When you have a certain time goal for your next marathon, pacing is key to staying on track. Your average running pace per mile helps you set your marathon time goal. Once you know how fast you want to run, you need to establish a way to keep track of your pacing on race day.
Training
Your training runs prepare you for the distance of the marathon, but pacing is also a crucial part of the training. Use some of your training runs to practice running at your particular pace. A GPS-enabled runner's watch is an effective tool to help you stay on pace. The watch tells you your distance, time and pace so you can focus on consistency. The more you practice your pacing during training runs, the easier time you'll have on marathon day.
Pace Groups
Most marathons have pace groups with a pace runner that sets the speed. The runner is able to easily finish the marathon at the goal time and is experienced at pacing herself. The pace runner usually holds a sign or other form of identification so you can keep track of her throughout the race. If you stick with the group associated with your desired finish time, you will stay on pace to reach your goal. Using a pace group means you have less worry about whether you are starting too fast or not staying on pace.
Splits
Splits in running compare your pace for the first half of the race to the last half. In a negative split, you run the second half of the marathon faster than the first half. The idea is that you conserve your energy for the second half for a stronger finish and overall faster time. A positive split means you run a faster first half. The risk of running with a positive split is you will burn up too much energy in the beginning and actually finish slower because you struggle in the second half. A running watch helps you pace yourself for either positive or negative splits.
Even Pacing
Even pacing means you keep your pace steady throughout the race. This is often challenging because as the marathon progresses you grow tired and use up your carbohydrate reserves. An extremely hilly course can also throw off your even pacing, as the hills are likely to slow you down.
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