Easy Runs

[Timothy Mungania]

Hi Coach Luke! I have a question on easy runs! Can a 2 hour run be considered an easy run if it’s done at a very slow pace? At what point does it cross the easy line definition timewise?

Thanks Coach!Tim

[Luke Humphrey]

Any run at 2 hours would technically be long because of the adaptations that are taking place. When we look at what’s going on, it’s based on time on your feet, not necessarily a set number of miles. You’d also have mechanical issues. If you are running so slow that it changes your natural form, that’s not really a good thing either.

What is the purpose of doing this?

[Timothy Mungania]

First thanks for your quick response! My buddy got one of your 100+ Mile plan from final surge and it has him running over 2 hours ez the day before his quality workouts. The plan has even doubles built into it.I believe the main purpose of doing this is to build mileage. I don’t want to be the bad friend who tells him anything over say 90 Mins for easy is probably not productive. He runs at 8.50/Mi pace for easy!

[Luke Humphrey]

Ah, so that creates a new twist. I would say that at that kind of mileage, it’s common to have several runs during the week at 90+ minutes. However, at 8:30 pace, does the pace negate the value of doing that kind of mileage? Interesting.