What is a good strategy for a half marathon road race?

Answer 1

stay with top 3 at beginning then spirt out at end

(Sanandraous here)

Thanks guys for the good input. It's been a while since I looked at this and just saw it and was like wow I was young, since asking this question I have gone on to being top 15 in Regionals my senior year and now have coached distance running for my coach at her gym. Good answers and techniques. For you new runners if you need advice this is something to follow.

(Sanandraous)

If your a bit back just keep your mind clear, if there is someone ahead of you make it your goal to pass them. Once/if you get up to the front runners (or you feel like you are exceeding your limit) pace with them until you hit your last 100m. Then speed up and as soon as you see the finish just sprint, if your in pain then run faster, you are to close to the finish to let that slow you down.

Stay at your usual pace, don't work to hard at the beginning because you will never make it to the end (trust me I know). Stay with the pack, then at the last 150 meters or so GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT.

God Bless,

Marie12kk3

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The person is mostly correct on the top except for staying with the top three when you start the race.

I have done cross-country for 2 years, and this year I'm gonna be team captain. And my coach always told me, DO NOT SPRINT IN THE BEGINNING. Sprinting takes most of your energy, a 3k is almost 2 miles, you want a lot of your energy for most of the race. Try to stay in the middle when it's the beginning and when you're about 500m away from the starting line start to find your racing pace and keep it.

At the end when you have about 500m left start to do strides, which is when you're not going as fast as you can. You're only going for about 60-80%. Then the last 100m give it all you got.

Take it from an advanced runner. I was the 3rd best on my cross-country team. Which is why I'll be team captain 'cause our best runner will be leaving to high school and our 2nd best this was her first year. I know what I'm talking about. ;-)

Strategy is based on the level of fitness in comparison to the strengths an weaknesses of the competition.

For example if you are clearly stronger then your competitors, then it is better to take the pace out and take out the kick of any runners that may be faster at the end of the race. On the other hand if you are more of an 800 or 1500 runner it may be better to let the others do the pacing and then try to push at the end. There is more strategy in a 3k race then other distances. This is because you will be running in oxygen debt, but since it is a longer distance you need to be able to control the duration and depth of the debt.

To train properly for this race it is important to understand your weaknesses. For example, if your have a solid pace all the way through, but then start fading, then it is necessary to work on your endurance. (long runs) If you feel strong at the end but get out kicked then it is best to work on your speed (sprint workouts) If the heavy pace takes a toll before you can use your speed then strengths workouts are necessary. (hill and med distance track workouts)

Answer 2

A good strategy for running a half marathon road race is to establish your pace early. Maintain a comfortable pace throughout most of the race and then try to slightly increase during the final leg.