Um, race pace?

[mrsjthompson]

So yesterday marked day 1 of training for my first half. OMFGMOLBBQ how did I get talked into this?!  Anyway, my training plan calls for Wednesday runs at race pace.  What does that even mean and how the heck do I figure out what that's supposed to be?  All I know is that my goals are A: Not to get swept (16mm pace min), B: Not to die trying, and C: Tackle Mickey Mouse at the finish line.  Help?

[runaways]

Do you have any recent PRs from 5k or 10k distance? You could plug that into the McMillan calculator and see what it says a comparable half pace would be. If not, what are your normal paces and for what distances?

[Brit]

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that if you are training to finish and it is your first half, don't worry about the paces that your plan calls out. More than anything you just want to get the miles in at a pace that is comfortable for you so that the training is enjoyable and that you want to keep doing it.

[joenali]

You could also do a mile for time and see how fast your are and go from there. Or just run like Brit said. It's your first don't get too stressed!

[libbygrl109]

I'm in the same boat - 1st half, just hope to make it to the finish line without dying. Since I am slower than a snail, and to not intimidate myself, I'm just trying to get the miles in that are called for and try to stay around the same pace each time. If I'm feeling particularly good during a mid-week run, I'll push the pace a little bit, with the hopes that by race day I will be at least up to snail-pace.

[mrsjthompson]

OK, that makes sense. I don't really have a PR to use, and I'm pretty slow. Sounds like its just important to get in the miles and make sure I'm over the minimum pace, which shouldn't be a problem. Thanks y'all!

[thebulldog]

I always race to finish. This next one i would like to beat a certain time but am not going to kill myself training over it.
I just got a garmin which has a pace setting on it but until a few weeks ago i could never figure out how to tell what my pace was while running.

i be typing from me phone. typos and grammer dont count.

[gt7301b]

What pace are you planning to run your long runs in? I'd try and run your race pace miles a minute faster than long run pace.

[mrsjthompson]

Jun 11, 2013 15:39:02 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

What pace are you planning to run your long runs in? I'd try and run your race pace miles a minute faster than long run pace.

I'm embarrassed to put into print what my long runs tend to pace.  But thanks for the advice.  I think its a good idea to push myself a little to maybe help with my speed.

[gt7301b]

Jun 11, 2013 16:11:26 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

Jun 11, 2013 15:39:02 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

What pace are you planning to run your long runs in? I'd try and run your race pace miles a minute faster than long run pace.

I'm embarrassed to put into print what my long runs tend to pace.  But thanks for the advice.  I think its a good idea to push myself a little to maybe help with my speed.

Don't be embarrassed! The only way you get faster is by working at it.

[joenali]

Don't be embarrassed, you have to start somewhere!

[shauni27]

1) don't be embarrassed
2) I agree with Brit--don't think about a pace for your longer runs. This is your first half and your goal is to finish. Just go out and do a long run and see how long it takes. Add on to that and for your shorter runs work on pace.
3) YAY first half! So exciting

[shorty20]

I agree, don't worry about race pace for now, do what is comfortable for you.

[kellina]

I've never trained for a half, but I'd just try to get the miles in. I tried ONE day of fartlek speedwork last week and am still paying for it. I'm just working on miles and hoping my pace increases with it. I'm slow too!!!

[libbygrl109]

Jun 11, 2013 16:11:26 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

Jun 11, 2013 15:39:02 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

What pace are you planning to run your long runs in? I'd try and run your race pace miles a minute faster than long run pace.

I'm embarrassed to put into print what my long runs tend to pace.  But thanks for the advice.  I think its a good idea to push myself a little to maybe help with my speed.

I'll tell you yours, if you tell me mine.  I am completely convinced that I am the slowest runner in the world.

[finallykrisb]

If you're training for a half you have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about no matter what your pace is! But I agree with Brit. For your first one with a goal of simply finishing upright I would focus on building the miles injury free. You'll have a goal to work toward for the next one!

[thom]

Ditto what the others have said about just working to get in the miles for your first. I remember how overwhelming the 10 mile I did while training for my first half was, and I really just needed to focus on distance -- not speed.

That said,

If you're feeling good and not worried about injury, feel free to push yourself with the pace on a shorter run each week. I wouldn't worry so much about what that pace is -- just focus on "comfortably hard" for that run.

Good luck!

[mrsjthompson]

Y'all are some of the nicest, most supportive women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I opened up this thread this morning and all y'all's encouragement and positive words have made my day. Thank you all.

BTW, I'm around a 14:30 run/walker. 

[libbygrl109]

Jun 12, 2013 10:17:31 GMT -5 mrsjthompson said:

Y'all are some of the nicest, most supportive women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I opened up this thread this morning and all y'all's encouragement and positive words have made my day. Thank you all.

BTW, I'm around a 14:30 run/walker. 

You will totally rock your half with time to spare!