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There are mental benefits to slowing down, too, says Goodman.

Its not just the physical recovery, but also letting your mind go, she says.

Thats harder to do if youre doing mile repeatsthat requires an intense amount of focus.

woman sweating in the gym

professional runner and running coach

If I was anxious about every run, I would very quickly get burned out.

For one, running slowly can feel counterintuitive when runners are generally told to maintain a quick foot cadence.

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you might get into the competitive trap and the comparison game, says Goodman.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

But maybe more of us should be celebrating those easier days on Strava.

It takes courage to slow down.

How slow is slow enough?

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

professional runner and running coach

Tips for actually slowing down

Ditch the watch and/or Strava.

Theyre going to force you to go easier because theyre more technical.

it’s possible for you to get greedy hammering on a nice, flat bike path.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

That way, youll be running for the same amount of time no matter how fast you go.

Its okay to pull back and spin up the effort thats right for you.

Run-walk, or just walk.Walking vs. runningactually have comparable benefits.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

With consistency, you should be able to speed up while working at the same intensity, she says.

The proof is in the pudding, says Goodman.

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