Pacing, Pace Goal Setting, and Pace Groups

Pacing, Pace Goal Setting, and Pace Groups

Heather Bechtel, MD

One of the wonderful things about MIT is the diversity in pace groups.  Whatever fast or slow means to you, you will have company on Saturday mornings.  I remember being very intimidated showing up for group runs as a new participant.  Would I get laughs, or even worse, pity?  I went in with thick skin, and was pleasantly surprised with how welcoming our sport is.  Of course there are bad actors once in a while, but I think runners and walkers are overall a great group of people.

What if you are experiencing insecurity about pace? How do you handle negative thoughts?

1. Re-examine your goals.  Faster is only one of many goals on which to focus.  How about running farther as a goal?  Having more fun, in more places, with awesome people, as long as our bodies will let us?  Pick which one brings you the most joy.
2. Find your group.  There are many different paces.  If you’re not seeing a pace group that meets your needs, please ask a coach.
3. Stop bashing your pace aloud, online, and in your self-talk.  Negative self-talk is not going to motivate you to do your best next time.  Your talk also contributes to how your community thinks about pace.  “I was so slow, I only did a [8, 10, 12] minute pace” is not helpful for anyone who struggles to hit that pace.  Instead, try “Today was challenging.  I was 30 seconds behind my anticipated pace, but I still finished my miles.”
4. Surround yourself with positive influences. Follow social media accounts or read books of respected athletes who have similar paces and experiences.
5. Talk to other runners & walkers on the weekends.  We all have different experiences, different goals, and you may find some strategy that resonates with you.
   
   

Do not forget to cheer on those MITers in all the different pace groups as you pass on Saturday.  We are all in this together.  See you on the trail!