SLOW DOWN
It might seem contradictory, but the key to realising your running potential is running easy for the majority of your runs. ‘Easy’ running is how you develop your body’s aerobic capacity: how efficiently your body can deliver oxygen to your working muscles. “Aerobic development is the single most important factor to long-term development in running,” says Runners Connect coach Jeff Gaudette. He points out that in order for you to develop this crucial system, you need to run at a pace that falls within your aerobic zone. The easiest way to determine this ideal pace is to simply run at a ‘conversational pace’, where you can speak without shortness of breath.