Thoughts on running and pace

[fraudirector]

So, I'd pretty much convinced myself that despite all assurances the 5K course last Friday was short. I really didn't think there was any way I'd completed a full 3.1 miles in 34:07... until my run yesterday afternoon

Comments

[tenner]

Very cool!

I find that my pace is kind of "quantized". There are certain speeds that I naturally gravitate to (11:30/mi, 10:45, 10:20, and 9:45 or so).

To attempt to justify this with science, I'd guess that it's because of the natural resonance frequency of one's body; given certain dimensions and muscle tone the body it just feels more comfortable going at particular speeds.

So, perhaps you jumped a gap in your allowable speeds?

[pallagia]

Awesome!
(sorry typing one handed so no long response)

[psychowoof]

Very cool.

In regards to what tenner said, I think this is why I find it hard to get into running. My body wants to move at a faster speed than my fitness level allows. I've always been this way, somewhat. As a kid, I could bring in pretty good times in sprints and short distances, I was horrible at longer distances.

[bruhsam]

Double Awesome! I found that as I got faster it would come in jumps. The biggest was last year when I was regularly clocking a minute faster (pace-wise) in my daily 3 mile runs. The first few times I thought I was going to fast but I eventually realized that I just had a new pace. :)