When I ran faster, it felt like I hardly touched the ground?

Question

I am a new runner, only since January, (I ran for a year before, but never cared about improving my time) and I still need to lose about 25 lbs, so I am just getting the hang of running. I have pretty good stamina for distance, but I am a little slow. takes me an 1:4min to run 6 miles.The other day I decided to pick up the pace because I had the energy for it and just to see how long i could go. Well my legs moved a little faster, and it felt like my legs were just spinning, hardly much effort to push off the ground, it was like all I had to do was move my legs faster, it was cool! But the only thing is my heart rate went through the roof because I could only go for .25 mile and then I needed to catch my breath. Should I continue training like this? Maybe picking up the speed like that in 5 minute intervals? Is that what it feels like to run a 6 minute mile? Just curious.. I'm so naive to running, it's embarassing. lol

Answer 1

no need to be embarrassed!  

Sometimes, it feels good to pick up the pace.  It lets you open up, and its fun.  Don't worry too much about your heart rate, do it based on how you feel.

You said you could only do it for 1/4 mile.  That's fine, because you aren't used to going faster.  However, i wouldn't try to stay in that zone for 5 minutes, because you may not be able to keep going after you stop.  Try doing your entire run just a touch faster, or doing the way back a bit faster.  you'll most likely get a similar feeling out of it.

If i misunderstood, and you meant picking up the pace once every 5 minutes, that's fine, just be careful about how much you speed up, and for how long.  you want to be able to complete your run, not just run that section fast and be done!

Running a 6-minute mile is hard to explain.  The best way i can describe it is to describe what it's like to run at PR (Personal Record) pace.  You go out, and you feel good, excited, adrenaline rushing.  You finish one lap, and you start on the second, still feeling good, but tiring quickly, working.  Start the third lap, and during this time you really start to work.  You feel like giving up, but you know you need to work through it.  You start on your final lap, and just pour your all into it, and it hurts yet feels good...and then you finish, passing the line, gasping, yet proud of how you did.

Hope it helps!  Feel free to contact me with any questions, clarification needed, comments, or just to chat

~Abab

Answer 2

What I would suggest doing along with the long 6 mile runs your doing is some speed work or some shorter and faster runs.  From what it sounds like it seems like you're running 6 miles every day and running the same distance can prevent you from getting any better.  Running speed work can help you gain stronger muscles and break the monotony of running the same mileage each day.  Running 1-2 miles of sprints at a track or around where you live would help you condition better.

Answer 3

yeah thats perfectly normal! just keep working on it and have fun! good luck!

Answer 4

...

You may feel like a new runner, but you've graduated to a new level of running!  That's terrific!

It sounds like you are enjoying running faster, and would like to do more of it.  Yes, continue running like that!  Enjoy the faster speed and the sensation of the harder, faster running!

From here you need to decide just what do you want to do with your running.  Run your daily 6 miles faster?  Run races?  Run 1 mile faster, or 3 miles, or 6 miles?

I would not ever want to take the joy of running from anyone, but if you would like to run faster over longer distances, it really helps to set up something of a schedule.

For example, suppose at this point you would like to run one mile faster, and you run 64 minutes (6 miles) a day, 3 days a week.

Given your existing stamina, consider a schedule like this.

Mondays - run 60 minutes, and in these 60 minutes start with 10 minutes running easy, followed by 1-2 minutes of picking up the pace like you did the other day.  Then continue jogging (don't walk) until you fully recover.  Do this a second time, then if you can, a third and a fourth.

Tuesdays - bicycle

We - bicycle

Th - run 60 minutes, and in these minutes start by running 10 minutes easy, then 20-30 seconds at a pace faster than what you ran on Monday.  Jog for 3-4 minutes to recover, then repeat.  Do this for 4 to 6 times.

Fr - bicycle

Sa - run 60 minutes at your usual pace.

Su - recover by walking, biking, swimming 30-60 minutes.

After 2 months of doing this type of workout, you will be ready to run a mile faster than you thought possible.  On that 9th Monday, on a course marked out for a mile, or a track, run a mile, starting at slightly slower than the pace you have been practicing on Mondays.  You'll be amazed!!

If after reading a few answers to this question you come up with a more specific question, ask again!  

Regards,

Phil

Answer 5

I know who you feel. I run because I like the feeling of it. It does feel like you are flying.

Answer 6

since u do distance, u can try doing that but just a  teensy bit slower.....then slow down just b4 u get tired....its called fartlex when u sprint, jog, sprint jog.....but never stop or walk..... sorry i also dont know wat its like to run in 6 min ...my time was 9min :(

Answer 7

look up fartlek on google

Answer 8

Don't be embarrassed at all!

The key to both your weight loss goal, and to eventually getting the speed you had a taste of is LSD.  Long Slow Distance.

The bulk of your training should be for time (not mileage), at a pace around 70% of your maximum heartrate.  This will put you in an optimal pace for burning calories, without going anaerobic.

70% is around a pace that you could still talk to someone without gasping for air.  This will build your base fitness.

You can and should build in some alternative drills life fartlek (speed play), hills or speed drills.  These are best no more than once or twice a week.

An example of fartlek is running with a tennis ball.  When someone throws it ahead, you dash to retrieve it, then settle back into your normal pace.

If you have the means to buy an inexpensive heartrate monitor, it's an incredible tool.

A couple of these links might help some.  

Keep it up!