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Pace OCD?

lestat832lestat832
in General Training Discussions

 Hey everybody,

This morning was the first time I ran after my initial 5k test and I found myself looking at my Polar watch (A LOT) to make sure I was on pace.  

I guess I just wanted to see how everybody else was keeping themselves on pace besides looking at their watch every couple seconds.  

  • For example, for running in Zone 3, I was going to give myself a range of 9:51 - 10:09.  Is that fine?  Or is it just me that can't run at a consistent pace?  

Pace Heart Rate


Easy/Long 11:41 Z1

Marathon 10:09 Z2

Half-Marathon 9:51 Z3

Threshold 9:28 Z4

5k 9:01 Z5

Thanks,

Marc

Comments

  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    A range is fine, especially outdoors. Eventually, you'll be able to do it by feel. I still look at my watch compulsively.
  • kjanracingkjanracing
    I go by RPE and intent too. Meaning being close to the pace, running fast enough and not killing myself. Your range sound ok to me...but that's just me.
  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    I think we've talked of a +/- window of about 5 seconds. So your 9:51 range should be 9:46 to 9:56. The pace zones aren't like heart rate zones, where 146-154 would "all" be zone 3, for example. Anyone else have thoughts?
  • mattsullmattsull

    Nobody around here is OCD.

  • MoJoeMoJoe

     I'll use the GPS to get me to the right pace... not too fast OR too slow, then settle into that RPE.  As hills roll up or down, I maintain RPE (~power), and let the pace go up and down.  Then back on a flatish section, I might check again to recalibrate my RPE.

     

    -Joe

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Don't beat yourself up too much. You probably are not running as inconsistently as your Polar says you are. You might not be perfect, buy neither is that little watch on your wrist. I go with the +/- 5 on either side approach, use RPE to dial in the pace, and check the watch every 5 min or so to validate I'm on track.

    Joe brings up a good point though- pacing on hills is another matter altogether that we've had lots of discussion about.
  • lestat832lestat832
    Thanks for all the tips and feedback. I incorporated them in this morning's workout...I used the GPS to get me to my target pace and took note of RPE and tried to keep it there. I didn't look as often at my watch (except of course to check how much longer I have for the interval lol).
  • kjanracingkjanracing
    Marc, how do you like the GPS with your Polar? I'm using the foot pod, and like having stride length and cadence, but have thought of also getting the GPS unit. Just wondering...thanks
  • lestat832lestat832
    Hey Kurt,

    I used to have the 625x with the foot pod and for me, I like the GPS better. It might seem silly but I FELT the pod with every foot strike. While the foot pod was more accurate (after calibration), the GPS was accurate enough for my purposes. So in terms of recommendation, I love my GPS, which I use with rechargeable batteries!

    Let me know what you decide! Good luck!

    Marc
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