Pacing and speed - What is right for me?

[Sparkymarky]

Just about to do Wk4 R2 tonight after work. How do I know the right pace for me? I have tried going really slowly but feel tension and mild pain in my calfs(as if i'm holding them back) however if i just run I feel like i dont have the stamina to complete all the runs so should be running slower? I really need to find a comfortable middle ground? any tips?

[Narmour Graduate]

Find the middle ground between the two. Run at a natural pace so you don't feel like you are holding yourself back. At first it may feel hard work but keep going, no matter how hard it gets. As you tire your pace will slow naturally and won't feel like you're holding back. As you progress through the programme, you will find it easier and easier to run at your natural pace for longer.

[Narmour Graduate]

I just noticed the last of your tags is quite misleading!!!

[Sparkymarky Graduate in reply to Narmour]

Ha ha you're quite right I certainly don't suffer from the runs!!

[bjammin Graduate]

I would try to talk to yourself while running. You should be able to keep a comfortable conversation. Too fast and you can't speak so I used to speak quietly (to avoid being thought of as a loonie ) that way a sustainable pace can be kept. If the conversation is too easy then speed up a little bit...

[theriddler in reply to bjammin]

The conversation is always easy - it's the running I find a challenge