Running to a pace (new 5k PB)

[Steve_L]

After the success (for me, anyway) of running to the average pace display of my Garmin, I set myself a challenge for todays run - maintain an average pace of 6:30/km. I knew that would be challenging a) because that equates to a 5k time of 32:30, and my PB was 33:27 and b) the day was getting hotter!

I found managing my run much easier this way, as I wasn't having to mental maths as I ran, working out how I was doing - I just eased off if I was going too fast (avg pace increasing) or (tried to) speed up if I was falling behind.

I managed it fairly well for the first 3k, then started to find the going getting heavier. My splits for the first 4k were 6:31, 6:24, 6:33 and then 6:52 - ouch! I managed to grit my teeth and press again as I counted down the last k, which I did in 6:38. Total time for the 5k was 32:58 - I broke 33 minutes and took almost 30 seconds off my PB - yay!

It's an interesting way to run, and allows you to really challenge yourself.

My run - connect.garmin.com/modern/a...

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That's brilliant. Well done Steve. A little tip - try running slower at the beginning and pace yourself so you have enough left in the tank to speed up for the later splits. I always try to have my fastest split on the last one. It does work.

But 30 seconds off your PB? Fab.

[Steve_L Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks, IP! good advice - on this occasion, though, I didn't know how much gas I had to start with!

[Tomas Graduate]

Wow, that is great Steve. Congratulations - both with the PB and with the excellent technique. Nice one!

[Steve_L Graduate in reply to Tomas]

Thanks, Tomas!

[lou-34 Graduate]

Well done Steve.

[goonkeepgoing Graduate]

Well done. I was very interested to read this as I ran for the first time with my garmin yesterday and having previously fooled myself that I ran quite steady I really do not. It was beeping away at me so much I felt like dancing along. I had no idea whether it was telling me I was going too fast or too slow and it was beeping too much to keep looking

Your splits look much steadier than mine. I need to keep trying. ...

Any tips?

[Steve_L Graduate in reply to goonkeepgoing]

Keep running! Seriously, I'd hate to pretend to know anything about running. I just love to run and keep learning about my body. Today was the first run where I know I was close to my limit at the moment. Running to a target is an interesting experience!