Running ...

Funny as I read this article from reposted from "Runner's World" at Active.com as it implies runners mostly run in pack, but my experience is I ran alone.   Around here running clubs charge to run in packs ... I mean, really?  So I did try a run with Run 26 group and it was actually a lot of fun.  I was left behind with as the group of I think eight runners split into three paces, I settled in with the slowest group quickly.  Within the group I lagged at times and lead at times.  Sharing the experience of a group run was fun ... But anyhow ...

I recognized some tricks to navigate a race's "no man" land I have discovered instinctively ... and others that only you gain through experience ... The tip of the day from Hal Higdon is that there is no substitute for experience when it comes to learning how to pace yourself ...

Settle in ...
Settling in on a new pace is something I have done ... I will usually just slow down until I feel I caught up my breadth and pick up again ... Not much thinking into it I guess anyone would do the same ... So I liked the simple tip from the article ... breathe in for 2 strides and breathe out for 2 ... making a mental note to follow this tip next time ...

Look Ahead ...
Running is an endurance event.  You can't manage the event by thinking about the end point.  I mean, if you think 13 miles left ... you not going to get there. You need to break the long event into smaller, more manageable distances.  When the going got tough in my race or my training run I focus on a the patch ahead.  I know it's not the end, but when I reach it I know I will have managed the tough going and will move on a step closer to the end.  Think little, results will follow.  So whereas on long training runs I pick landmarks a couple of miles ahead, in races I found I often pick other runners instead ... although in the Seattle Rock and Roll half I did pick some major landmarks (I-90 bridge was one, couldn't miss it even when I was miles away).

Keep it up ...
As I make my way towards that runner I will pat myself on the shoulder when I pass them ... By then I forgot the tough going as I am picking my next target ... But I remain ever aware that victory lies not in the miles I have completed but in the miles yet to come ...

Lone Ranger ...
Is this where experience comes in?  To know the pace you can manage for the race ...  For my first half marathon I under-estimated my pace and ended up running faster than I though I could, a great boost.  As I get ready for my first full it's a different story.  I must focus on resisting running faster, as I have on my last few long runs.  I am also conscious that managing my speed effectively will be a challenge ...  Running can be so exhiliatring, especially as you begin a race and soak in the energy around you ...