Pace Yourself

People keep asking me about my speed...

My official information from the Silicon Valley Half Marathon, per the timing chip, was:

Gun Time: 2:13:39.1
Pace: 10:12
Net Time: 2:12:25.2

The Runner's World Race Time Calculator predicts I can finish my marathon in 4:36:05, a pace of 10:53. In another article, Runner's World says:

First-time marathoners take note: Use one of the following equations to determine your predicted marathon time from your current 5-K, 10-K or half-marathon time:


* M time = 5-K time x 9.489
* M time = 10-K time x 4.567
* M time = half-marathon time x 2.078


Once you've determined your predicted marathon time, divide by 26.2 to get your predicted marathon pace. Now-and this is the important part-run the first 18 miles at 10 seconds per mile slower than this predicted pace. High-five the volunteers, bond with your neighbors . . . then pick it up for the final 8. You'll finish with a flourish, and have a fabulous time in the process. -Andy Palmer

This estimtes my marathon time at 4:34.26, a pace of 10:47. Since 10:50 fits so neatly between 10:47 and 10:53, I'm picking that as my pace goal for the Pacific Shoreline Marathon in February.

There it is -- my pace goal for my first marathon: 10:50. Projected finish time: 4:43. No way. Impossible. I *really* just want to finish in less than 6 hours, on my feet, feeling strong - not dragging myself over the finish line...

BUT ...

Let's say I want to train for a 4:43 finish. The training paces recommended by Runner's Worlds Training Pace Calculator are:

Easy run: 11:59/mi
Tempo run: 10:03/mi
Maximum oxygen: 9:06/mi
Speed form: 8:30/mi
Long run: 11:59/mi - 13:27/mi

None of those sound that unreasonable. I'm not really sure what to do with them, other than apply them to the plan I've been following. I'm also not sure how to test it out, but will shoot for an official pace of 10:50 this weekend at the US Half to see how it feels.