I can’t imagine running without my Garmin. I’ve had it for over 2 years and it has made marathon training so much easier. I love being able to head out my door without an exact route and hit whatever mileage I need to hit.
However, since I’ve moved to Denver I’m a little less in love with my Garmin. Mainly because I can easily look back at all my runs and see that I’m running much much slower these days.
One of the reasons I like long-distance running (and probably a reason I haven’t been getting much faster) is that I prefer to run at a comfortable pace. On top of that, I’m actually following the guidelines to run my long runs at 1-1.5 minutes slower than goal pace.
As a result, here is a depressing look at my 12 mile run 2 weeks ago, compared to some 12 milers at sea level.
This morning, I had a 4 mile run on the schedule with 2 miles at goal pace. I was nervous that I have gotten slower and that my goal pace would be tough.
I’m happy to report that running faster was not only easy, but fun. I tried not to look at my Garmin too much and just zoned out to my music. I ended up running a little faster than goal pace, but it was worth it for the much needed confidence boost.
One of my favorite things about marathon training is that it empowers you and makes you feel stronger with each run. Next up to make me feel better – long runs with more miles at goal pace.
I’m the same way in that I prefer distance running because I like to do it at a comfortable pace. Glad you were able to get your speedy run in and it wasn’t too painful.
I try not to look at my garmin too much while I’m running. And I agree with you, I like to run my long runs at a pace I can talk the entire time.
My pace took a huge dip when we moved out here…running was more difficult and breathing was harder than I wanted it to be. Then I adapted and now I’m faster than I’ve been in a long time!
And I’m with you – I’ll take lots of miles at a comfortable discomfort over a few miles of being speedy and wanting to die!
I love going to sea level and feeling like I’m speedy all of a sudden
I’m looking forward to that when I visit my sis next week!
My vote leave the garmin at home. I wrote up this here, http://runforfun-stephanie.blogspot.com/2012/02/garmin-free-is-way-to-be-letting-go.html. I have had to come to terms with this a lot lately. But I realized how freeing some no garmin runs can be. What are you training for lady?
once you adjust to the altitude, it will come back, right? just need to grow those darn blood cells.
one, once your lungs acclimate the the altitude (they say it can take 2 months), you’ll be running at the same paces no prob! two, don’t beat yourself up about paces. speed will come with time, effort, and confidence. third, i never ever wear a garmin (unless i’m leading friends on a 10 mile trail run thru boulder
) and it’s amazing. who cares how slow you’re running so long as you’re feeling good? I’m a “run by effort” kinda gal!
I seem to settle into a 9:30 pace no matter the distance. Some days are slower than others of course. Good job on the run! I wish I was to the point of running that distance on a normal basis! I miss that from training..
Keep up the great work! It will get easier, promise! I finally started noticing that I was getting faster up here, than I was at sea level, probably like 3-4 months after I moved here. You have a very SWEET year of training ahead of you. Living/training at 5280 is AWESOME .. esp. when you get the chance to race at sea level!