Do you know your training paces for your next goal race?
I’ve been fortunate to have grown up on the track surrounded by runners (many more talented than me) and experienced coaches. From a young age, I knew my training paces and how to use them to benefit my races. Coaches could tell me almost any time and distance, within my ability, and I would achieve that goal within a few seconds.
Eventually, my days of competitive team running came to an end. However, finding myself on my own to train was not as scary as I thought it would be. I was equipped with the right knowledge and tools for success. Knowing how to incorporate my proper training paces was much of the reason why I progressed quickly from 800 meters to marathons and beyond.
Unfortunately, the majority of runners did not grow up with the experience in running as I did. Most have not had someone work closely with them to develop the correct skills to train and race. Whether out of convenience or lack of knowledge, most runners complete all their runs close to the same pace.
If this describes you as a runner, that is okay. It may be the right fit for you and your goals. However, if your goals are to get faster, run longer, build more muscle, or even lose weight, you may want to consider adding some variety to your training paces.
This article gives an easy-to-understand overview of the different training paces that can be added to a runner’s routine to improve speed, endurance, and recovery.
Training Paces for Runners
1. Goal Pace:
Probably the easiest training pace to describe, but one of the most difficult for us to define for ourselves. Your goal pace is the overall pace you are working to achieve in your upcoming race. This pace should be based on recent similar performances and not the fastest pace you wish to achieve.
Set a realistic goal race pace based on actual recent performances.
For example, if you have recently run a half marathon in 1:30 and a 5K in 18 minutes, then a realistic goal pace for a marathon would be 7:45/mile. That is the equivalent of a 3:22 marathon. In many cases, a runner would say their marathon goal is sub-3:00. However, recent performances show that the fitness and experience are not quite to that level yet.
It is important to note that training paces may change when establishing a realistic goal pace during a structured training plan. In fact, you should almost expect them to change. If you have laid out a structured training plan, then you likely have built-in several training races. These training races leading up to your goal race allow you to make proper adjustments in your plan’s goal pace and other aspects.
2. Endurance Runs:
Endurance runs are broken down into three distinctly different types of runs. Recovery runs long runs, and easy runs. The majority of your running miles will be done in one of these endurance-paced zones. These runs improve your ability to run longer with less fatigue and increase oxygen delivery to your muscles.
Endurance runs are important for improving the strength of muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, which will reduce the risk of injury. If you are training for long-distance races, such as a half marathon or longer, your endurance-paced runs will be where you build the mental toughness to know you can cover the goal distance.
RECOVERY RUNS:
Recovery runs will last between 15 to 60 minutes in total duration. These are prolonged and easy runs to allow time to recover between the more challenging training or racing days in your schedule. The emphasis with recovery runs is on a very, very easy pace! I’m talking about a pace that is 60 to 90 seconds per mile slower than your goal pace.
The first few times you complete a run at this pace, it will feel too slow. Please don’t give up on it, though! With more time spent at the actual recovery pace, you will start to notice a positive difference on your harder training days.
EASY RUNS:
Easy runs make up the majority of running time and distance in any training plan. These runs are potentially going to be longer and slightly faster than your recovery runs. Most will find training plans with easy runs lasting between 15 to 90 minutes at a pace that is 15 to 60 seconds slower per mile than the goal pace.
LONG RUNS:
The long run is where you build your endurance and mental strength for your longer races. The total duration of your long run will depend on your goal race distance. These runs will last at least one hour to several hours for marathon and ultra-marathon runners. Your overall running effort should mostly be kept easy (approximately 60 seconds slower than the race pace). However, you can add variations to some of your long runs to improve your confidence and ability to race.
3. Stamina Runs:
Adding stamina runs to your training plan can improve your ability to run at a fast pace for a longer amount of time. These are crucial runs if your goal is to get faster! Stamina runs alter the point at which lactic acid production no longer outpaces your body’s ability to remove it at a specific pace. This is known as your lactate threshold. The more efficient your body is at removing lactic acid, the faster you will train and race!
Lactic acid is produced when glucose is broken down and oxidized. With strenuous exercise, oxygen in our muscles is reduced, and more lactic acid is produced. This is often associated with the burning sensation in your muscles during intense exercise.
Stamina runs will teach your body how to judge effort and the difference between fast and too fast. I break down stamina runs into three different workouts and explain each below…
STEADY-STATE RUNS:
Steady-state runs will last between 25 to 90 minutes and are run at the same pace from start to finish. These types of runs improve stamina and confidence in your fitness. Steady-state runs are done at an easy to medium effort, around 10 to 30 seconds faster than the goal pace.
TEMPO RUNS:
The tempo run will challenge the lactate threshold and be a critical part of training for a 10K or half marathon. The idea is to practice running just below or at your anaerobic level (lactate threshold). Tempo runs will last between 10 to 40 minutes. You will always want to start a tempo run with a period of easy running before accelerating the pace for the prescribed amount of time.
Example Tempo Run
Warm-up: 15 to 20 minutes easy
Tempo run: 15 to 30 minutes of continuous running at a threshold pace (heart rate zones 3 and 4).
Cool-down: 10 to 15 minutes easy
TEMPO INTERVALS:
Tempo intervals will further develop your stamina and prepare you for times of harder effort during distance racing. Intervals differ from tempo runs. With intervals, you will have a recovery run between each repetition (interval). In addition, your pace during intervals is going to be quicker than when running a tempo run. Tempo intervals can be a great way to increase your speed endurance, running form, and response to different challenges during a race.
Example Tempo Intervals
Warm-up: 10 to 15-minutes easy + running drills
Intervals: 5x 3 minutes at medium to hard effort with 2 minutes of active recovery between repetitions.
Cool-down: 10 to 15-minutes easy
4. Speed Runs:
Speed runs are best done on a track to help gauge distance and effort. These workouts are made up of intervals between 400 meters and 1600 meters in length. Speed workouts will improve your ability to run fast and increase oxygen delivery to your muscles. The result will be an increase in your body’s ability to remove lactic acid.
These workouts force you to continue to strive for and achieve a difficult pace when the breathing is labored, and the muscles are heavy. You are sure to improve your mental toughness when faced with fatigue during these training sessions. There are too many combinations of speed runs to list here, but it could be as simple as 10×400 meters. You can also do more complex workouts, such as a ladder consisting of 400-800-1200-800-400 meter repeats.
5. Sprint Runs:
Sprint-paced workouts are often forgotten about by distance runners. These near-all-out efforts can help improve coordination and form. Similar to tempo intervals, sprint runs can improve your ability to respond to challenges faced during a race. It is a great confidence builder to know you can run faster when there are surges from the competition or changes in the terrain. With more sprint training, you will be able to make the most of your finishing kick. From 50 meters through 400 meters, sprint-paced workouts will make you feel like a kid all over again.
Try adding these different training paces into your workout routine and see how they work for you. More beginner runners will want to stay away from or limit the amount of time spent doing stamina, speed, and sprint paces. Before progressing your training to the next level, take the time to build a solid endurance and strength base.
Remember that one or two of these workouts per week is most likely enough for runners ready for faster workouts. Make sure you keep a solid day of rest or recovery in between hard efforts as well. Always listen to your body, run easy, or take additional rest when needed.
What are some of the best ways you have added these training paces to your running routine? Follow us on Strava and share the details of your workouts with our club!
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