race mindset/tactic question

767 Views 18 Replies 11 Participants Last post by pete_72, Feb 12, 2008

pete_72

Discussion Starter · Feb 11, 2008

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? 
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. 
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? 
What mind-set works for you? Any advice? tnx.

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MBannon

· #5 · Feb 11, 2008

Don't even wear a watch. Or, tape over the face so you can't see it. At every mile marker ask yourself "is this the fastest pace I can manage for the distance?" If the answer is yes, keep going. Otherwise, adjust accordingly. 
The best way to mess up a good race is to let your watch tell you how to run. 
edit - Although...it is nice to be able to check your time at the first mile marker in case you went out way too fast.

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MBannon

· #12 · Feb 11, 2008

Disclaimer - You might want to listen to LRR. I've never raced anything over 8 miles. I can see where pacing could become more important in the double-digit distances.

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