No Shame in Slow and Pleasant Running — Why?

Many people think that running goes along with speed and wind. However, 80% of an experienced runner’s workout and practice takes place in a slow mode, and it is the right way to achieve the progress. The Almaty Marathon explains why it is important to have a low pace and how it contributes to feel more energetic and happier after working out. 

 1. Slow running is the foundation for appropriate workout and practice

When taking up running with no past sporting experience, every instructor and doctor will tell you to start slowly. This means “low pulse running”: focusing on the running technique and listening to your body that is getting used to the new training load. It is hard, when you want to run as fast as you can and develop your pace and speed as soon as possible. However, if you do not learn to run slowly, your body will become exhausted, and your heart will be affected the most.

2. All professionals run slowly

It is just “slow pace running” is something individual. Expert runners’ speed is faster than yours, but they have achieved it over time. As practice and workout progress, your “slow running pace” may increase. Genetics, your age, general health condition do also play their part.

It’s not a big deal if you can’t achieve Kipchoge’s pace while running with a low pulse. If you can run slowly just for fun, that makes you a professional too.

3. Slow running helps you relax

Entrepreneurs and artists often say they go running to find new ideas: excessive thoughts are pushed away and creative solutions and decisions are generated. Allow yourself to relax and reduce your mental load while running.

 4. An opportunity to get in touch with other runners

It is believed that slow pulse running allows you to talk with no discomfort. This gives you a great opportunity to expand your social circle by making friends with your active fellow runners.

Slow running and jogging are a great idea for a date. Collective physical activity makes you closer, it is interesting and far less exhausting.

Running slowly is not just much better that no running at all, but is also good for your health and body. So run and exercise at your own pace and don’t be ashamed of how fast you are.

The Almaty Marathon is pleased to welcome everyone: both new and amateur runners who run for fun and professionals who seek world records. Register at almaty-marathon.kz before the season ends.