Running, distance or speed.

[iQuest Golfer]

I run a 5K three times a week. Years ago during the marathon craze, to increase my speed I ran intervals on the road using the telephone poles as interval markers. When I was serious I'd go to the local track and run the measured distances.

Running gives me more endurance on the course. I walk the course rather than ride unless it's a scramble.

I rather like the idea of the parachute... especially on the beach. However, for me, I'd probably get caught in a cross wind, dragged across the beach and tangled in the rigging leaving me easy prey for the Orcas like those that pick off the seals. (Hmmmm, got a little carried away, didn't I?)

[beach_golfer]

Thank you everyone for the advice, I am going to take bits of all this and put it to use. I would like to say that I am not trying to break records or earn medals, I have to run to keep my job and work with some great guys but I needed some outside advice on increasing speed as their recommendations did not help. Stride length has helped dramatically. today I ran a 7:00 mile which for me is decent, and I actually feel I could have done much better but did not press myself. And the phone pole sprints are a weekly addition and are def. helping.

[birdmangriffin]

Thank you everyone for the advice, I am going to take bits of all this and put it to use. I would like to say that I am not trying to break records or earn medals, I have to run to keep my job and work with some great guys but I needed some outside advice on increasing speed as their recommendations did not help. Stride length has helped dramatically. today I ran a 7:00 mile which for me is decent, and I actually feel I could have done much better but did not press myself. And the phone pole sprints are a weekly addition and are def. helping.

Do use caution when changing stride length. Nearly every runner's body naturally selects their perfect stride length when running. Overstriding can lead to injury. Good info elsewhere through this thread (For what it's worth, I've raced two marathons, ten half-marathons, and about 50 or 60 races between 5K and 10K).