My most successful long races have all been very evenly paced. Yah, I might be a tad slow the first mile due to crowds and just loosening up, but then I try to hit nice even splits from there on - checking every mile. If you have to adjust along the way - then you do. And certainly, if you're feeling strong at the end, give her the gas!!!
race mindset/tactic question
Hi. Starting to think about my first event of 2008. March 30th, 16 mile road race (very flat course). I've a stated goal to run this in 2:16, 8:30 pace. C - race . Strategically I see it as a link between winter base building and the spring/summer, sort of a major test: where am I, fitnesswise?<br><br>
I've not run a race with a specific time-goal before (never been fit enough); have previously gone into these things thinking vague , hope I finish - wonder how long it'll take?, type thoughts.<br><br>
So the question(s): Do I aim at every mile marker and look to be 8:30 per mile consistently through the event (and speed up if I'm strong near the end). Do I deliberately aim to run 5 or 8 or even 10 miles slower than 8:30 and then see where I'm at/how i feel? Do I try to find another runner who seems to be at my level and use them as a tow?<br>
What mind-set works for you? Any advice? tnx.
I've not run a race with a specific time-goal before (never been fit enough); have previously gone into these things thinking vague , hope I finish - wonder how long it'll take?, type thoughts.<br><br>
So the question(s): Do I aim at every mile marker and look to be 8:30 per mile consistently through the event (and speed up if I'm strong near the end). Do I deliberately aim to run 5 or 8 or even 10 miles slower than 8:30 and then see where I'm at/how i feel? Do I try to find another runner who seems to be at my level and use them as a tow?<br>
What mind-set works for you? Any advice? tnx.
1 - 2 of 19 Posts
I think the "don't look" approach works for shorter races... "Go out fast, pick it up for the middle miles, then kick it home!" But for longer races, I think you can improve the results by smart pacing. Here's my last BQ marathon splits - I was shooting for 3:30:<br><br>
1 8:18<br>
2 8:03<br>
3 7:56<br>
4 7:53<br>
5 7:53<br>
6 8:05<br>
7 7:58<br>
8 7:59<br>
9 8:01<br>
10 8:00<br>
11 7:59<br>
12 7:56<br>
13 7:59<br>
14 7:58<br>
15 7:56<br>
16 7:58<br>
17 7:54<br>
18 7:54<br>
19 7:54<br>
20 7:57<br>
21 8:11<br>
22 8:17<br>
23 7:45<br>
24 7:47<br>
25 7:44<br>
26 7:53<br>
26.2 1:40 (7:37 pace!)<br>
3:29:14 Gun Time – 3:28:55 Chip<br>
1 8:18<br>
2 8:03<br>
3 7:56<br>
4 7:53<br>
5 7:53<br>
6 8:05<br>
7 7:58<br>
8 7:59<br>
9 8:01<br>
10 8:00<br>
11 7:59<br>
12 7:56<br>
13 7:59<br>
14 7:58<br>
15 7:56<br>
16 7:58<br>
17 7:54<br>
18 7:54<br>
19 7:54<br>
20 7:57<br>
21 8:11<br>
22 8:17<br>
23 7:45<br>
24 7:47<br>
25 7:44<br>
26 7:53<br>
26.2 1:40 (7:37 pace!)<br>
3:29:14 Gun Time – 3:28:55 Chip<br>
1 - 2 of 19 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Runners Forum - Kick Runners
A forum community dedicated to all runners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about maraton, training, trails, racing, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Recommended Communities
