amazing. Enjoy those solo runs!
I do solo running because it gives a chance to just be alone in the world. But, I think that I’m going to start running with the Brooklyn chapter of Front Runners (I might as well put those membership dues to use). They are bringing back interval training on Thursdays. I figure that I may have more discipline to do interval training with a group; you know, with the whole competitive nature.
Speaking of discipline, you are great for running at 5:30am.
haha why thank ya! Sounds like you have a great squad out there to join too!!
We’ll see. I did a couple of runs with them last year, before my back injury, and some of them seemed to be very catty (not directly towards). Who knows, maybe I was a little sensitive with joining a new group.
HAHAHA well there will be your occasional assholes just like any group! That’s what’s so fun about checking out different groups, you find out what works best for you. Some people just prefer to run alone and that is okay, too! 😉 Happy running to you!
Most of the time I run Solo. Sometimes I follow my hubby yes follow haha he run faster. But this next weekend I’m going to try a running group. Let’s see!
Awesome! Enjoy it!! It’s a great way to make some true blue run buds!
Thanks!
I like a mix of solo and with others– what tips do you have for finding other people who like to run in the AM? Accountability is key, especially near dawn!
I recommend checking out your local running apparel store, a lot of them have social groups that link up during the week to run. Also check out meetup online, my club actually has a page there too, to attract members to the group! There are just so many outlets to finding groups you just have to do your research. Best of luck!
I generally do solo running. I would love to find a club though, it is so much easier on those low motivation days when you know someone is waiting for you.
Good for accountability overall! When I started running marathons oh so long ago LOL I started with a training group. Makes a huge difference!!