Why am I not running faster?

Like most things in life, there are many possible reasons for not running faster.

Training

To run faster, you have to train regularly and to a high enough intensity to force physiological changes in the body.

In the early days, running 1-2 times per week will see you improve because your body simple isn’t used to it.

If you’re not yet, try adding intervals training 1-2 times per week to the longer runs, to increase the speed at which you run for short periods. Long term this allows you to run faster over longer distances too and was the biggest game changer for me a few years ago.

Nutrition

Eating right can make a big difference. I’m not talking about being perfect or never having a meal out again, but getting the correct balance between protein, fat and carbohydrates in your diet can have a huge impact on how you recover, and consequently, how you progress.

Often, active people lack enough protein in their diet, meaning muscles don’t repair properly or maintain rather than getting stronger.

Recovery

A proper cool down, stretching, sleep and enough time between runs and exercise sessions is also essential. You’ll progress to a certain point with little recovery, but ultimately be limited by your body if you don’t do these things.

To reach your best it’s worth looking into all of these things but improving even one of these will see your run times dropping.

Written by Kyle Brooks, Running Coach based in Norwich, Norfolk.