Racing strategies

[pamela]

Do you try to maintain an even pace the whole time? Start slow and pick it up each mile? Run x seconds faster than your average training pace?

I'm a really steady pace runner in training and don't really know how to kick it up for a race. My only previous race was just about survival.

[CallingAllAngels]

I struggle with the same thing too. I think since I am a new runner, it's still all about survival for me. What really worked for my PR today: a girl in my running group said she was aiming for ~30 minute finish. I just tried to keep her in my sight for as long as I could. I am terrible at settling my own pace.

[taratru]

I tend to start out pretty slow and pick it up. I run all my training runs this way as well.

However, I always finish a race and think, "I should have gotten out harder." That sucks. I need to learn to trust my training.

[gt7301b]

I think the most difficult thing about racing is learning how and when to push yourself. I try and push myself harder than in a normal training run. What has really helped me is doing 100's as a part of my long runs. Then during a race when I am tired I try and pickup the pace for about another 100 meters.

I usually race 1-2 minutes faster than my racing pace.

[cinco]

It depends on the distance. marathons are the only ones where I actively shoot for an even pace. 5k's and 10k's, I let myself go out a bit fast and hold on for dear life. I'm stubborn so I end up holding the pace longer than I think I can Middle distances (10m-26.2k), end up being more of a progression run. I keep a steady pace, but usually have enough in the tank to pick it up the last 3-5 miles.
* I am by no means schooled in how one should run, this is just what I have found works for me.

[pamela]

I found a group that sounded like they'd be just faster than my fast training pace. I stuck with them then kicked it up the last mile and gave it all the last quarter mile.

[venice2007]

Mar 16, 2013 21:55:42 GMT -5 taratru said:

I tend to start out pretty slow and pick it up. I run all my training runs this way as well.

However, I always finish a race and think, "I should have gotten out harder." That sucks. I need to learn to trust my training.

This is what I do as  well 

[Deleted]

5Ks I take off and run for as long as I can at that pace.
Halfs I pace myself for the first few miles. I like to find someone with a similar pace and hang out with them. I always find a new buddy during this time. Usually around mile 6 I aim for negative splits.