The question is: how can we measure our speed without having to look at watches or becoming dependent on data? No one wants to be obsessing over Strava, especially if they’re purposely trying to slow down (and therefore actively avoiding medals and PBs).

The talk (or sing) test

“A really good gauge I use when I run is my ability to talk,” says Taylor. “A great running friend and I have a joke that if we can’t sing when we’re doing easy runs, we’re not running easily enough. Singing aside, you should definitely be able to hold a chatty conversation on the easy days. If you have a friend to practise this with then there’s nothing better for mental wellbeing than a gossipy run with mates.

“If you’re building faster runs into your training, working at a pace where you can only say a few short sentences will pay the bills come race/fast run day. Meanwhile if you can say more than a couple of words on flat out short interval sessions you’re not trying hard enough.”

The run-to-feel test

“I really like to encourage my runners to ‘run to feel’,” explains English. “Test how well you know your paces by trying a progression run: head out for a 30-minute run and aim to increase your pace every five minutes.”

She also recommends trying to hold an effort level of 7/10 (1 = asleep, 10 = on the verge of collapse) if you’re looking to increase your speed in say, a half marathon.

“Remember, as you get fitter your paces will change so really the key is what the effort feels like. Effort will also vary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, your stress levels, tiredness, nutrition and weather.”

How to make running feel easier: are you running too fast to reap the benefits?