QT: Is Running Easy and Being Uncomfortable the Key to Growth?

When it comes to training philosophies, I think I’ve made it pretty clear where I stand.

Whether or not you go all-in on heart rate training as I have, there is no doubt in my mind that running easy most of the time is the best thing we can do for ourselves as runners.

The list of benefits of running easy is long and distinguished, but so is the list of misperceptions.

One such misperception? That running easy means you will seldom/never get outside of your comfort zone.

Easy vs Comfortable

I can see how easy it would be to blur the line between easy and comfortable.

Logically, if you’re running at an easier level of effort then you’re probably not going to be super uncomfortable, right?

But that isn’t always the case.

For many runners, slowing down enough to run easy can feel really awkward.

Or, to put it another way, it can be a bit uncomfortable.

And that feeling of discomfort can lead to growth.

It’s OK to Be Uncomfortable

Growth only happens when you get outside of your comfort zone.

I’m definitely on board with this saying.

The problem is that, at least in the running community, it’s too easy to associate getting outside of your comfort zone with really pushing the effort.

Sure, that’s one way to get uncomfortable.

And pushing the effort with a hard workout, on occasion, is something that pretty much all runners should do.

But that’s simply one way, of many, to get uncomfortable as a runner.

Other ways to get uncomfortable, and potentially spur a bit of growth?

• Change surfaces.
• Add or subtract some company.
• Experiment with your nutrition regimen.

Easy and Uncomfortable the Goal?

You know I’m a fan of running easy the majority of the time, and that’s not changing any time soon.

If you’re not regularly putting yourself in a position of being uncomfortable during a run, I’d encourage you to make it happen a bit more often.

Find ways to step outside of your comfort zone while keeping your effort appropriately easy, and you might be surprised how much progress you make toward your running goals in relatively short order.

Is running easy and being uncomfortable the best way to spur your growth as a runner? Perhaps... #runchat #runningtips Click To Tweet

What is One (Specific) Way You Will Get Uncomfortable on a Run in the Next Week or Two?

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