How To Make Running Feel EASIER!

If you're struggling to enjoy your runs or finding running difficult, we've got loads of tips in this video to help transform your run experience and make it feel a lot easier!

Kit worn in the video:

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Second Channel - @benparkestheextramile

Links mentioned

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:43 Slow down
2:13 Improve technique
4:13 Take your mind off the run
4:55 Strides
5:17 Speed/intervals
5:58 Fuel & hydration
6:59 Non-running stuff

[emilybankscreative]

On “running slower” as a beginner - I thought it wasn’t possible to be running any slower lol. Was running 7-7:30km paces “fast” and 8-8:30km paces “slow”. It ALL felt hard. I thought everyone was lying about easy runs and conversational pace or that you only experience that once you reach a certain level. Started a new training plan, and when I saw “easy run - no faster than 9:05km pace” I thought I’d be practically walking. And maybe I was, but for the first time ever I experienced the ever elusive “conversational pace” 😅

Moral of the story, if you think you can’t run any slower but it still feels hard… you probably could be running slower.

[gwilymeades]

One thing I will say is that trail runners have to look at the ground constantly. I know from personal experience, that if you don't, you will have a number of tripping & falling incidents, and that doesn't feel good!

[nelsonmartinez]

Honestly, to make running easier is just doing it consistently. Your body will adjust. Sucks at first and it is difficult

[ABucc]

I always had the "Strava bug", where I would think I'm going too slow of a pace and wanted to go faster and I would get tired and sore.. I then realized how much more enjoyable running can be and how much longer you could run just by slowing it down a bit.

[barryward]

For those who say that they cannot physically run "slow and easy" - they actually can except they don't know how to!! You "should" be able to run on the spot - IF you can run on the spot then you can lean slightly forward and run slowly with the same stance a foot landing. Stop striding out .

[SantaCruzRunner]

Slowly increasing my average cadence from 165 to 180 over the past 3 months has been incredible. My long runs just feel so much easier! Using BPM radio stations on Spotify made the adjustment easy. Thank you so much!

[marccarlton]

For several years I have been doing my long slow runs to heart rate, using a chest strap hr monitor that links to my watch. It requires patience and perseverance and consistency over time. The improvement in my stamina and running endurance has been immense. I aim for about 130 bpm, if i go over 140 (rare now, usually on steep hills) i switch to walking until hr falls. For building endurance over longish distances this approach has worked for me. 1:51

[carus]

I thoroughly recommend Ben’s training plans. I’m deep into week 7 of his 15 week marathon plan and it’s fantastic. My running has definitely improved and is faster. Thanks Ben.

[ClubmanGT]

Another brilliant, straight to the point summary, about the most important aspects of longer distance training. Thanks Ben.

[kurtmoney]

Great Video, CADENCE IS KEY I found it really difficult to run slow and keep my heart rate down - cadence was 150-160 at best, and the last 2 weeks I have been focusing on 170 in a few weeks I will step it up to 180 (Hopefully) which has really helped me keep my HR down in Zone 2 - I would like to say slower but my speed hasn't dropped off much. So much so flat routes I am on the lower end and going up hills only raises my HR a handful of BPM - Thank you for the Tips.

[matthewcreelman]

I made some changes to my form in January, concentrating on getting my feet beneath me rather than in front of me. The way I did it was a little counter-intuitive for me - I focused on getting my heels up on each stride. That increased my speed pretty notably. For about the same effort, I was suddenly running at least 15 seconds per km faster, and promptly set new PBs from 5k straight up to half marathon.

[alexchapman]

Rest day means low impact not stop. Do mobility work, walking or gentle swimming.
Walking is also good for scouting out new routes. Running a new area and missing a turn isn’t fun.

[Kelly_Ben]

Great video! I just did strides in the middle of my easy run yesterday, and was amazed how easy the slower pace felt after. I'm struggling with the zone 2 vs running by feel... my pace is so slow, and distance short, when running by zone 2... but running by RPE, I can run zone 3 easily and for much longer... I'm thinking I've got my zones wrong. In America, it's tough finding sports clinics to do these things for a fee... insurance certainly won't cover it.

[smudgemtbuk]

Just came here to say thank you for the quick posting of one of your running caps 👌 special mention to your mum Sheri for the nice personnel note inside. #gettinitdone 👍🍻

[jt.]

You are among legions out there who say the same technique into making Running Easier.
Have to admit it truly works.

[andyhickmann]

For “easy” runs do you usually have a cadence of 170 then for hard workouts it goes to 190 or should the length of your stride just increase? Not the amount steps you’re taking per minute

[TheRedCyndaquil]

Been watching you for a while and always interesting to hear your thoughts, gonna have a look at your plans

[midgetwars]

Zone 2 is easy? When I walk it's already zone 2 though? In fact, I'm not sure it's possible for me to go zone 2 when running, the act of lifting my legs up like that pumps the HR to 150 already

[Catcrumbs]

Run-walk is always the answer. It won't slow you down as much as you think. Once you find the ratio that works best for you, you'll probably be going faster than you did without walk intervals.

[OaxSport]

Great tips, Ben! 💡 Making running feel easier can truly transform the experience for so many. Thanks for sharing these practical strategies. 🏃‍♂💪 #RunningCommunity #RunSmart #OaxSport