Keeping a pace is one of the most important aspects to improving your running. But, just about all runners have a hard time determining and keeping their pace. Running pace is simply the consistent, average speed that you run over a given distance. Let's take a look at some techniques to running a steady pace.
1. Training
It is very important that you are consistent with your training. As a beginner, if you put in the miles for running, you will be training your body to adapt to longer and faster runs. The key here is that in your training, you learn the limits of your body. You also have several chances to reset the limits as you improve. Keep training so that you can learn to pace yourself.
2. Know Your Distance
For any run that you want to pace train, you should know the distance. It doesn't matter if you measure by miles, kilometers, or number of steps you take. As long as you know your distance, you can begin to determine the speed of your pace to successfully cover the distance you have planned.
3. Plan Ahead
As a runner, if you plan ahead, it means to know where you are running. and, that means the details of distance. For example, if you plan a 5 mile run, do you know where you will be when you have hit 1 mile? If not, you should figure that out.
4. Use a Watch
When going out on a run, wear a watch. This is helpful in many ways, but, most importantly, it is a check-in device. Given that you already know your distance, you can break down your pace easily. For example, if you have a five mile run planned and you want to run a 10 minute per mile pace. You know that you will be running for 50 minutes. You also need to check your watch when you hit 1 miles to make sure you are on pace.
5. Adapt to all Conditions
As a runner, anything can happen when you hit the road or trail. You could feel tired, you could feel energized. Or, it may rain, or you hit every red light. Be flexible and adapt. If you aren't going to hit your pace, adjust on the run and have fun.
Remember, learning how to pace takes time. As your body gets better at it, you will find yourself able to run further and stronger.
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