Pacing: there's got to be an app for that, right?

scb515

I ran with a visiting friend (a proper runner) today who helpfully identified the reason why I find running such an ordeal is because I apparently set off super quickly and then slowly die. She's... not wrong.

Does anyone use (and can recommend) some sort of iOS app that helps you control your speed? Something that integrates with music would be great, because I cannot run without music.

I've now managed two 5Ks without stopping, so now I need to work on my pacing and I don't know how... Any advice much appreciated!

S x

MeanderingMammal

Endomondo, Strava, Runkeeper. Theyll give you audio feedback on your pace.

kristinegift

Pretty much any running app will give you pace/pace averages. Keep an eye on those to make sure you aren't going too hard. But there isn't an app that will tell you your ideal pace. You'll have to figure that one out solo. To make sure I'm not going to hard, I like to do a talking test: if I can talk/sing along with the song I'm listening to without gasping for air, I'm doing a-OK. If the sing-along is a struggle, then it's time to ease up on the pace.

joanthemom8

When I was taking guitar lessons I put a metronome app on my phone....I played with it for a while to find a pace that I could run too..... if you don't get annoyed listening to the "tick-toc-tick-toc" or whatever sound you use.... Also, the song "Stompa" worked for me....

AllanMisner

scb515 wrote: »

I ran with a visiting friend (a proper runner) today who helpfully identified the reason why I find running such an ordeal is because I apparently set off super quickly and then slowly die. She's... not wrong.

Does anyone use (and can recommend) some sort of iOS app that helps you control your speed? Something that integrates with music would be great, because I cannot run without music.

I've now managed two 5Ks without stopping, so now I need to work on my pacing and I don't know how... Any advice much appreciated!

S x

Check out Pear. You buy the kit (HRM and sports ear buds) and download the app. On the training runs, it coaches you to work a pace and monitors your HR to ensure you keep in that range (and tells you when you’ve exceeded it). Yes, there is a cost, but I think it is worth paying for quality.

MeanderingMammal

joanthemom8 wrote: »

.... I put a metronome app on my phone....I played with it for a while to find a pace that I could run too.....

Worth recalling though that cadence and pace are unrelated. A competent runner will be able to hold a consistent cadence, at a range of different pace.