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2008-09-19 4:16 PM

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Subject: Pacing a 5k

So, tomorrow I am going to run my first 5k race  (I know, I know...newbie).  I am wondering how I should pace myself?

My typical workouts (which I have recently determined are probably too hard/fast after doing some reading on heart rates) come in around 9:30-9:45 per mile.

Should I try to run faster than that during the race?  Should I race like I have been working out?  Should I save something for a kick at the end?  If so, when to start the kick?

 

Thanks.



2008-09-19 4:45 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
5k's are hard. You really have to ALMOST run all out from the begining. I start to hard and then just have to try to maintain until the end. That is not the fastest way around the track.

For me, since it is a race, my heart rate is elevated before I even start. So I try to start slow but I am never successful. I would recommend that you start MUCH slower than you think you should and then pour the power on from about half way. Finish strong but empty.

I paced myself with someone with a gamin in one of my last races. We were both trying to break 20 minutes. He kept me in check for about 2 miles and then he started to drop of the pace. I was able to pass him and get a PB of 19:56.
2008-09-19 5:46 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
toader - 2008-09-19 4:16 PM

So, tomorrow I am going to run my first 5k race  (I know, I know...newbie).  I am wondering how I should pace myself?

My typical workouts (which I have recently determined are probably too hard/fast after doing some reading on heart rates) come in around 9:30-9:45 per mile.

Should I try to run faster than that during the race?  Should I race like I have been working out?  Should I save something for a kick at the end?  If so, when to start the kick?

 

Thanks.

As fast as you can for 3.1 miles.

2008-09-19 5:59 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
Don't run all out.. ;p You'll be dead before the 1 mile marker.

What distances have you been running at 9:30 pace?


As far as going by feel, the first mile should be comfortably hard, by the 2nd mile marker you should be hurting but still able to go on. Then gut the last half mile out.
2008-09-19 6:01 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

Run a hard pace from the beginning.  Don't start slow and build up.  The fastest pace you can hold over the 5k is what you should run at.  Nice even kms.  Your workout the other day you had 5:29 kms for 3.22k. Just hold that pace if you can.  If you can go even faster, all the better.  If you have the juice to push for the last 200m then all the better.

Congrats on your new Garmin.  I just got one too a few weeks ago.  Been loving it.

2008-09-19 6:05 PM
in reply to: #1685223

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

smilford - 2008-09-19 5:59 PM

What distances have you been running at 9:30 pace?

3 miles usually.  About a 5k.

 

 

edit:  I guess what I am asking (in a way) is how much faster do people run during race pace than during workouts?



Edited by toader 2008-09-19 6:10 PM


2008-09-19 6:08 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
The only good pace is suicide pace, and tomorrow is a good day to die.
2008-09-19 6:47 PM
in reply to: #1685229

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
toader - 2008-09-19 7:05 PM

smilford - 2008-09-19 5:59 PM

What distances have you been running at 9:30 pace?

3 miles usually.  About a 5k.

edit:  I guess what I am asking (in a way) is how much faster do people run during race pace than during workouts?

That depends on the work-out....my paces range from less than 7:00min/miles to a little over 9 min / miles.

If I HAD to tell you at what pace to run try 8:30 for 1st mile, adjust accordingly and make it hurt.

2008-09-19 6:58 PM
in reply to: #1685231

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

ipull400watts - 2008-09-19 4:08 PM The only good pace is suicide pace, and tomorrow is a good day to die.

 

that is the line of the day!

 

to OP, I have a 5K this Sunday.  It starts at 9:10am...I plan on going for a slow 10 min run at 8:55am and then getting to the starting coral...hoping to start the run with my HR over 100...that way you don't have the warm up fluctuation...you can run harder longer.  At least I hope this works for me.



Edited by sax 2008-09-19 7:01 PM
2008-09-19 7:24 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
It's hard to say.. Just go run it and make sure you feel like your going to barf when you cross the finish line. Then you can say, that's how fast I can run a 5k.


2008-09-19 7:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
Hard, fast and as close to out of control as I can push it.

As for how much to take off training paces. I'll do easy days in the 8:30 - 10:30 range and run 6:00 minute miles during a 5k. So in other words, don't use that as a guide.

As I tell all my runners, listen to your body and don't kill yourself the first mile. The converse is also true, if you go to slow during mile 1 on a 5k, it's way hard to make that time up.

5k's hurt, 10k's hurt more.


2008-09-19 8:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

AMcNeice - 2008-09-19 5:48 PM ...5k's hurt, 10k's hurt more.

 

you think those hurt?  Take a look at my 401K for the year.

2008-09-19 8:09 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

Toader

I see you have some good questions - and as we discussed, use your HRM tomorrow - using an RPE scale starting out tomorrow - shoot for a 7/10 on 1-10 scale. At mile 8, you can use 8/10 and for the last mile try to bump up the effort a little. Hold back in the beginning. Try to hit your lap button on each mile so you can tell us your average HR and time for each mile. THIS IS IMPORTANT.

Good luck!

2008-09-19 8:11 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

PS - don't go out all out, or on a suicide pace. That would be silly and is very bad advice for a newbie

You guys should be ashamed to give a newbie terrible advice like you did. Be nicer to the newbies, ok? Thanks!



Edited by mikericci 2008-09-19 8:11 PM
2008-09-19 9:22 PM
in reply to: #1685394

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
sax - 2008-09-19 9:06 PM

AMcNeice - 2008-09-19 5:48 PM ...5k's hurt, 10k's hurt more.

 

you think those hurt?  Take a look at my 401K for the year.

 

what Zone do you train in for a 401k?

2008-09-19 9:38 PM
in reply to: #1685498

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
ScottoNM - 2008-09-19 9:22 PM
sax - 2008-09-19 9:06 PM

AMcNeice - 2008-09-19 5:48 PM ...5k's hurt, 10k's hurt more.

 

you think those hurt?  Take a look at my 401K for the year.

 

what Zone do you train in for a 401k?

 Sounds like Zone 5 from the sounds of it...

 

Heart attack zone.

 



2008-09-19 9:52 PM
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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
There's no pacing in a 5k. Go out fast, pick it up in the middle, then kick it home.
2008-09-19 9:54 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
Yah know what... Seriously... You're gonna get an adrenaline boost. Go out at 9's and hold on.  You can do it!!  Bring it home!
2008-09-19 10:03 PM
in reply to: #1685066

Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

I tried to pace my firt 5k.......got passed by a mom pushing a running stroller.  I still hear about  that one Surprised

Joe

2008-09-19 10:12 PM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

You have to be careful of the advice you get on BT.  It's mostly beginners telling other beginners what to do, including me.  But you have a level III coach giving you advice, I think I would listen.  In the past, I've found Mike's guidance to be right on.

Ernie

2008-09-19 10:29 PM
in reply to: #1685399

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
mikericci - 2008-09-19 8:09 PM

Toader

I see you have some good questions - and as we discussed, use your HRM tomorrow - using an RPE scale starting out tomorrow - shoot for a 7/10 on 1-10 scale. At mile 8, you can use 8/10 and for the last mile try to bump up the effort a little. Hold back in the beginning. Try to hit your lap button on each mile so you can tell us your average HR and time for each mile. THIS IS IMPORTANT.

Good luck!

Can't stress enough - follow the advice above.  Do NOT go "ballz to the wall".  Very dumb idea.



2008-09-19 11:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k

Thanks everyone!  I'm heading to bed for some sleep now.  I will report back how it went. 

 

I'll keep some marbles in my pocket in case any old ladies try to pass me!  Cool

2008-09-20 12:55 AM
in reply to: #1685399

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
Just a tip: You can set up your Garmin to auto-lap each mile or km.  Makes it much easier than trying to remember to hit the button.
2008-09-20 5:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
All of my early 5K runs I've started slow and added speed toward the end, usually with the thought that I wished that I had started to speed up sooner. Don't all-out sprint at the beginning, but start at an accelerated pace, and see if you can mantain and even surpass it. You might want to start toward the front of pack and try to pace yourself with someone...not those lighting bolts at the very front of the pack, but someone who seems to be in the upper third or so.
2008-09-20 10:10 AM
in reply to: #1685066

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Subject: RE: Pacing a 5k
Plenty of good advice here. I'll definitely ditto the go all out! Because three miles is really too short to build up. Runnersworld has some interesting articles on this and they also say that if you go out fast you'll perform better overall.

Let us know how it went!
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