Pace control issues

[Leadfoot]

So I managed my second 10k yesterday, and beat my first attempt by a couple of minutes. The problem was, i really didn't want to - i knew exactly what pace i wanted to do it at, and just could not get myself into the right rhythm at all, no matter what i did. Predictably, i hit 8k, then just suffered through the last two, ending the run feeling like i'd gone through the wringer.

I've also noticed that when i'm tired and just hanging on on a run, i actually get faster if i don't keep an eye on it! Has anyone got any tips for making yourself keep to a certain pace? I'm quite wary of pushing too hard and ending up on the ic.

[HeavyFoot Graduate10]

Try downloading a free metronome app. I set mine to 160 bpm and listen through earphones.

[Leadfoot Graduate10 in reply to HeavyFoot]

That's not a bad idea actually. Cheers!

[Boxcar Graduate10 in reply to Leadfoot]

I’ve made a playlist of songs according to bpm - if you look at jog.fm there are some ready made playlists or you can look up your own favourite tunes & work out which one fits. Does the same job as the metronome & gives me a lift too! I’ve got a 5k & a 10k playlist to allow for different pace.

[Leadfoot Graduate10 in reply to Boxcar]

I think someone else mentioned jog fm previously and i'd forgotten. I'll check it out, thanks!

[SlowLoris]

Keep an eye on your breathing. When you find it getting heavier slow down a bit.

If you can breathe through your nose with your mouth closed that’s a bit like the easy conversational pace.

[Leadfoot Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

It wasn't the breathing so much as the legs really. I think i'm going to have to bite the bullet and start with some excercises.

[SlowLoris in reply to Leadfoot]

I was thinking of it more as a way of controlling pace. I have the same problem of running faster than intended if I'm not monitoring it in some way.

[Leadfoot Graduate10 in reply to SlowLoris]

Ahh, i see. That's a good idea, will give it a go, cheers!

[MarkyD Graduate10]

A running watch will display your instantaneous and average pace. Some watches can give you pace alerts if you go too fast or too slow.

[Leadfoot Graduate10 in reply to MarkyD]

I have got a watch, i'm really struggling to slow down when i want to though. I keep thinking i've done it, then realising i'm running at the exact same pace. I think i'm going to dedicate the next run to doing it as slow as i can, just to get back on track.