My MAF running pace is too slow. Can I speed up?

No. Your MAF heart rate accurately reflects the state of your aerobic (fat-burning) system. As a matter of fact, many athletes have poorly functioning aerobic systems, which is why they get injured, unhealthy, plateau, and end up with a shortened competitive life.  This is also associated with slower paces at MAF HR.

Building the aerobic system takes something that many of us don’t want to give: time. But by accepting the pace at the MAF heart rate as an important starting point, the aerobic system will have a chance to develop correctly. As it does, speed at the same MAF HR will increase. In a few months time, you’ll be ready to integrate some higher intensity training into your program.