when you run do you....

[hjohnson050711]

run at the same pace the entire time?

run at different paces for a set distance or time?

if you run at different tempos how to you measure the distance? or do you just say "faster to that tree" etc?


I am following the hal higdon method for the 1/2 marathon and it doesn't mention anything about this. it just says "4 mile run"

[al320]

when i run outside, i usually start out slow and then gradually get faster. i try to aim for negative splits. i usually map out a route first (on mapmyrun.com) so i know what distance i plan to run and where to go, but i also run with a garmin to track speed, distance, time.

if you're looking to do speedwork, like fartleks, then yes, something like "ill speed up until i reach that tree" is exactly what you should be doing.

if this is your first HM and you havent been running long distances, i wouldnt worry too much about speed, just go out and run four miles at a comfortable enough pace to be able to finish strong.

[texassmith]

From the HH method:

Run: When the workout includes the word "run," such as "3 mile run," you should run that distance at a comfortable pace for you. A comfortable pace means one in which you could hold a conversation without having any difficulty breathing.

More info:http://www.halfmarathoners.com/half-marathon-training-resources/hal-higdon-half-marathon-training/novice-2/77-training/87-higdon-half-marathon-training-novice-1

[Deleted]

Depends on what kind of run I'm doing. Track workouts have a time goal for each repeat. Then I have different paces based on the length of run I'm doing, I'll run a faster pace for a shorter run and slower for a longer run.

If its your first half, HH is a great plan and pacing isn't necessarily something you need to worry about at this point. Just focus on finishing your runs. His novice plans don't have pacing info for a reason

[grk2012]

Depends on the day. Sometimes I just go out for an easy, comfortable few miles. Other times, I try to keep up with my faster friends. If I'm feeling really motivated, I'll do some informal speedwork by yes, like you said, "going faster to the tree" etc.

[hjohnson050711]

Jun 18, 2012 10:51:00 GMT -5 al320 said:

when i run outside, i usually start out slow and then gradually get faster. i try to aim for negative splits. i usually map out a route first (on mapmyrun.com) so i know what distance i plan to run and where to go, but i also run with a garmin to track speed, distance, time.

if you're looking to do speedwork, like fartleks, then yes, something like "ill speed up until i reach that tree" is exactly what you should be doing.

if this is your first HM and you havent been running long distances, i wouldnt worry too much about speed, just go out and run four miles at a comfortable enough pace to be able to finish strong.

i am so sorry but can you explain "negative splits"

[al320]

Jun 18, 2012 10:54:21 GMT -5 hjohnson050711 said:

Jun 18, 2012 10:51:00 GMT -5 al320 said:

when i run outside, i usually start out slow and then gradually get faster. i try to aim for negative splits. i usually map out a route first (on mapmyrun.com) so i know what distance i plan to run and where to go, but i also run with a garmin to track speed, distance, time.

if you're looking to do speedwork, like fartleks, then yes, something like "ill speed up until i reach that tree" is exactly what you should be doing.

if this is your first HM and you havent been running long distances, i wouldnt worry too much about speed, just go out and run four miles at a comfortable enough pace to be able to finish strong.

i am so sorry but can you explain "negative splits"

it means that the last half of your run, or later miles, are run faster than the first half, or earlier miles. i try to get progressively faster with each mile... or at least, depending on the distance, my first few miles will be slower, and then i speed up and at least try to maintain that speed if not get even faster.

[hjohnson050711]

ok thanks!

[gnomesweetgnome]

I always do walk/run intervals, I just keep an eye on my watch. I run 5 minutes, walk 2 minutes.

[ebeth]

I guess it depends on what I am doing. sometimes it's mostly the same pace, sometimes I do a tempo/progression run, nearly always my last mile is the fastest though. Mostly I run for time. a favorite when I'm short on time but want to work pretty hard is 5 min warm up, 20 min comfortably hard, 5 min cool down.

but you are just starting. I wouldn't worry about working on speed just yet. focus on your endurance for awhile. the speed will come.

[ckinla]

When I run outside, I usually keep the same pace (only speeding up for the last half mile or so). For the treadmill, I usually alternate - 1 lap at 5.5, one at 6 and one at 6.5 for the majority.

[gt7301b]

I am not very good at running at a constant pace so my pace my vary by about a min over a run, but I usually have a goal pace that I am aiming for. Unless I am doing speedwork I try and run at a pace that would allow me to carry on a conversation. I usually use my garmin to determine the distances for my speedwork. I may not actually do speedwork on the track, but I still use my garmin to determine distance.

That being said, it sounds like this is your first half. If that is the case I would focus on miles first and speed for the next race.

[mayflowers22]

I usually run at the same pace but if I'm feeling like it's too easy I will pick up the pace.