Running fast (ish)

Running fast. 

That is not describing me these days.  However, I did make it to track practice tonight and ran 6 x 400 with tons of rest...hitting somewhere between 1:49--2:00 depending on the interval.  My legs just won't seem to move these days.  I think it might be because some muscles have already gone dormant, topped with a layer of fat.  (did you know it was possible to have cellulite on your arms?  oh, apparently it is.  I just made the discovery on myself.)  The good news is, running so slowly means I feel just dandy and not a bit worn out like I used to feel after track. 

Now, I am not running any prescribed pace or HR or anything at track.  I am just doing whatever my body tells me I can do for that moment.  No plan, just having fun. 

Above picture:  new grandma and pregnant lady hitting the track.  Ha ha! These are some good times ;) 

Let's just mention MAF...briefly...because it was recently brought up, and to be honest, I get questions on it all of the time.  (No, I am not running any MAF right now.  I am just RPE)  MAF does NOT equal LSD.  MAF is not slow running.  This is all complete misinformation.  If you hear people say this, stop listening immediately because they don't know what they are talking about. 

I could do a WHOLE blog just on this topic.  I swear I won't.  I can't even touch the tip of the iceberg in a post.  But just a few thoughts...

My recommendations to becoming a better runner and getting the most out of your workouts is the following:  get off of blogs, articles, slowtwitch, and podcasts and read the people that really know what they are talking about.  Read Jack Daniel's Running Formula and underline, highlight, and study the principals of running systems and speed until you truly understand it.  Read Lydiard and get an idea of how he trained champions.  Read Maffetone and really understand what he is saying about deepening your aerobic base IN ADDITION to later adding speedwork and anaerobic training.  Read all of the coaches and scientists and really try to understand the PURPOSE of each of your runs.  It is to work on your threshold?  Is it to run easy for fun?  Is it to increase your aerobic system and speed?  Is it to improve your V02max? 

Slow and easy and MAF....none of these are synonymous.  They all mean different things...sometimes they are the same, but that is not by design. If you are running slow and easy and MAF, then you ARE NOT AEROBICALLY FIT.  So, when I hear someone say that MAF makes you a slow runner...well....it tells me they have not ready any of Maffetone's work or truly understand the principles.  (not to mention MAF is designed to be used for a period of time, followed by interval work/speed work, etc...)  MAF is not a speed.  And yes, to reach your potential, you do need interval and speed work in addition. 

Let me repeat that, because someone will overlook it and then chew me a new one in the comments.  Yes, to maximize your running ability if you choose to use MAF at any point in your training, you do need to add a period of interval and speed work for anaerobic development. 


Now, I don't care if anyone uses MAF in their training.  It makes no difference to me.  It is a tool.  I think it is a great one.  Some people don't like HR monitors.  Some people run wonderfully on RPE.  You don't have to use MAF.  But, I do like to see athletes learn and share good knowledge with others, and I hate to see misinformation out there. 

When I start running after pregnancy, I will definitely be doing MAF for a while.  I have the discipline to do it...but then again, I know it pays off.  And I know I will also have a decreased chance of injuring myself plus an increased ability to add overall mileage safely.  Plus, I know when I spend some time using MAF, I will be faster.  It is a secret I like to keep to myself.  ;)

So that is my $.02...for what it is worth.  But like I said....get off of amateur athlete blogs and such and go read some really good books!