Strategy (5k)

When you go to run a 5k (or any other race) you don’t want to go out and hope for the best. When you go out to race you want to have a strategic plan to your pacing and know how you are going to run. There are some terms that you need to know as somebody who is going to pace themselves such as: positive and negative splits, floating, and surging. A positive split is when your previous section of the race is faster than the succeeding segment. A negative split is the opposite of a positive split, for example: you run a 62 second 1st lap of a mile and a 64 second 2nd lap. Everyone has a different strategy that is best for them. A basic strategy for different level runners by Rick Morris, a running trainer, is very helpful. [ Runner Type = Recommended Pacing Strategy Beginning Runner = Even Effort Recreational Runner = Even Pacing Pacer ( Runs for a time goal) = Negative Splits Beginning Competitive Runner = Negative Splits or Middle Push/Strong Finish Experienced Competitive Runner = Strong Start/Middle Float with a Strong Finish ] Once you know what strategy is best for you, you can now successfully use it in a race.