Right.

1. Interval training or fartlek - different pace/intensity for short periods of time.

or

2. Subjective estimation of pace is notoriously difficult. Due to any number of factors (wind, temperature, energy levels, hydration) you might quite easily think you're going significantly faster or slower than you actually are. And when you're running a long distance, a small difference in pace over the first mile or two might not make much difference at the time, but could well have a massive knock-on effect an hour and a half later.

I only look at my watch once or twice when I'm running most of my regular routes. Once at a point which is about a mile after the start, and again about a half mile after that. If I'm much quicker than usual at either point I'll normally ease back a bit, depending on how far I'm intending to go.

3. I guess loads of people look at their watches when running 'cos they've seen Paula Radcliffe do it every 5 mins.

Posted By: Arizona Bay, May 29, 15:03:00