About this episode

This episode discusses how runners can improve their performance without suffering, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in training.

Do you feel like every run needs to be hard in order to get faster? If so… that might be exactly why you're stuck. In this episode, I'm joined by run coach Carolyn Coffin to tackle one of the biggest myths in running: That you need to suffer through every workout to see results. We break down why "party pace" is that conversational, enjoyable effort isn't just for beginners… it's actually one of the most powerful tools to help you run faster, stay consistent, and avoid burnout. If your training has been feeling more like a grind than something you enjoy, this episode will shift how you think about performance. Because the truth is… You don't need to choose between running happy and chasing a PR. 🎯 In this episode, you'll learn: - Why running harder isn't always the answer to getting faster - What "party pace" really means (and how to use it correctly) - The biggest mistake runners make with easy runs - How much of your training should actually feel easy - Where easy running stops being enough (the "ceiling" most runners miss) - How to balance performance and enjoyment in your training - Why enjoying your runs can actually improve your results - A simple shift you can make this…

People in this episode

Host: Duane Scotti

Guest: Carolyn Coffin

Topics covered

• running performance
• training methods
• enjoyment in running
• party pace
• avoiding burnout
• consistency in training

Keywords

• run faster
• party pace
• training consistency
• burnout prevention
• enjoyable running
• easy runs
• performance balance

More episodes of Healthy Runner Podcast

• 303. Stop Stretching Your IT Band! Do This Instead to Finally Beat IT Band Syndrome · July 16, 2026 · 30 min
• 302. Marathon Training Mistakes That Lead to Injury (With Jason Fitzgerald) · July 1, 2026 · 1h 29m
• 301. My First Ever Marathon DNF: What Every Runner Can Learn From It · June 9, 2026 · 39 min

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