Any tricks to help you remember goal splits for long distance races?

Question

I'm running a 20k (12.4 mi.) in a few weeks and with this amazing calculator (http://www.uscaa.org/goodies/splitsCalc.html?w=0&d=20&du=km&hh=1&mm=40&ss=0&p=&pu=min/mi&s=0&su=mi) I have calculated what time I want to be at at each mile point.

When I want to remember split goals for speed training on the track I write them on my arm, but I only have 200m splits for a mile so it's not that many.

I also run marathons, and I can't write 26 times on my arms now, can I? I don't think I've seen anyone do that.

Does anyone have any tricks or happen to know how the pros do it? Do I have to just memorize them?

Answer 1

well a 20k isn't as far as a marathon and having 12 or 13 #s on your arm is not half as bad as having 26 on your arm. So I don't see anything wrong with putting it on your arm. Also figuring them out as you go along wouldn't be bad. It would keep you occupied and keep your mind off how tired or sore you are. I don't know what the course is like but if it has loops maybe you could have a friend help you out but taking shortcuts from one part of the course to another to give you 2 or 3 split times at a time, that would be nice because they could also encourage you as you are running. My mom used to do that for me at the 1/2 mile marks in cross country, she said she like helping me out. I hope that helps a little good luck with the race

Answer 2

For road races with visible mile markers just use the lap function of your watch. This way you just need to remember your target pace and avoid coating your arm with ink.

Elite marathoners are able to judge their pace within a few seconds per mile without a watch. They have done enough track workouts at or about race pace to become familiar with the amount of effort required for their target pace.

After a certain point (18-22 mile point ) fatigue sets in and it is difficult to judge pace that accurately. Effort that yielded a 5:00 mile in the beginning of the race only yields a 5:15 with fatigue factored in. At this point in the race runners benefit by having other runners nearby to collectively gauge pace and ultimately to compete against.

I have been in some races like the Las Vegas Marathon where each mile marker is clearly marked with a giant balloon.  At the three mile marker for example you can clearly see the four mile marker in the distance. This is a great help. You simply use the lap function on your watch and let it time you from marker to marker (without crystal clear mile markers that isn't possible).

If you are able to note and memorize your split times for shorter distances on the track more power to you.

With time and practice you will know the difference between a  68 second quarter and a 70 second quarter on your 1st, 2nd or 7th lap without a watch.

Answer 3

well,Like you I've writen splits on my arm..and us eot always worry aobut time..but before my last crosscountry season i lost my watch..probably the best thing I've done with my running haha..not planning on gettin another either..it takes gettin use to,but when you dont worry about times you run to the best of your ability..you dont think "man that was t fat i need to slow down" then you slow down..how do you know that your not just feeling really good that day?

Its worked for me and many others, just a suggestion

Answer 4

think about it this way..u have about 5 minutes to figure it out.

Answer 5

I just reember what I want 1 mile to be and then add that up as I go to figure it out as I go.

I don't run marathons, but frankly if I was you I would write them on your arms, if you can read them while you run and you can fit them, and don't worry about if anyone does that