MAF training

by Lucy
(Boulder CO)

Just started the MAF training. In your experience, how long did it take you before you could run consistently without walking? I need some encouragement! I’m on week 7 and still jog /walking. Thanks,

Nicole's Reply:

Hi Lucy,
Great Question. From my experience and from hearing what others say, it really can vary. To give you hope, for me, it took 3 months before I started to see wee signs of improvement and then things progressed slowly but steadily after that. I live in a hilly area so I had to walk the hills for at least a year, in fact I still have to walk on a lot of them.
In the early days, like you, I was frustrated and I nearly gave up and it was disheartening to hear about people who progressed really quickly. However I started to realise that I was no longer injured, I didn't come home exhausted after runs and and I had started to enjoy them.
7 weeks is not long in terms of MAF training. I would say give it at least 3 months and then do a MAF test. You might be surprised at your progress! Do let me know how you get on and I hope that helps.

Comments for MAF training

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 09, 2020
 How slow is slow?
by: Pedro

Hi, I’m on my first month of MAF training. I have been improving but still on a walk/jog pace. I find myself trying to speed up, do stop at my heart rate limit. My question is should lower my pace more so that I can jog longer? I’m current jogging at a 8:30-8:45 which is my target pace for a 5k. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Feb 10, 2020
by: Nicole

Hi Pedro, if you find that you are having to walk it means that you are probably exceeding your MAF limit and aerobic capabilities. I would be tempted to slow down so that you can jog as much as possible.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Questions about MAF Training.