One Step at a Time

Comment by jeff

Thursday July 21, 2005 @ 7:01 am

that depends…there are times when i’m running with friends and we’re putting in too much effort to talk, other times, conversation is a breeze. it all goes back to the purpose of the run. are you running with tara (and vice versa) for the workout or for the companionship? if the later, i’m sure she’d be willing to slow it down so your speach isn’t laboured.

Comment by susan

Thursday July 21, 2005 @ 5:24 pm

I thought of that very thing this morning while running a little slower…and kind of singing while I was running. Last weekend, when I ran with faster friends, I could hardly keep my breathing under control…today, no problem. I guess it all depends on whether you are running your training pace or your race pace. Sometimes, as Jeff says, you need to decide your purpose. Good luck!

Comment by david

Friday July 22, 2005 @ 6:47 pm

If you can’t talk you’re working hard and benefiting the body. If you can talk you’re working hard to benefit the mind. Both are important so go either way.

Comment by BD

Friday July 22, 2005 @ 10:45 pm

It depends on whether you want to run above or below your lactate threshold. If you want to run below it to train your body for long sustained paces then you should be able to speak pretty comfortably. If you want to run above it to increase your speed and stamina then you probably won’t be able to converse very easily. Also, as Jeff notes it depends on whether you are together for companionship or as motivation to run hard.

Comment by BD

Friday July 22, 2005 @ 10:46 pm

Oh, and runs where everything “just clicks” are the best.

Comment by Karen in Calgary

Monday July 25, 2005 @ 5:04 pm

BD has some good points. Right now as a “beginner” you probably want to just keep it at a talking pace and enjoy stretching out the runs longer and longer. Once you finish the learn to run course you’ll have a good base and will be better set for speedier workouts.

I have an advisor who’s favourite tip to me is “Shut up and run” when it comes to 5 and 10k races. It’s taken up to 7 minutes off my 10k time! If I can say “Hi I’m Karen, where’re you from” to a fellow racer, I’m not working hard enough. But that’s just for race paces.

Comment by Jon in Michigan

Thursday July 28, 2005 @ 1:59 pm

I think for the long runs you should be able to talk while running easily. You are still breathing harder than normal, but you shouldn’t be gasping for air. On the “faster” runs, maybe not so much talking.

And don’t try talking while you are running alone. Weird looks. Just sayin’.