It is a real encouragement when your run times in training and especially in a race, are better than you expected.
By way of contrast it is discouraging when your run times are slower than you expected.
Why are times slower than expected.
There are three main areas where answers to this can be found and explained.
Exercise
Following a training plan to achieve your running goals is the popular way for most runners. But just running and doing nothing else is not very good with respect to being able to improve your performance. Some people might manage a certain level of fitness when just running, but if the body is not subjected to some exercises then you can find that when the pressure is on to run faster the key areas of your body can let you down because they are not strong enough. If you do not have a strong core, ie. trunk, abs and back, you will be let down. If you do not have well developed arms, shoulders and legs then you will not be able to perform as well as you might and you will notice a drop off in your running performance. A good balanced set of exercises should be part of your overall training plan.
Diet
Food is the fuel of the body and runners need to be aware of the special eating regime that is good for them and that enables them to run well. This will include mapping out a diet that gives the body a chance to function well when it is put under pressure by running when training or racing. If you are careless or not strong willed, you can find yourself straying from the planned diet and eating things that are not really good for you. This in turn can lead to weight gain which can cause sluggishness and a breakdown of performance in your running. The key here is to avoid the things that might look good but really are not when it comes to helping your running performance. A good balanced diet of a variety of the main food groups such as carbohydrates, proteins, etc. is the best way of ensuring continuing efficiency in your running.
Mental
A lot of the impetus for running comes from how you think. Keeping a positive view of things is generally the way runners keep on top of things, but sometimes things occur in your circumstances that promote negative feelings and this can filter through to affect your running. When in this negativity, things are amplified and the small hill you are running up can seem like a mountain. Similarly, the run you have scheduled that is normally well within your capability is, in the negative mindset you are in, far too long and you find it difficult to complete it in the normal time. So the important thing is to try and keep your circumstances in such a fashion as to be relatively calm and definitely be positive in the way you approach things. This will breed an attitude that gets rid of negativity, increases the positive and therefore enables better running.
These are three areas that can be responsible for reduced running performance, or slower running. Ensure that each area is addressed as it should be in your training programme and this should stop slower running and increase the likelihood of faster running.
Author Resource:-
This article was written by Alan Seel who has many years of running experience. Visit http://www.iwant2run.blogspot.com for more information about running.
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