Run at your own pace

There are three types of runners: Those who run at a consistent pace through their entire run or race, those who begin slow and have a kick at the end, and those who start out fast and fade. No matter which type of runner you are, it’s very important to run at your own pace.

This is not about racing (which is an entirely separate topic), but about training runs. During a training run there will always be runners that pass you. It’s inevitable. Sometimes you will be in the beginning of a very long run, other times you’ll be finishing up on an easy day. One day it will be when you feel great, another day it will be when you’d rather be on the couch. Running is unique in that way – while everyone is doing the same activity, there are so many variables that separate us.

That is why it is so important to run at your own pace. Getting caught up in racing others around you will not help your training, and most importantly, will really bother other runners. Just ask Jay Jackson.

Jay was running along the Charles River in Cambridge, MA one day, which is always filled with runners. He was about 10 miles through a 12 mile run when a runner he was about to pass decided it was time for a competition. Every time Jay tried to pass the runner he would speed up, playing a game of yo-yo for half a mile. Once Jay finally passed the runner for good, he looked back to give him a “see ya!” smile, and finished the last 1.5 miles of his run.

This is just one example of the annoying games that can occur on a run. The runner that decided to race jay probably didn’t know he was on a 12 mile run, but that’s part of the job when you’re a runner – understand that everyone trains differently: different paces, different distances, even different levels of fitness. Racing someone that is trying to pass you will only create enemies. And if you really do want to run with someone, just ask if you can tag along.