Yesterday during a run, I mixed in a few bursts of fast running. It then seemed like after each burst, the corresponding easy running portion afterwards somehow became (or at least felt) easier.
I will also mention that this isn’t the first time I’ve recognized this phenomenon.
I don’t think it’s a matter of faster running “warming up” the muscles, as I had already been running for 15 minutes or so.
Here’s an analogy I’ve been thinking about. If you always lift say 100 pounds, then maybe you can build your endurance for that weight, but it may never truly become “easy”. But if you strengthen and learn to lift 200 pounds, and then go back to 100 pounds, it should now be easier relative to your increased strength level.
I wonder if the same applies to running: faster running builds your system or gives you more metabolic “headroom”, such that it makes slower running easier.
Try uphill runs. They will make slow runs extremely easy (but very boring.)
I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t even enjoy running so I’m thinking of switching to shorter runs 2-3k that are fast and hopefully fun. I think I grew bored of maintaining a pace for x km. I’m wondering if it will have a similar effect if I do decide to run 5k or longer or if I will just get pooped out because I’m not used to the distance.
Ah! Finally, a answer to my question that has plagued me for all the years I’ve been running. [a grand total of 4] Awesome post! Thanks! I’ve been reading through your blog and really enjoy it.