The above chart shows the average pace for my runs over the past week or so.  It is clearly taking me longer to run a mile now versus a couple of weeks ago.  I am working hard, so why am I getting slower?

Over analyzing data trends can lead to some misleading conclusions.  The numbers above show that I am indeed running slower, but that is not because my training program is not working.  I am running slower, because of accumulated fatigue.

My training regimen has increased significantly over the past two weeks.  The volume of my workouts has almost doubled from a month or so ago.  Yesterday, I rode over a hundred miles on my bike.  Is it any wonder that my run today was slower, compared to a run when my long ride the previous day was about 50 miles?  It is not surprising at all.

Trusting the process and not over analyzing the ‘numbers’, is very important to remember.  Reliance on only ‘numbers’ can lead to bad conclusions and poor mental reactions to training. 

I have discussed this before, but it is a very important topic, so it is worth repeating.  When your data trends the ‘wrong’ way, think hard, when you ask yourself… am I getting slower?