Well yesterday’s run was very interesting because I deliberately held myself back in the pursuit of conserving energy. For example, I figure that if I can run at a steady pace and not vary it during the course of the run then perhaps I’d feel less ‘pushed’ and stressed during and after the run. In effect, enjoying the run more…
So where I’d usually perhaps run a little bit faster (because I can) I didn’t and up and down the straights, I tried to keep a steady pace. The result of course was exactly as I predicted. It was a much smoother and enjoyable run, it felt easier – because I was consistent and I becamee acclimatised to that level of consistence/pace.
The interesting thing is is that my time was not that that far off had I run at my usual varying pace, sure It was a bit slower by a bit (10 seconds) and was a certainly, I’d estimate about 30% easier run than the run before. For example, a week back I ran a 4:13 and yesterday I run a 4:33.
So no need to go out hell for leather, but if you do, do it consistently and it will make the run easier.