Why is pacing important to practice during training?

Pacing is a crucial aspect of training because it directly influences race day performance. Practicing pacing helps runners learn how to distribute their energy effectively over the duration of their race. When runners understand and practice their pacing, they can better manage their physical and mental resources, allowing them to maintain a sustainable speed throughout the event.

Effective pacing enables runners to avoid starting too fast, which can lead to early fatigue and decreased performance. By finding the right pace through training, athletes can optimize their finishing times and ensure they have enough energy for the latter stages of the race. Moreover, practicing pacing helps runners develop a sense of their perceived exertion and fine-tune their strategy based on the specific distance of the race they are preparing for.