Running Technique: Pacing Tips
Running technique, that's something I'm always working on and learning how to improve.
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One thing that I have to work on a lot is pacing. I tend to start out too fast and have trouble finishing strong because I used up all my energy early on. If you have this problem too, here are some pacing tips to help.
Running Pace
What is running pace? That's a question I've been asking for years. Here's a breakdown of the different running paces, written for someone who doesn't have a "degree" in running.
If you experience shortness of breath or side cramps, this is a good sign that you need to slow down. But there is a simpler test.
Just try singing a line to your favorite song while you are running. If you find this task impossible, you are probably running too fast.
You might find the ability to carry out this multi-task comes in handy when you're pushing a screaming baby in a jogging stroller.
Walk Breaks
My first two marathons I ran most of the first 16 miles and walked most of the last 10 miles.
For my third marathon, instead of running until I was so fatiqued I could barely walk, I learned to conserve my energy by taking walk breaks early on. The result was that I was able to run (with a one-two minute walk break) all the way to the end.
Since then I've become a big fan of planning walk breaks in order to help better pace myself on long runs.
The 10% Rule
The alternative to taking walk breaks is to slowly build your mileage up in training.
Start with a distance you are very comfortable with, say a mile, practice that 3-4 times a week and then build it up from there. Your body wil learn to work harder over a period of time, if it's not pushed too hard too fast.
Build up your no more than 10% a week, and before you know it, you will be able to carry out your running pace for longer than you ever imagined.
Runners Watches That Help With Pacing
The Garmin Forerunner
If you're looking for something a little less complex, you might try an interval watch.
I set my Timex Ironman Inerval Watch
I even reset the intervals during some of my really long runs. For example, I might start with a 5:1 for a marathon, then change around mile 16 to 4:1 and then change for the last 10k if I'm feeling really exhausted to 3:1 or even 3:2. Or if I'm feeling great and I've trained really well, I might change back to 5:1 for the last 10k of the marathon.
More Running Techniques
Here is an interactive forum where you can share your running techqniues or read tips contributed by other running moms.
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