Sadly, every run is a slow run for me since December. Living in South-Eastern Ontario we have lots of snow, ice and cold. So, there is no chance to gain any speed when you have to worry about proper footing, twisting your ankle, moving with multiple layers on, etc. While it's created a great aerobic base and I've now run 68 days in a row, I'm wondering how well my fast runs are going to be, when we finally get some decent weather.
I do one speed session a week, and 1 long run around marathon pace. All the other runs (4/week) are done at or below MAF, although I calculated my MAF a little differently. I am feeling like there are improvements coming. I have already increased my weekly mileage by 25% without any strain. I can run long one day and then come back and run the next day with no problems.
I did a full four months of only low heart rate running and have built up a good base. Only now am I adding in tempo and speed runs. It's helped me up my mileage significantly and really helped me enjoy running so much more! I now do about 80% slow runs and a mix of tempo etc for the rest. Bring on an ultra I reckon!!!
I’ve made a conscious effort to run slower on my easy days. Had to leave my ego at the door and just slow it down. The result is that my heart rate is much lower on most runs now and I’m PBing at every distance! I’m a big fan 👍
Same. Took me years and years of constant injuries and no progress before I finally realized the problem. Implemented this into my training and now I have seen drastic improvements and I've been pretty injury-free.
Same! My HR last year for my half marathon was 163 for 8:10 miles. Not I’m at 144 for 8:10 miles and 7:30 for 163 HR miles 😂🎉shaved nearly 10 minutes off
@@na-dk9vm Probably about a year but then the PBs keep on coming. Bearing in mind I’m 51 and I’m running faster than I’ve ever run (started running regularly at 40). I’ve run 3 Boston qualifying marathons and PB’d again in the marathon in October 22 and the half in Jan 23. My heart rate has also really come down on my easy runs. Consistently around 140. 😊👌
Year and half ago I was 115kg, just decided to eat whatever I want twice a day only and run daily minimum 5km. Once a week fast as possible, rest of the week medium and once a week very slow but long as possible. Today I am 83kg, pushing 5k run on 26:50min, 10k on 58min, and 21.1km on 02:20:00+-. What i thought that wasnt even possible for me to walk, I am running that non stop. With no previous knowledge, just a sheer will and daily dedication to unfk my life. I was never happier.
If only some of the people I know would adopt that attitude. It is a mystery to me how they can pull themselves down insisting they will never be able (physically) to do this, declaring their bodies are just not made for exercise and denying all and every scientific evidence. Next, they are likely to suffer horrible final decades of their lives. Not that I wish that to happen, but it is foreseeable. Not only do they deprive themselves of a healthier life till the end, but just as important of an amazing amount of enjoyment, confidence and endorphins going along. It is like finding a gold nugget and saying nah it is not for me.
@@isaacgove hey what's up? My 5k PR is 28:29mins. Maintaining my Zone 2 runs twice or thrice a week + tempo sessions once a week to complete my 80/20 training. So far so good. I hope you're crushing those PBs too.😇
I’ve started running like a month ago, my initial z2 pace was really really shitty, like 12:00/km. Now it’s a bit better, about 10:00/km. Can’t wait to run at 5:00/km 😁
Slow running has been the most important thing I learned as a runner. Makes running so much more enjoyable in the long run, which brings consistency and in turn progress.
Love this. My first advice to 90% of my clients is "slow down!". I'd echo all of Andy's points, and add another: I'm a fan of polarised training (the 80/20 rule) and plenty of research supports the idea that you get faster by running no more than 20% of your miles hard. If I run slower, I can run more. If I run more, I can 'afford' more fast miles. If I run more fast miles, I get faster. When I started, I used to run 20miles a week, mostly hardish, and get injured. By making my slow runs properly slow, I ended up increasing my mileage to 50-60miles/week, without injury, and 'allowing' myself 10-12 fast miles total per week.
Are you also fan of MAF method? The MAF HR is 9 beats slower for me that heart reserve aerobic zone. I struggle to stay withing the latter, I cant imagine going even slower
Well, too bad that Hale Geberselasse and Moh Farah never heard of running slower to race faster. They could have saved themselves the pain of interval training and still set world records and won olympic medals. go figure
@@franciscotoro9454 Farah is a famous exception - he did most of his running at about 4min/km until he teamed up with Salazar who shifted him closer to 3:30/k for all his running (even for Farah that's a bit of a push). Salazar has of course since been banned for his creative approaches to recovery from training, all wrapped up in his approach to hammering his athletes' training loads and intensity levels past the point that would usually cause injury. No evidence that he ever doped Farah himself but if he didn't then Farah is one of those unique characters who can actually tolerate that training. The exception that proves the rule.
Nobody is suggesting running slower all the time, if a runner just ran slow all the time, they would end up a slow runner, you still do intervals, hills and tempo sessions, but most of your training should be easy.
Having slowed down my easy runs completely during marathon training, I took 8 minutes off my PR at a 10k race yesterday. It definitely works! And that's only 6 weeks into training!
Thanks for sharing! This is encouraging because slow runs can feel like not making progress because you’re not challenging yourself. It’s great to know that one can see improvement after just 6 weeks!
woah! congratulations. I had only trained for 7-10 runs in the aerobic zone and today I was able to do sub 30 minutes 5k easily. It used to take so much effort with increased risks earlier.
Throw the heart rate/MAF out the window and just run at conversational pace. 180-age is similiar to 220-age. It's just another number that doesn't work for everyone. It's so much more enjoyable just running and not constantly checking your HR. Build the mileage consistently and you'll get faster.
Yes I'd definitely be wary of any one size fits all approach, and conversation pace is a great way of making it applicable to everyone. Lots of interest in the MAF method, so we'll look into it a bit more and see what we find out!
Been doing a lot of zone 2 training with an elliptical to reduce injury risk and increase fitness. This has led me to actually run more km each week with a lower hr. Idk how it looks to others on Strava. I workout for myself not to impress the world.
😂 At the moment as a 33 minute Parkrunner all my runs are slow runs Andy. But I'm getting there. Weight is my biggest problem. Currently I am 65 years old and 110 Kg and losing. I run 3 or 4 times a week including a Parkrun. I always do a slow run on Sunday morning after Parkrun and I agree on the benefits. I hope to break 30 minutes this year (2023) and I hope your channel will help... no pressure on you and your colleagues then.
After a 10 year rest from running and hiting the big 70, I'd no idea what sort of shape I'd be in. Tried a couple of years ago to get back into it but injured after a very short time. Took a much steadier approach and slow runs are an integral part of my routine. I also use the local section of the Trans Pennine Route which is much kinder on my knees. Since November, my parkrun times have come down considerably. There are days when I take it steady and I use fartlek sessions to help with muscle memory for the speedier bits. Hitting 75% age graded at races, not bad at all.
This is so valuable to me as a crazy person who used to think that there was no gain without pain. And I made myself ill because of it. But to hear you saying to do whole WEEKS of lower intensity, when I struggle to take a day off is really helpful. I'm always scared I'll go backwards. Thank you.
I think it was 25 years ago I did a run with a heart rate below 180 when I reached the finish line :-) Simply impossible to go slow, I feel unease when I try. But here's to a change of mind. I WILL run a marathon again, no matter what the doctors say. Thanks for the video. Great stuff as always.
I’ve not run since I was at school but have come back to it after over a decade of cycling. I started with daily 1 hour walks and after a month decided to start running slowly on my walks. I have feel an improvement in fitness and my knees are not aching so there is merit in taking it slow. I look forward to building my aerobic base and later focusing on strength and speed.
I started with certain breathing techniques while running in 2022 and do MAF since 2023 (so round 6 weeks in; 138hbps). I improved dramatically (pace, distance, well-being, pain). So yes, a separate video on MAF is very appreciated.
There are two things that I've failed to do in nearly 20 years of long & ultra distance running. One is stretching & warming up before a run, which I'm working hard on rectifying at the moment. The second thing is doing slow training runs, which is the antithesis of my usual "high intensity, all the time" approach to training. If I had done these two things when I was in my prime I would probably have been more successful and saved a lot of pain & strain on my poor body. Thanks so much for the advice 👍
If you can run 10K, I would go to lab and take lactate threshold test on a treadmill. I've done it twice within last five years and in both times my personal MAF has been 152bpm and lactate threshold in 170bpm range, while the 180-age would have dictated that MAF would already be under 130bpm. But this is something that can vary a lot from person to person and for that reason, I would recommend the lab, so that you learn what are the correct numbers for you.
@Juha Ylitalo I did this at Loughborough and had similar results but I was told that if you ran at a pace where it was comfortable to have a conversation and checked your bpm after 20 minutes your bpm would probably be the same as it was at the lab! Apparently, 80% of people tested you would find the same results, I tried it and he was right! I'm left scratching my head now...
@@tyemust4399 that’s just not remotely reliable mate. 80% of the time I’d guarantee you’ll be way off. Proper testing is the only way to do it accurately.
I used to go 9:00-10:00 on my easy days and max out at 7:30-8:00 on “speedwork” days. Now my easy days are 11:00-12:00 and my speedwork days are 5:45-7:00. Definitely faster now. Endurance is improving too. Went from a 7:30 mile PB to a 6:20 in about 7 months after slowing easy runs to Zone 2 and following 80/20
@@masterclass3941 I always run fast, and I am not a proper runner (ie I have never done proper training for running) my mile pb is 5:46. Even when I run a half marathon without any training I can hit 1:45, but after 5 or 6 weeks of 1 half marathon a week I can get it down to 1:37/8. This is with no easy runs. My point is, easy running isn't the only way to get faster.
Love this, Andy. I understand the science behind slow runs, but I find it extremely challenging to keep my heart rate down. Could you make a video about some strategies to stay in Zone 2?
For me, it means that I watched my heart rate carefully and needed to switch between walking and jogging frequently. Eventually I was able to just jog slowly.
I am no expert here but want to share my experience ao far. I have tried the aerobic zone running in the last 2 weeks and faced the same issue. Especially after 15-20 minutes into the run, my HR starts going higher. I had set up a HT threshold alarm on 149 ( according to my Garmin) and I slowed down as soon as it rang. It sort of worked. I was able to pull 95% of running time into the aerobic HR zone. You may try this. Happy running:)
@@PrateekSaini I did same thing and found same result…. After a couple of frustrating weeks of run/walk I found my HR was able to stay below the alert level. Might be as was more aware of how the spikes actually felt or increase in fitness
This ( great) info makes its rounds year after year and has been around for sometime, with the same , i wouldn't call 'complaints' , but blocks. ( understood..always new runners :) ) The main thing I wish the presenters would emphasize. ...it is 'training' ...you are training the body to function off diff systems. Function different than what isnt getting you gains. ( keep doin' what you been doin' keep gettin' what cha got) Same as trying to run faster. Like he mentioned about some people ( I've worked with as well) that all their workouts ..from hill repeats , medium runs, sprints etc...generally were in a narrow 15 beat window/effort. Where as the aerobically trained...can run at much broader ranges. He states he is sub 5' as well as runs 8' mi ....so yes...that might be you are a 9' mile and a Walker for the easy stuff...until.....until you get stronger and more efficient etc...through..consistent training.
I've been running back from Covid over the last four weeks so every run has been a slow run, and my heart rate has been high, however things are starting to turn for the better and today I have been able to successfully add some strides at the end of a 10k run. I would like to see how the MAF HR is adjusted for someone who is 67 as I have had to manually assess my maximum heart rate at 180!
It was last year when I accepted I didn’t have to go fast on every run, but it’s only in my marathon training this year that I’m doing proper “easy” runs (3/10 exertion level). I’m not sure yet how it’s affecting my speed, but it does seem to be improving my aerobic capacity and making me feel good after the harder exercises of the previous week.
@@runningchannel I don't think we ever did anything but tempos and threshold runs when training in high school cross country. I now understand why the whole team was always teetering the injury list and getting various RSI's. It certainly got us to a capable level at around 5:30 mile pace in 5k, but I know we could have done more if we just paced a little slower and logged more miles and kept the same tempo intensity for less overall days. Don't know until you know! I still have a hard time holding myself back knowing I can go harder, but it's sort of freeing to not push it all the time.
I did my first slow run yesterday. I did 5 miles and found a new pace that I had a heart rate below 100. I quit smoking in 2016 and quit drinking 2 months ago so this is a great feat for me. Thanks for the video.
Yes, I’d love explore the MAF training method. I really struggle with heart rate training, because when I go by Easy perceived effort, and then check my watch, it seems that I’m not in zone 2, I’m in zone 3 or 4. So it’s be great to learn more about heart rate training!
Totally agree. Been trying to keep HR below 140 but finding it means I have to run SOOO slowly 😢😂 Will stick with it I think because I believe in the science but I wish I was fitter because even 10 min miles push my HR above my MAF target of 132
@@pauljennings2425 It takes 2-3 months for your system to get good and you can speed back up. When I started doing MAF, I went from running 6 miles at 9:00/mile to 6 miles at 10:30-11:00 (having to walk at times to get HR back down). After 3 months, I could hold 9:45/mile at my HR target.
Videos like this is exactly why i love this channel so much. Slow runs make you faster is something i have heard a lot but never really understood why exactly it makes you go faster. So thank you for that.
After almost 10 months of slow running, coming back after a knee injury, I got a lot more out of My tempo and interval training in 2022 - I managed to knock almost 15 minutes of My halfamrathon PB. I´m definately sticking to slow running/ run-walk-run, as a major part of My training.
Lovely running commentary; especially spot-on regarding mood and social dynamic. I've always said that if you're having a good time you'll run a quick race and if you're running a quick race you're probably having a good time. And now I can't wait to run slowly! ;-)
But beware of the danger. "Good times create weak people, and weak people create bad times." I run a lot by myself so I can get used to being alone, so that way when I DO run with people or friends or whatnot, it feels a lot more meaningful than running with people all the time.
The best period of running in my life came after spending a year training with a friend and his very short, and short striding, sister for a half marathon. We wanted to stay with her on the long runs early in the morning so our times were in the 9:30/mi but we would go most days a week without injury. After I went back to training on my own I could comfortably run a minute faster pace on my intermediate training days.
Totally swear by the 80/20 method. I'm 54 now, been running since i was 13 and got a HM PB last year of 1:31. Patience is the key it can take a few months before you can see measurable results.
Felt a bit sluggish this morning and tried a familiar route but backwards, which I didn't realise had a lot of long slow inclines, so ran a lot more slowly. Actually felt better during the day than often do
I've never heard of the MAF method. Going to give it a try from now on. This year I am training for longer runs, so I am scouring the tube for tips and tricks to increase stamina and push through fatigue
I kept getting upper respiratory infections, various docs said it was asthma and tried me on all types of inhalor, none made a jott of difference, I have come to the conclusion that I just push myself too hard and now I'm 68 I just can't recover like I did 30 years ago, So it's time to run slower in training and not worry if someone passes me on the seafront, (Big ego) 😁 I now try and keep my HR while running under 110 apart from the odd push up the hills, It will be interesting to see how slow running affects my Park Run times, I used to race every week but will cut this down to every two weeks with a speed session in the week I don't race. Thanks Andy and team I always enjoy your videos 👍
I do my fast runs by myself throughout the week and have a good slow run on a club night by taking beginner groups and a slow ParkRun on a Saturday with my daughter. Seems to be doing the job at the moment, have only been back running a few months after a 4 year hiatus and I’m already almost back to my fastest.
Something that I picked up from watching Navy Seals guys is: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Have been applying that concept to my training (among other things in my life) and running (just started back up a few weeks ago) and it's worked wonders for me.
I’ve come back to running after a long hiatus. I’ve almost exclusively been doing low HR training up until about a month or so ago. It was hard at first, especially knowing I ran much faster. But the discipline allowed me to get much faster over time. And I tend to hit “comeback PR’s” every week. It takes discipline, but it feels great.
You still need to do the quality workouts. When training load is reduced, by switching to slow running, performance will increase at first, but that’s only temporary because that’s how fitness works. To improve fitness, and therefore performance, over the course of a season, you first need to build training load! usually by including some quality workouts. Slow running is somewhat miss-sold by some youtubers; but in this case he’s talking about including slow running into a training program, which obviously includes quality training as well.
Good video on running slow. This interest me more and more especially as i get older and older. . I would definitely be interested in a video on the MAF method. It is something I have been interested in for a while.
Great. I'm now following a plan that includes slow runs. Anyhow, I regularly do them because I run with (slower) friends and then we go for coffee. Wonderful to see that it has extra health benefits. 😀
Slow jogging book by Dr. Tanaka has truly been a big help. Whether you're a beginner or an elite athlete, this stuff works. Yuki Kawauchi has his slow jogging pace at 3-4 min slower than his marathon pace which is sub 5:00 pace per mile. That's slow for a world class runner, but it works. Seko was also asked once about his training and what his favorite part of training is and he said "jogging!" He was a 2:08 marathoner.
Over the last few months I've gone with planning out my next few runs. And ensuring there's not only a good variation of run types. But generally going for the 80/20 or 70/30 split of miles that are slow, compared to fast. A one mile warm up before a park run, plus a couple of easy miles afterwards would count as the 80 or 70. Sometimes (like tomorrow) i'll do a long slow run - as this week I've done a lot of faster miles. Running slower has definitely helped me to run faster over the last few months. There's so many benefits.
I’m following my Garmin daily suggestions and every run is pretty much a slow Base Run at the moment. I got bored of it and nearly got an injury so I’m sticking to it from now on.🙂
I try to plan a race (up to a half marathon) every 3 to 5 weeks and make the week before the race a deload week. So I combine tapering with recovery/deloading and then race at the end of that week. Works great.
It's like you've read my mind. After plateauing in terms of my running fitness, I came across the MAF method and decided to give it a go. I'm running around 80% of my mileage at or below 150 now (I'm 30), which is certainly a challenge in terms of slowing it down. I'm a few weeks in now and hoping to see significant progress moving forward with this method over the coming months. Would love to see you do a video on it.
As someone who has done maf for the past 6 months, as long as you’re taking care of the other stuff (sleep, nutrition, stress management), you’ll surely get faster with MAF. And it feels fantastic too.
The content on this channel is always good but recently it's gotten better IMHO. One thing running slower helped me do when I started running a lot more about 5yrs ago was getting rid of shin splints which at that time were horrible. By slowing down and improving each aspect of my running form bit by bit I've gotten rid of shin splints completely. It did take the best part of a year though.
I finished my first 5k forcthe first time in 28 minutes but if i ran faster I'd not have made it. 10k is a pipe dream. I only started running 6 months ago as a weight loss aid, i couldnt run 200 metres. 3 stone down and can run 3k comfortably at sub 5:00 km but then run out of steam, i slowed it down and managed to complete 5k.
This has worked for me. I'll run my miles as slow at 8:30 pace or slower. The other day I tested myself to run a 5 miles as fast as I can and I did it at 36:12. I think that's a 7:14 pace. Much faster than I ever have. I thought I was going slower than usual.
I just wanted to mention, "Dr" Phil Maffetone's doctor title is for being a chiropractor, and a LOT of his medical beliefs either border on or are outright quackery. I do think he was right about low heart rate training, though he is adamant about doing NO speed training for 4-6 months or more. Personally I tried following this and almost completely lost my ability to run fast, while making minimal gains in my aerobic levels. I've been trying to undo the damage for months and I'm only now getting back to as fast as I used to be. So please please take what he suggests with the biggest grain of salt you can find. Low heart rate training is great, but don't live and die by it.
I found the same for me. Lost my speed, lost my form, lost my joy in running because watching my HR stressed me out so much. Did I see some aerobic gains? Yes. Was it worth it? Not for me. Now I run based on RPE with an eye to how it correlates to my HR.
Sorry to hear that - my own training experience is based on a more periodised or 80/20-type approach, so I haven't ever solely stuck to slower/low HR running. Thanks for your comment and wishing you lots of luck! Andy
So pleased to hear someone else had the same experience. I MAF trained for 7 months and all it did was destroy both my fitness and my confidence! It did however make me finally reach out and find a coach and now I'm back to training in a more "normal" way for me and clawing back those loses.
@@rebecca4508 Whoa 7 months!! I stopped after 3 and regretted it, I can only imagine I'd be worse off after 7! But also you have a coach, that's probably the best way to recover! I've been working on it on my own and after 3-4 months I'm almost back to where I was, though I gave myself some mild shin splints from drastically upping my mileage (should recover in a few days). Good luck with your running!
About running during designated running events.. it’s true.. yesterday I was running at an event in Hamburg.. I felt so happy after the run… even a PB!
Please do a video on MAF training although I'm aware that it could take over 6 months to see any results! I've just started my MAF journey, I'm about one month in and after nearly 20 years of running I'm finding it truly eye opening.
I think this is very true, but the opposite is true too for me, run farther by frequently running fast. The 15 meterflight helps me to build up strength for 100 and 200 meter, 200 meters help running a 1000 at the aerobic treshold, and running 1000 meters make running at conversation speed so easy that a long run becomes a bicycle tour
@@runningchannel The Leeds Rob Burrow Marathon in May. Pleased to say that my plan not only has lots of easy runs but also intervals and tempos. 3rd week in and loving it so far!
64 yo male have lost 130 lbs in the last few years. Just started running June 30th my 1st run was .65 miles very slowly. I run about twice a week doing the same .65 and slowly adding distance when feeling good. Today I did 2 miles pretty easily my main concern is injury I run early mornimgs 4:30 am I have no problem running slow. I hope I'm not to old to start wish me luck.
Running slow works only for pro or semi-pro runners who do 70 or more miles a week. In the 1970-ties even this method was proved to have its limitations by scientists such as Verkhoshansky for example. If you’re a casual runner, who enjoys its parkrun every now and then and want to improve your time then most of your sessions must be fast. That’s the only way to gain speed, develop speed endurance and stamina. That’s how Andy was getting ready for his competitions and record breaking runs. Lots of hard, fast sessions and none of that silly long run stuff.
I have discovered very recently the Maff method and its a absolute game changer, my goals is doing long runs and that method seems to be my solution to get that goal, so yes please video on the Maff method
Running is a setup and if you can't use this setup/plan/structure well then you lack training discipline that leads to many running related issues like injury, burnout, Extreme RSS, even EA runners also run slow not what many think !! Always stay loose, and feel your run. Slow down when it requires you to and also go faster when you it is time to do that Thanks for the nice work 👍🏿
@@runningchannel yeah! Main training varies from medium to very hard effort but days after speed sessions or hard training follows a recovery run which is more of going really easy to get your body back. Also second run of the day here is just easy run with basic stretching or drills. (Many runners don't vary their training to adapt, this has been a problem) you made nice points on the video which myself keep along 👏🏿👏🏿
Just did 6.5 miles in 65 minutes… starting to make it alittle further every week before my knee bothers me so hopefully my body adapts to a point where I hardly get any knee pain
Immediately I start training again in March 2023. Last year I was stuck in a very deep rut and just failed to perform. I got slower and slower. I simply did the same runs with no variety and ran into a dead end. I could not wait to end running for the year.
Deload weeks are a great idea, I've just built these into a new training plan, really help for recuperation and recovery. Plenty of slow running in my training, generally 80/20 😀
Glad you mentioned VO2 Max improvement because I found the opposite happened. For over a year watching my score - including a 16 week garmin training plan - my score was pretty consistent at around 47. Then I listened to the prevalent advice and switched to 80/20 - four of five consecutive “slow” runs keeping to zone 2. Over three months, the VO2 Max score dropped steadily to 40. So I went back to my old running style of running for the enjoyment of running and watching perceived effort. In a month it’s up again to 45, and climbing by degrees. That’s anecdotal and I have no explanation why but I wonder if 80/20 ratio was too many runs on the slow side for me. Maybe 75/25 or 60/40? Of course, one rule doesn’t fit all, I’m guessing.
If you are talking about zones then how did you get them? If I go by default zones (1 is 50-60% from max HR, 2 is 60-70 etc) then my daily workout suggests base run (80% part) in zone 3, but if I calculate zones by heart rate reserve (HRR) then it falls to zone 2. Running in default zone 2 (used in recovery runs) is barely faster than fast walking for me and Garmin estimates that my effort is below power zone 1, suggested base run heart rate in zone 3 (HRR zone 2) seems subjectively correct and estimated power zone is 1 (easy). So the default settings are not necessarily best for everyone. I for one trust my running watch suggestions, it seems much smarter than me in health/fitness department.
@@vahurkrouverk4257 Yes, that’s Garmin zones which I follow too. I feel there’s uncertainty between Garmin HR zones 2 and 3: zone 2 is described as improving cardiovascular whereas zone 3 is described as improving heart and lungs (well, ideally I’d like my lungs improved as well as my cv). I’ve been told some other methods combine the two zones, though not entirely, and have just 4 zones; zone 2 being for cv and lungs improvement together, plus developing those little mitochondria. Before checking my HR zones, I did the Garmin 5k training plan, endorsed if not devised by pro coach, Greg McMillan. It was challenging and my “easy pace” runs were set at 5:45 to 6:15/km. This wasn’t based on HR max but previous 5km race times, the goal being to improve on that. In short, it worked. Then I tried the “HR zone 2” method (I decided on mid range Garmin zone 3 for this). It was clear that the easy pace I’d been advised on the plan was too fast for that. It took about a dozen runs before I felt the hang of it and the zone pace never went faster than 6:30/km. Btw, I also had to increase the max HR default setting, calculated by 220-age, on Garmin Connect based on my actual HR limit measured in three recent 10k race events. Yet over three months, my VO2 Max score went from a consistent 47 Superior down to 41 Excellent. While nothing to be ashamed of, I was curious why it went down when I’m told easy pace runs improve cv and lungs. For a month, I went back to running more or less Greg McMillan’s advised easy pace and the VO2 Max climbed steadily back up. At no point did, or do, I feel any different as a runner so probably it’s the methodology that’s wonky; it’s not the best fit for this individual. I remain faithful to the idea of slow running to reduce injury risk and improve health but not the one size fits all methodology, crude rules of thumb and simple watch algorithms. That’s a good starting point from nothing but don’t continue to be a slave to it; we explore and find our own individual sweet method.
I stuck to the MAFF method for a couple of years. It's a useful tool but it seems to applies best to people who have a lot of mileage under their belt and are in their 30s or 40s (because of the Heart Rate formula I think) . You also need a lot of time and patience - it makes sense for marathon runners and people who have no other hobbies other than running! It helped me run regularly without aggravating an ankle injury. So I'd say give it go but be pragmatic (stories of adherents afraid to push a supermarket trolley in case a HR spike would ruin the benefits of their MAFF workout!)
@@christaylor4758 Spot on! Such numbers in sport science can only be a guide unless one goes to a running lab to get it tested out. Only then can the accurate numbers be known for any individual. One way of running slow is to have the "guilty" feeling. That is knowing we could run way faster while on our slow run. At the same time could still hold a conversation while running slow. That's how it works for me.
I've watched so many of these run slow to go fast videos and followed the Maffetone and 80/20 rules for years, this made me a good runner and sure I could complete races. BUT it did not make me a fast racer, plus tons of slow miles is hard on the body especially when your over 50. I think this works well for some because they train too hard and are likely overtraining. What makes you fast is stimulating the body just enough to grow with sufficient recovery. Through a lot of trial and error I found the optimum stimulation comes from short hard efforts, not long slow ones. This provides the necessary stimulation at a minimal cost resulting in faster recovery. I train to perform on race day, and this method will not produce optimal results, but if you just like running a lot or just starting a running program then I would agree that low effort/HR is best.
I run 80% of all my runs slow in zone 2. It's not always easy to do, but the bennefits are there. Low risk for injuries, fast recovery, building aerobic base, etc etc. Oh, and it will help you to lose your ego... 😉😉
Running at least three slow runs a week, sticking to Zone 2 heart rate of about 138-140 bpm. Treat my hilly ParkRun (Edinburgh Holyrood) as my speed work for the week. Been seeing a lot of PBs but it’s taken a lot of time and practice.
I really disliked the feeling of running but I really wanted to incorporate it regularly for cardio, when I tried just slowing down running became easier and enjoyable!
I am not sure the MAF method "ensures you are running aerobically". I think the intent is that at that heart rate, there is no danger of oxygen debt, lactate, or need for recovery leading to overuse injuries. The aerobic zone can extend up to 155 - 160 for many runners, but this "hard aerobic" level can still require recovery or be stressful on the joints. I for one can nose breathe up to about 155, for example, but at my age and fitness level, that is a bit too high to be able to run everyday without accumulated fatigue over several weeks.
This does work, you just have to throw in an interval session once in a while, but do most of your runs nice & slow. I do hours of 10, 11, and 12 minute mile pace runs, with lots of elevation
@@runningchannel It's the same thing I used to do when I was training kung fu, my teacher said that without rest cycles you can't assimilate the training and I'm still doing that, I'm an amateur runner but I'm doing pretty good :P
A lot of people bemused by MAF but I can’t see much difference between MAF and Zone 2. Zone 2 is widely accepted to be the best training method for elite endurance sports (running/cycling) so say you’re age 60, MAF = 180-60 = 120 and zone 2 is (220-60)*0.75 = 120 ! My RHR is 43 so I (almost) treble my capacity in zone 2 and spend 80% of my training here.
Tomorrow!! - I’ve just started some zone 2 training … Can’t believe how hard it is … I suspect at 61, MAF would be even harder as 119 bpm will be a brisk walk!
I've started running slow for the 1st team with my Ben parkes plan for the London marathon. Found it hard and frustrating but starting to feel the benefits of it. But I still don't getting overtaken when running slow 😂
I was getting to the point that by the time I'd get to my long run for the week my legs had not recovered well at all so started slowing down on slower runs and In some case shortening them, it's definitely helped me. Stopped even bothering with AVP and time. Started enjoying slow runs even more now
I would love to see a video on the MAF method. One thing I'd like to know is, let's say you run average 40km a week all at moderate - high intensity and you're comfortable at that with no injury, if you switch it up to the majority of those 40Kms at slow pace, will you get the added benefits, or should you increase overall mileage?
It would largely depend on whether or not you can fit more runs into your week. If you swapped out some of your faster runs for slower runs you reduce your risk of injury and may also see some long term benefits in your speed and recovery time. If however, you have been maintaining 40km a week at high intensity for a long period of time and have the capacity to add sessions in, it would be worth adding some slower/easy runs to your week 😁 Make sure you're fuelling yourself properly though! 💪
I find one fast race paced 5 k per week is still reaping improvements and the rest of my runs are slow with maybe one fast kilometer here or there, on Saturday I did a personal best at 59 years old equivalent age grade time of 22 minutes for 5 k with an actual time of 27:30. I use 80 percent of my maximum heart rate as my MAF rate. I think your MAF is the rate at which you can run at everyday. Last year I ran 5 k every day for 30 days, when tempting a daily run one needs to pace oneself to be able to run tomorrow. No fast stuff. I did my slow run yesterday 10 k in 71 minutes while my fastest time on a similar route is 27:30 for 5 k as detailed above. Running slow is life changing as you only really need to push yourself once a week, volume is more important. The MAF requires 7 hours of time on the road which I don't do.
All my runs are slow runs… as soon as I start running my heart rate shoots up. I’ve never been much of a distance runner and even a mile feels daunting.
Great video and very spot on. I have an hour commute to work and I try and time it so that I can do a short mile or so run at various spots that I alternate through to clear my head before that final few minutes drive to work. Thanks for sharing subbed your channel to check out more.
The first pount is spot on OH MY GOD, my 5k pb is 24:02 and I used to run 5k everyday and it was very monotonous, for 3-4 months i was making the same mistake but today i tried to go for a easy run of 8k av pace was 5:40min/km and my god i enjoyed it so much :)
@@RadoslawGrabowski yes I understand, but I think pace are more personal and different for everyone, for sometime maintaining sub 2:30 pace for marathon is easy and for others it is very painful
I try stick to the 80/20. I do love a scenic route but get easily distracted and forget to pause my watch, just yesterday as I’m on annual leave this week I decided to travel to Roath park in cardiff, I spent half the time sat on the floor surrounded by swans as they were so interested in the colourfully dressed person 🤣🤣 My phone is now full of pics of swans in all sorts of poses.
I've been trying to reconcile this idea with phrases like "train like you race and race like you train" and "running slow all the time makes you really good at running slow".
Do you do a slow run every week? Has this made you want to add more slow runs into your week?
Sadly, every run is a slow run for me since December. Living in South-Eastern Ontario we have lots of snow, ice and cold. So, there is no chance to gain any speed when you have to worry about proper footing, twisting your ankle, moving with multiple layers on, etc. While it's created a great aerobic base and I've now run 68 days in a row, I'm wondering how well my fast runs are going to be, when we finally get some decent weather.
I do one speed session a week, and 1 long run around marathon pace. All the other runs (4/week) are done at or below MAF, although I calculated my MAF a little differently. I am feeling like there are improvements coming. I have already increased my weekly mileage by 25% without any strain. I can run long one day and then come back and run the next day with no problems.
I just got back into running, so yeah, slowing running is basically ALL I do 😢
I did a full four months of only low heart rate running and have built up a good base. Only now am I adding in tempo and speed runs. It's helped me up my mileage significantly and really helped me enjoy running so much more! I now do about 80% slow runs and a mix of tempo etc for the rest. Bring on an ultra I reckon!!!
Where's Anna gone?
I’ve made a conscious effort to run slower on my easy days. Had to leave my ego at the door and just slow it down. The result is that my heart rate is much lower on most runs now and I’m PBing at every distance! I’m a big fan 👍
Quite a bit of improvement in just 30min.
Same. Took me years and years of constant injuries and no progress before I finally realized the problem. Implemented this into my training and now I have seen drastic improvements and I've been pretty injury-free.
Same! My HR last year for my half marathon was 163 for 8:10 miles. Not I’m at 144 for 8:10 miles and 7:30 for 163 HR miles 😂🎉shaved nearly 10 minutes off
Christina, how long were you running slow untill you felt much fitter and started pb'ing??
@@na-dk9vm Probably about a year but then the PBs keep on coming. Bearing in mind I’m 51 and I’m running faster than I’ve ever run (started running regularly at 40). I’ve run 3 Boston qualifying marathons and PB’d again in the marathon in October 22 and the half in Jan 23. My heart rate has also really come down on my easy runs. Consistently around 140. 😊👌
Year and half ago I was 115kg, just decided to eat whatever I want twice a day only and run daily minimum 5km. Once a week fast as possible, rest of the week medium and once a week very slow but long as possible. Today I am 83kg, pushing 5k run on 26:50min, 10k on 58min, and 21.1km on 02:20:00+-. What i thought that wasnt even possible for me to walk, I am running that non stop. With no previous knowledge, just a sheer will and daily dedication to unfk my life. I was never happier.
Inspirational 🏅
More power to you
If only some of the people I know would adopt that attitude. It is a mystery to me how they can pull themselves down insisting they will never be able (physically) to do this, declaring their bodies are just not made for exercise and denying all and every scientific evidence. Next, they are likely to suffer horrible final decades of their lives. Not that I wish that to happen, but it is foreseeable. Not only do they deprive themselves of a healthier life till the end, but just as important of an amazing amount of enjoyment, confidence and endorphins going along. It is like finding a gold nugget and saying nah it is not for me.
I started running back 2 months ago with a 9'00"+km pace. Now I am comfortably doing 7'00"km. Getting closer to that sub-30min 5k target. 😎
Where are you at now, bro?!
@@isaacgove hey what's up? My 5k PR is 28:29mins. Maintaining my Zone 2 runs twice or thrice a week + tempo sessions once a week to complete my 80/20 training. So far so good. I hope you're crushing those PBs too.😇
@sioboy new runner here! At 32 minutes for 5km. Hoping to get to minus 30 in a month or so!!! Keep it up, bro!!!!
@@isaacgove That's great! Keep it up bro! Please do not be fixated on running fast as soon as possible. That's my greatest regret. 🤣
I’ve started running like a month ago, my initial z2 pace was really really shitty, like 12:00/km. Now it’s a bit better, about 10:00/km. Can’t wait to run at 5:00/km 😁
Slow running has been the most important thing I learned as a runner. Makes running so much more enjoyable in the long run, which brings consistency and in turn progress.
Love this. My first advice to 90% of my clients is "slow down!".
I'd echo all of Andy's points, and add another:
I'm a fan of polarised training (the 80/20 rule) and plenty of research supports the idea that you get faster by running no more than 20% of your miles hard.
If I run slower, I can run more.
If I run more, I can 'afford' more fast miles.
If I run more fast miles, I get faster.
When I started, I used to run 20miles a week, mostly hardish, and get injured. By making my slow runs properly slow, I ended up increasing my mileage to 50-60miles/week, without injury, and 'allowing' myself 10-12 fast miles total per week.
Brilliant! So true!
Are you also fan of MAF method? The MAF HR is 9 beats slower for me that heart reserve aerobic zone. I struggle to stay withing the latter, I cant imagine going even slower
Well, too bad that Hale Geberselasse and Moh Farah never heard of running slower to race faster. They could have saved themselves the pain of interval training and still set world records and won olympic medals. go figure
@@franciscotoro9454 Farah is a famous exception - he did most of his running at about 4min/km until he teamed up with Salazar who shifted him closer to 3:30/k for all his running (even for Farah that's a bit of a push). Salazar has of course since been banned for his creative approaches to recovery from training, all wrapped up in his approach to hammering his athletes' training loads and intensity levels past the point that would usually cause injury. No evidence that he ever doped Farah himself but if he didn't then Farah is one of those unique characters who can actually tolerate that training. The exception that proves the rule.
Nobody is suggesting running slower all the time, if a runner just ran slow all the time, they would end up a slow runner, you still do intervals, hills and tempo sessions, but most of your training should be easy.
Having slowed down my easy runs completely during marathon training, I took 8 minutes off my PR at a 10k race yesterday. It definitely works! And that's only 6 weeks into training!
Thanks for sharing! This is encouraging because slow runs can feel like not making progress because you’re not challenging yourself. It’s great to know that one can see improvement after just 6 weeks!
woah! congratulations.
I had only trained for 7-10 runs in the aerobic zone and today I was able to do sub 30 minutes 5k easily. It used to take so much effort with increased risks earlier.
Probably a stupid question but do you then run the marathon at normal pace? Or do you still run the majority of it at low heart rate pace?
Throw the heart rate/MAF out the window and just run at conversational pace. 180-age is similiar to 220-age. It's just another number that doesn't work for everyone. It's so much more enjoyable just running and not constantly checking your HR. Build the mileage consistently and you'll get faster.
So true!
Yes I'd definitely be wary of any one size fits all approach, and conversation pace is a great way of making it applicable to everyone. Lots of interest in the MAF method, so we'll look into it a bit more and see what we find out!
Been doing a lot of zone 2 training with an elliptical to reduce injury risk and increase fitness. This has led me to actually run more km each week with a lower hr. Idk how it looks to others on Strava. I workout for myself not to impress the world.
😂 At the moment as a 33 minute Parkrunner all my runs are slow runs Andy. But I'm getting there. Weight is my biggest problem. Currently I am 65 years old and 110 Kg and losing. I run 3 or 4 times a week including a Parkrun. I always do a slow run on Sunday morning after Parkrun and I agree on the benefits. I hope to break 30 minutes this year (2023) and I hope your channel will help... no pressure on you and your colleagues then.
After a 10 year rest from running and hiting the big 70, I'd no idea what sort of shape I'd be in. Tried a couple of years ago to get back into it but injured after a very short time. Took a much steadier approach and slow runs are an integral part of my routine. I also use the local section of the Trans Pennine Route which is much kinder on my knees. Since November, my parkrun times have come down considerably. There are days when I take it steady and I use fartlek sessions to help with muscle memory for the speedier bits. Hitting 75% age graded at races, not bad at all.
This is so valuable to me as a crazy person who used to think that there was no gain without pain. And I made myself ill because of it. But to hear you saying to do whole WEEKS of lower intensity, when I struggle to take a day off is really helpful. I'm always scared I'll go backwards. Thank you.
I think it was 25 years ago I did a run with a heart rate below 180 when I reached the finish line :-) Simply impossible to go slow, I feel unease when I try. But here's to a change of mind. I WILL run a marathon again, no matter what the doctors say. Thanks for the video. Great stuff as always.
I’ve not run since I was at school but have come back to it after over a decade of cycling. I started with daily 1 hour walks and after a month decided to start running slowly on my walks. I have feel an improvement in fitness and my knees are not aching so there is merit in taking it slow. I look forward to building my aerobic base and later focusing on strength and speed.
Need this. Starting from scratch after an injury. 10 weeks to train for a Marathon. Wish me luck!😂
Best of luck
You've got this!!
Good luck!
I started with certain breathing techniques while running in 2022 and do MAF since 2023 (so round 6 weeks in; 138hbps). I improved dramatically (pace, distance, well-being, pain). So yes, a separate video on MAF is very appreciated.
There are two things that I've failed to do in nearly 20 years of long & ultra distance running. One is stretching & warming up before a run, which I'm working hard on rectifying at the moment. The second thing is doing slow training runs, which is the antithesis of my usual "high intensity, all the time" approach to training. If I had done these two things when I was in my prime I would probably have been more successful and saved a lot of pain & strain on my poor body. Thanks so much for the advice 👍
Same problem with running without stretching but for me I consider the first 1km a warm up
Would love to see your take on MAF training. Especially adjustments as you get older (50+).
I'd love to learn more as well.
If you can run 10K, I would go to lab and take lactate threshold test on a treadmill.
I've done it twice within last five years and in both times my personal MAF has been 152bpm and lactate threshold in 170bpm range, while the 180-age would have dictated that MAF would already be under 130bpm.
But this is something that can vary a lot from person to person and for that reason, I would recommend the lab, so that you learn what are the correct numbers for you.
@Juha Ylitalo I did this at Loughborough and had similar results but I was told that if you ran at a pace where it was comfortable to have a conversation and checked your bpm after 20 minutes your bpm would probably be the same as it was at the lab! Apparently, 80% of people tested you would find the same results, I tried it and he was right! I'm left scratching my head now...
@@tyemust4399 that’s just not remotely reliable mate. 80% of the time I’d guarantee you’ll be way off. Proper testing is the only way to do it accurately.
@@JuhaYlitalo I have the same issue with MAF. They’d have me running at 142bpm but I should be running at 154 with a anaerobic threshold of 175bpm.
I used to go 9:00-10:00 on my easy days and max out at 7:30-8:00 on “speedwork” days. Now my easy days are 11:00-12:00 and my speedwork days are 5:45-7:00. Definitely faster now. Endurance is improving too. Went from a 7:30 mile PB to a 6:20 in about 7 months after slowing easy runs to Zone 2 and following 80/20
wow my mile pb is also 7:30 i guess i also have to run slower to get better😁😁
lol. that is walking
@@holgerpetersen445 true, those are some slow times. I probably ran sub 6:20 mile the first time I ran lol
@@masterclass3941 I always run fast, and I am not a proper runner (ie I have never done proper training for running) my mile pb is 5:46. Even when I run a half marathon without any training I can hit 1:45, but after 5 or 6 weeks of 1 half marathon a week I can get it down to 1:37/8. This is with no easy runs. My point is, easy running isn't the only way to get faster.
@@Sh0n0 bro i'm only 14
Thanks for the tour of Finsbury Park. Twelve years now since I moved from Islington and it’s nice to see old haunts.
Love this, Andy. I understand the science behind slow runs, but I find it extremely challenging to keep my heart rate down. Could you make a video about some strategies to stay in Zone 2?
We can certainly look into it Alice! Thanks for the great suggestion 😁 What is your favourite session at the moment?
For me, it means that I watched my heart rate carefully and needed to switch between walking and jogging frequently. Eventually I was able to just jog slowly.
I am no expert here but want to share my experience ao far. I have tried the aerobic zone running in the last 2 weeks and faced the same issue. Especially after 15-20 minutes into the run, my HR starts going higher. I had set up a HT threshold alarm on 149 ( according to my Garmin) and I slowed down as soon as it rang. It sort of worked. I was able to pull 95% of running time into the aerobic HR zone. You may try this.
Happy running:)
@@PrateekSaini I did same thing and found same result…. After a couple of frustrating weeks of run/walk I found my HR was able to stay below the alert level. Might be as was more aware of how the spikes actually felt or increase in fitness
This ( great) info makes its rounds year after year and has been around for sometime, with the same , i wouldn't call 'complaints' , but blocks. ( understood..always new runners :) ) The main thing I wish the presenters would emphasize. ...it is 'training' ...you are training the body to function off diff systems. Function different than what isnt getting you gains. ( keep doin' what you been doin' keep gettin' what cha got)
Same as trying to run faster.
Like he mentioned about some people ( I've worked with as well) that all their workouts ..from hill repeats , medium runs, sprints etc...generally were in a narrow 15 beat window/effort. Where as the aerobically trained...can run at much broader ranges. He states he is sub 5' as well as runs 8' mi ....so yes...that might be you are a 9' mile and a Walker for the easy stuff...until.....until you get stronger and more efficient etc...through..consistent training.
I've been running back from Covid over the last four weeks so every run has been a slow run, and my heart rate has been high, however things are starting to turn for the better and today I have been able to successfully add some strides at the end of a 10k run. I would like to see how the MAF HR is adjusted for someone who is 67 as I have had to manually assess my maximum heart rate at 180!
I've been using a Garmin training plan and it's got a lot of _very_ slow runs. Thanks for letting me know how good they really are ☺️💯
Glad this has been useful Martin 😁 Would a video on MAF be useful?
That’s my secret, all my runs are slow
It was last year when I accepted I didn’t have to go fast on every run, but it’s only in my marathon training this year that I’m doing proper “easy” runs (3/10 exertion level). I’m not sure yet how it’s affecting my speed, but it does seem to be improving my aerobic capacity and making me feel good after the harder exercises of the previous week.
Great to hear it's having an impact - it's so tempting to run everything faster, so fingers crossed you keep seeing a benefit! Andy
@@runningchannel I don't think we ever did anything but tempos and threshold runs when training in high school cross country. I now understand why the whole team was always teetering the injury list and getting various RSI's. It certainly got us to a capable level at around 5:30 mile pace in 5k, but I know we could have done more if we just paced a little slower and logged more miles and kept the same tempo intensity for less overall days. Don't know until you know! I still have a hard time holding myself back knowing I can go harder, but it's sort of freeing to not push it all the time.
I would love seeing a MAF video, especially since someone I know currently isn’t medically allowed to exercise with a HR of over 150 bpm
That's really interesting - we'll take a look and see what we can make happen!
I did my first slow run yesterday. I did 5 miles and found a new pace that I had a heart rate below 100. I quit smoking in 2016 and quit drinking 2 months ago so this is a great feat for me. Thanks for the video.
HR below 100? I fart and it jumps higher than that
Yes, I’d love explore the MAF training method. I really struggle with heart rate training, because when I go by Easy perceived effort, and then check my watch, it seems that I’m not in zone 2, I’m in zone 3 or 4. So it’s be great to learn more about heart rate training!
Totally agree. Been trying to keep HR below 140 but finding it means I have to run SOOO slowly 😢😂 Will stick with it I think because I believe in the science but I wish I was fitter because even 10 min miles push my HR above my MAF target of 132
@@pauljennings2425 It takes 2-3 months for your system to get good and you can speed back up. When I started doing MAF, I went from running 6 miles at 9:00/mile to 6 miles at 10:30-11:00 (having to walk at times to get HR back down). After 3 months, I could hold 9:45/mile at my HR target.
Videos like this is exactly why i love this channel so much. Slow runs make you faster is something i have heard a lot but never really understood why exactly it makes you go faster. So thank you for that.
Thanks for the lovely comment Marine, glad we could help! Andy
After almost 10 months of slow running, coming back after a knee injury, I got a lot more out of My tempo and interval training in 2022 - I managed to knock almost 15 minutes of My halfamrathon PB.
I´m definately sticking to slow running/ run-walk-run, as a major part of My training.
Lovely running commentary; especially spot-on regarding mood and social dynamic. I've always said that if you're having a good time you'll run a quick race and if you're running a quick race you're probably having a good time. And now I can't wait to run slowly! ;-)
But beware of the danger. "Good times create weak people, and weak people create bad times." I run a lot by myself so I can get used to being alone, so that way when I DO run with people or friends or whatnot, it feels a lot more meaningful than running with people all the time.
Top advice, been running slow for years. 🤣 Was out for LSR yesterday for a couple of hours, love catching up on my podcasts.
Awesome to hear Billy! What are your favourite podcasts? And does our make the cut?!
@@runningchannel You'll be glad to know it's on my list. 🙂
The best period of running in my life came after spending a year training with a friend and his very short, and short striding, sister for a half marathon. We wanted to stay with her on the long runs early in the morning so our times were in the 9:30/mi but we would go most days a week without injury. After I went back to training on my own I could comfortably run a minute faster pace on my intermediate training days.
Totally swear by the 80/20 method. I'm 54 now, been running since i was 13 and got a HM PB last year of 1:31. Patience is the key it can take a few months before you can see measurable results.
Great to hear Neil! 😁 We couldn't agree more!
Absolutely no chance in this instant gratification world. 😀
Felt a bit sluggish this morning and tried a familiar route but backwards, which I didn't realise had a lot of long slow inclines, so ran a lot more slowly. Actually felt better during the day than often do
I've never heard of the MAF method. Going to give it a try from now on. This year I am training for longer runs, so I am scouring the tube for tips and tricks to increase stamina and push through fatigue
I kept getting upper respiratory infections, various docs said it was asthma and tried me on all types of inhalor, none made a jott of difference, I have come to the conclusion that I just push myself too hard and now I'm 68 I just can't recover like I did 30 years ago, So it's time to run slower in training and not worry if someone passes me on the seafront, (Big ego) 😁 I now try and keep my HR while running under 110 apart from the odd push up the hills, It will be interesting to see how slow running affects my Park Run times, I used to race every week but will cut this down to every two weeks with a speed session in the week I don't race. Thanks Andy and team I always enjoy your videos 👍
I do my fast runs by myself throughout the week and have a good slow run on a club night by taking beginner groups and a slow ParkRun on a Saturday with my daughter. Seems to be doing the job at the moment, have only been back running a few months after a 4 year hiatus and I’m already almost back to my fastest.
Something that I picked up from watching Navy Seals guys is: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
Have been applying that concept to my training (among other things in my life) and running (just started back up a few weeks ago) and it's worked wonders for me.
I’ve come back to running after a long hiatus. I’ve almost exclusively been doing low HR training up until about a month or so ago. It was hard at first, especially knowing I ran much faster. But the discipline allowed me to get much faster over time. And I tend to hit “comeback PR’s” every week. It takes discipline, but it feels great.
You still need to do the quality workouts. When training load is reduced, by switching to slow running, performance will increase at first, but that’s only temporary because that’s how fitness works. To improve fitness, and therefore performance, over the course of a season, you first need to build training load! usually by including some quality workouts.
Slow running is somewhat miss-sold by some youtubers; but in this case he’s talking about including slow running into a training program, which obviously includes quality training as well.
This is so interesting. It helps me understand why when I moved to a hilly area and was forced to slow down, that my times on a flat track improved.
Good video on running slow. This interest me more and more especially as i get older and older. . I would definitely be interested in a video on the MAF method. It is something I have been interested in for a while.
Thanks Frank, we'll see what we can do!
Great. I'm now following a plan that includes slow runs. Anyhow, I regularly do them because I run with (slower) friends and then we go for coffee. Wonderful to see that it has extra health benefits. 😀
Slow jogging book by Dr. Tanaka has truly been a big help. Whether you're a beginner or an elite athlete, this stuff works. Yuki Kawauchi has his slow jogging pace at 3-4 min slower than his marathon pace which is sub 5:00 pace per mile. That's slow for a world class runner, but it works. Seko was also asked once about his training and what his favorite part of training is and he said "jogging!" He was a 2:08 marathoner.
Over the last few months I've gone with planning out my next few runs. And ensuring there's not only a good variation of run types. But generally going for the 80/20 or 70/30 split of miles that are slow, compared to fast. A one mile warm up before a park run, plus a couple of easy miles afterwards would count as the 80 or 70. Sometimes (like tomorrow) i'll do a long slow run - as this week I've done a lot of faster miles. Running slower has definitely helped me to run faster over the last few months. There's so many benefits.
I’m following my Garmin daily suggestions and every run is pretty much a slow Base Run at the moment. I got bored of it and nearly got an injury so I’m sticking to it from now on.🙂
I try to plan a race (up to a half marathon) every 3 to 5 weeks and make the week before the race a deload week.
So I combine tapering with recovery/deloading and then race at the end of that week.
Works great.
What a great idea! And, more fun races every year!
@@Kelly_Ben It also works great as motivation for the harder sessions, you have a (sub)goal every several weeks.
i had my first serious running injury a few weeks ago. ive watched a ton of stuff on how to run more safely and i wish i would have listened before.
Sorry to hear that! What have you done?
I would love a video on MAF! According to that rule I should be running 10bpm slower than what I thought my easy runs should be
It's like you've read my mind. After plateauing in terms of my running fitness, I came across the MAF method and decided to give it a go. I'm running around 80% of my mileage at or below 150 now (I'm 30), which is certainly a challenge in terms of slowing it down. I'm a few weeks in now and hoping to see significant progress moving forward with this method over the coming months. Would love to see you do a video on it.
Great stuff - keep us posted on how you go!
As someone who has done maf for the past 6 months, as long as you’re taking care of the other stuff (sleep, nutrition, stress management), you’ll surely get faster with MAF. And it feels fantastic too.
The content on this channel is always good but recently it's gotten better IMHO. One thing running slower helped me do when I started running a lot more about 5yrs ago was getting rid of shin splints which at that time were horrible. By slowing down and improving each aspect of my running form bit by bit I've gotten rid of shin splints completely. It did take the best part of a year though.
I finished my first 5k forcthe first time in 28 minutes but if i ran faster I'd not have made it.
10k is a pipe dream. I only started running 6 months ago as a weight loss aid, i couldnt run 200 metres.
3 stone down and can run 3k comfortably at sub 5:00 km but then run out of steam, i slowed it down and managed to complete 5k.
This has worked for me. I'll run my miles as slow at 8:30 pace or slower. The other day I tested myself to run a 5 miles as fast as I can and I did it at 36:12. I think that's a 7:14 pace. Much faster than I ever have. I thought I was going slower than usual.
I just wanted to mention, "Dr" Phil Maffetone's doctor title is for being a chiropractor, and a LOT of his medical beliefs either border on or are outright quackery. I do think he was right about low heart rate training, though he is adamant about doing NO speed training for 4-6 months or more. Personally I tried following this and almost completely lost my ability to run fast, while making minimal gains in my aerobic levels. I've been trying to undo the damage for months and I'm only now getting back to as fast as I used to be. So please please take what he suggests with the biggest grain of salt you can find. Low heart rate training is great, but don't live and die by it.
I found the same for me. Lost my speed, lost my form, lost my joy in running because watching my HR stressed me out so much. Did I see some aerobic gains? Yes. Was it worth it? Not for me. Now I run based on RPE with an eye to how it correlates to my HR.
Sorry to hear that - my own training experience is based on a more periodised or 80/20-type approach, so I haven't ever solely stuck to slower/low HR running. Thanks for your comment and wishing you lots of luck! Andy
Thanks Kelly, interesting to hear your experiences! Wishing you all the best! Andy
So pleased to hear someone else had the same experience. I MAF trained for 7 months and all it did was destroy both my fitness and my confidence! It did however make me finally reach out and find a coach and now I'm back to training in a more "normal" way for me and clawing back those loses.
@@rebecca4508 Whoa 7 months!! I stopped after 3 and regretted it, I can only imagine I'd be worse off after 7! But also you have a coach, that's probably the best way to recover! I've been working on it on my own and after 3-4 months I'm almost back to where I was, though I gave myself some mild shin splints from drastically upping my mileage (should recover in a few days). Good luck with your running!
About running during designated running events.. it’s true.. yesterday I was running at an event in Hamburg.. I felt so happy after the run… even a PB!
I just finished 5 miles at 13.30 per mile
Good job!
If you did this without stopping very impressive
Wow
That's my goal..
@@devohnmitchell I think consistency is the most important thing
Please do a video on MAF training although I'm aware that it could take over 6 months to see any results! I've just started my MAF journey, I'm about one month in and after nearly 20 years of running I'm finding it truly eye opening.
Amazing to hear that it's working for you Gawain! 😁
I think this is very true, but the opposite is true too for me, run farther by frequently running fast. The 15 meterflight helps me to build up strength for 100 and 200 meter, 200 meters help running a 1000 at the aerobic treshold, and running 1000 meters make running at conversation speed so easy that a long run becomes a bicycle tour
Since I started running slower I've found that I can not only run further but that I also enjoy it more!
Brilliant Ian! Are you training for anything at the moment?
@@runningchannel The Leeds Rob Burrow Marathon in May. Pleased to say that my plan not only has lots of easy runs but also intervals and tempos. 3rd week in and loving it so far!
64 yo male have lost 130 lbs in the last few years. Just started running June 30th my 1st run was .65 miles very slowly. I run about twice a week doing the same .65 and slowly adding distance when feeling good. Today I did 2 miles pretty easily my main concern is injury I run early mornimgs 4:30 am I have no problem running slow. I hope I'm not to old to start wish me luck.
Running slow works only for pro or semi-pro runners who do 70 or more miles a week. In the 1970-ties even this method was proved to have its limitations by scientists such as Verkhoshansky for example.
If you’re a casual runner, who enjoys its parkrun every now and then and want to improve your time then most of your sessions must be fast. That’s the only way to gain speed, develop speed endurance and stamina. That’s how Andy was getting ready for his competitions and record breaking runs. Lots of hard, fast sessions and none of that silly long run stuff.
I have discovered very recently the Maff method and its a absolute game changer, my goals is doing long runs and that method seems to be my solution to get that goal, so yes please video on the Maff method
Running is a setup and if you can't use this setup/plan/structure well then you lack training discipline that leads to many running related issues like injury, burnout, Extreme RSS, even EA runners also run slow not what many think !!
Always stay loose, and feel your run. Slow down when it requires you to and also go faster when you it is time to do that
Thanks for the nice work 👍🏿
Do you follow a specific plan? 😊
@@runningchannel yeah! Main training varies from medium to very hard effort but days after speed sessions or hard training follows a recovery run which is more of going really easy to get your body back. Also second run of the day here is just easy run with basic stretching or drills. (Many runners don't vary their training to adapt, this has been a problem) you made nice points on the video which myself keep along 👏🏿👏🏿
Did my first zone 2 run tonight. It was mentally hard to run that slow. Gonna have to switch from music to podcasts for those slow runs.
Just did 6.5 miles in 65 minutes… starting to make it alittle further every week before my knee bothers me so hopefully my body adapts to a point where I hardly get any knee pain
Immediately I start training again in March 2023. Last year I was stuck in a very deep rut and just failed to perform. I got slower and slower. I simply did the same runs with no variety and ran into a dead end. I could not wait to end running for the year.
Appreciating your backward- running camera person!
Maff method video would be helpful. I've taken on zone 2 training, and love it. Really looking to further structure the slow runs.
I've been using the 80/20 method during my marathon training. My long runs are so much more manageable now.
I would love to see a MAF video and see how it impacts your fitness and or Vo2 max
Deload weeks are a great idea, I've just built these into a new training plan, really help for recuperation and recovery. Plenty of slow running in my training, generally 80/20 😀
Great! Let us know how you get on with them 😁 They're very underutilised 💪
The best advice from the best runners thanks for the helpful info
Glad you mentioned VO2 Max improvement because I found the opposite happened. For over a year watching my score - including a 16 week garmin training plan - my score was pretty consistent at around 47.
Then I listened to the prevalent advice and switched to 80/20 - four of five consecutive “slow” runs keeping to zone 2. Over three months, the VO2 Max score dropped steadily to 40. So I went back to my old running style of running for the enjoyment of running and watching perceived effort. In a month it’s up again to 45, and climbing by degrees. That’s anecdotal and I have no explanation why but I wonder if 80/20 ratio was too many runs on the slow side for me. Maybe 75/25 or 60/40? Of course, one rule doesn’t fit all, I’m guessing.
If you are talking about zones then how did you get them? If I go by default zones (1 is 50-60% from max HR, 2 is 60-70 etc) then my daily workout suggests base run (80% part) in zone 3, but if I calculate zones by heart rate reserve (HRR) then it falls to zone 2. Running in default zone 2 (used in recovery runs) is barely faster than fast walking for me and Garmin estimates that my effort is below power zone 1, suggested base run heart rate in zone 3 (HRR zone 2) seems subjectively correct and estimated power zone is 1 (easy). So the default settings are not necessarily best for everyone. I for one trust my running watch suggestions, it seems much smarter than me in health/fitness department.
@@vahurkrouverk4257 Yes, that’s Garmin zones which I follow too. I feel there’s uncertainty between Garmin HR zones 2 and 3: zone 2 is described as improving cardiovascular whereas zone 3 is described as improving heart and lungs (well, ideally I’d like my lungs improved as well as my cv). I’ve been told some other methods combine the two zones, though not entirely, and have just 4 zones; zone 2 being for cv and lungs improvement together, plus developing those little mitochondria.
Before checking my HR zones, I did the Garmin 5k training plan, endorsed if not devised by pro coach, Greg McMillan. It was challenging and my “easy pace” runs were set at 5:45 to 6:15/km. This wasn’t based on HR max but previous 5km race times, the goal being to improve on that. In short, it worked.
Then I tried the “HR zone 2” method (I decided on mid range Garmin zone 3 for this). It was clear that the easy pace I’d been advised on the plan was too fast for that. It took about a dozen runs before I felt the hang of it and the zone pace never went faster than 6:30/km. Btw, I also had to increase the max HR default setting, calculated by 220-age, on Garmin Connect based on my actual HR limit measured in three recent 10k race events.
Yet over three months, my VO2 Max score went from a consistent 47 Superior down to 41 Excellent. While nothing to be ashamed of, I was curious why it went down when I’m told easy pace runs improve cv and lungs. For a month, I went back to running more or less Greg McMillan’s advised easy pace and the VO2 Max climbed steadily back up. At no point did, or do, I feel any different as a runner so probably it’s the methodology that’s wonky; it’s not the best fit for this individual.
I remain faithful to the idea of slow running to reduce injury risk and improve health but not the one size fits all methodology, crude rules of thumb and simple watch algorithms. That’s a good starting point from nothing but don’t continue to be a slave to it; we explore and find our own individual sweet method.
I stuck to the MAFF method for a couple of years. It's a useful tool but it seems to applies best to people who have a lot of mileage under their belt and are in their 30s or 40s (because of the Heart Rate formula I think) . You also need a lot of time and patience - it makes sense for marathon runners and people who have no other hobbies other than running! It helped me run regularly without aggravating an ankle injury. So I'd say give it go but be pragmatic (stories of adherents afraid to push a supermarket trolley in case a HR spike would ruin the benefits of their MAFF workout!)
MAF training video please, especially for 50+ athletes as we often get forgotten....🙂
Can't see how the MAF theory works for older runners. At 62 that means I'd have to keep my heart rate below 118, so I'd just be walking!
@@christaylor4758 Spot on! Such numbers in sport science can only be a guide unless one goes to a running lab to get it tested out. Only then can the accurate numbers be known for any individual.
One way of running slow is to have the "guilty" feeling. That is knowing we could run way faster while on our slow run. At the same time could still hold a conversation while running slow. That's how it works for me.
Same here as a park runner at 66 the formula would leave little scope for any kind of exertion!
I've watched so many of these run slow to go fast videos and followed the Maffetone and 80/20 rules for years, this made me a good runner and sure I could complete races. BUT it did not make me a fast racer, plus tons of slow miles is hard on the body especially when your over 50. I think this works well for some because they train too hard and are likely overtraining. What makes you fast is stimulating the body just enough to grow with sufficient recovery. Through a lot of trial and error I found the optimum stimulation comes from short hard efforts, not long slow ones. This provides the necessary stimulation at a minimal cost resulting in faster recovery. I train to perform on race day, and this method will not produce optimal results, but if you just like running a lot or just starting a running program then I would agree that low effort/HR is best.
I run 80% of all my runs slow in zone 2. It's not always easy to do, but the bennefits are there. Low risk for injuries, fast recovery, building aerobic base, etc etc. Oh, and it will help you to lose your ego... 😉😉
Love this. We definitely used to describe our recovery runs and "no ego" running! Andy
Running at least three slow runs a week, sticking to Zone 2 heart rate of about 138-140 bpm. Treat my hilly ParkRun (Edinburgh Holyrood) as my speed work for the week. Been seeing a lot of PBs but it’s taken a lot of time and practice.
Great to hear Steven - congrats on the PBs (and kudos on the patience!)
I really disliked the feeling of running but I really wanted to incorporate it regularly for cardio, when I tried just slowing down running became easier and enjoyable!
I am not sure the MAF method "ensures you are running aerobically". I think the intent is that at that heart rate, there is no danger of oxygen debt, lactate, or need for recovery leading to overuse injuries. The aerobic zone can extend up to 155 - 160 for many runners, but this "hard aerobic" level can still require recovery or be stressful on the joints. I for one can nose breathe up to about 155, for example, but at my age and fitness level, that is a bit too high to be able to run everyday without accumulated fatigue over several weeks.
This does work, you just have to throw in an interval session once in a while, but do most of your runs nice & slow. I do hours of 10, 11, and 12 minute mile pace runs, with lots of elevation
Going to be using this as ammo in my never ending battle to get my fellow running club members to slow down.
I do three weeks of intense training and one week of recovery in which I run slowly every day, taking care of my posture and technique.
Do you find that it works well for you? 😁
@@runningchannel It's the same thing I used to do when I was training kung fu, my teacher said that without rest cycles you can't assimilate the training and I'm still doing that, I'm an amateur runner but I'm doing pretty good :P
A lot of people bemused by MAF but I can’t see much difference between MAF and Zone 2. Zone 2 is widely accepted to be the best training method for elite endurance sports (running/cycling) so say you’re age 60, MAF = 180-60 = 120 and zone 2 is (220-60)*0.75 = 120 ! My RHR is 43 so I (almost) treble my capacity in zone 2 and spend 80% of my training here.
Tomorrow!! - I’ve just started some zone 2 training … Can’t believe how hard it is … I suspect at 61, MAF would be even harder as 119 bpm will be a brisk walk!
I've started running slow for the 1st team with my Ben parkes plan for the London marathon. Found it hard and frustrating but starting to feel the benefits of it. But I still don't getting overtaken when running slow 😂
I was getting to the point that by the time I'd get to my long run for the week my legs had not recovered well at all so started slowing down on slower runs and In some case shortening them, it's definitely helped me. Stopped even bothering with AVP and time. Started enjoying slow runs even more now
I would love to see a video on the MAF method. One thing I'd like to know is, let's say you run average 40km a week all at moderate - high intensity and you're comfortable at that with no injury, if you switch it up to the majority of those 40Kms at slow pace, will you get the added benefits, or should you increase overall mileage?
It would largely depend on whether or not you can fit more runs into your week. If you swapped out some of your faster runs for slower runs you reduce your risk of injury and may also see some long term benefits in your speed and recovery time. If however, you have been maintaining 40km a week at high intensity for a long period of time and have the capacity to add sessions in, it would be worth adding some slower/easy runs to your week 😁 Make sure you're fuelling yourself properly though! 💪
@@runningchannel Great stuff, thanks for the reply!
Yes, please do a video on the MAF method!
I find one fast race paced 5 k per week is still reaping improvements and the rest of my runs are slow with maybe one fast kilometer here or there, on Saturday I did a personal best at 59 years old equivalent age grade time of 22 minutes for 5 k with an actual time of 27:30. I use 80 percent of my maximum heart rate as my MAF rate. I think your MAF is the rate at which you can run at everyday. Last year I ran 5 k every day for 30 days, when tempting a daily run one needs to pace oneself to be able to run tomorrow. No fast stuff. I did my slow run yesterday 10 k in 71 minutes while my fastest time on a similar route is 27:30 for 5 k as detailed above. Running slow is life changing as you only really need to push yourself once a week, volume is more important. The MAF requires 7 hours of time on the road which I don't do.
All my runs are slow runs… as soon as I start running my heart rate shoots up. I’ve never been much of a distance runner and even a mile feels daunting.
Great video: condensed valuable knowledge, wisdom and experience.
i would be happier if u show ultimate streching strategy before and after running , coz this is most important in my opinion .
We have done a couple of stretching videos that you might be interested in 😊: ruclips.net/video/qZfNtEtSnPI/видео.html
Great video and very spot on. I have an hour commute to work and I try and time it so that I can do a short mile or so run at various spots that I alternate through to clear my head before that final few minutes drive to work.
Thanks for sharing subbed your channel to check out more.
Thank you for your advice I normally do my midweek runs and long runs round 10 min mile pace sometimes slower depending on how my legs feel
Good advice as always! Would like to see a maff comparison, maybe between two TRC presenters.
Thanks Jason! We'll see what we can do!
did one today. loved it !
The first pount is spot on OH MY GOD, my 5k pb is 24:02 and I used to run 5k everyday and it was very monotonous, for 3-4 months i was making the same mistake but today i tried to go for a easy run of 8k av pace was 5:40min/km and my god i enjoyed it so much :)
5:40 is not 'easy' but 'tempo' run if you do 24min 5k. 'Easy' is like 6:30-7:30.
@@RadoslawGrabowski yes I understand, but I think pace are more personal and different for everyone, for sometime maintaining sub 2:30 pace for marathon is easy and for others it is very painful
I am doing the Maf method since a couple of weeks and really like it :)
Great!
I try stick to the 80/20. I do love a scenic route but get easily distracted and forget to pause my watch, just yesterday as I’m on annual leave this week I decided to travel to Roath park in cardiff, I spent half the time sat on the floor surrounded by swans as they were so interested in the colourfully dressed person 🤣🤣
My phone is now full of pics of swans in all sorts of poses.
I've been trying to reconcile this idea with phrases like "train like you race and race like you train" and "running slow all the time makes you really good at running slow".