Something that I've always wondered, how much faster do people race compared to what they do in training for equal or perhaps slightly shorter distances. I'd probably know more about it had I read books on training and such, but I really have never followed any training plan and just went out there and did what I felt like. But I get pretty sore after races and in some cases to the point I limp for a few days (longer ones anyhow). I also tend to push myself to a lot faster pace during a race though, and I wonder if I am just pushing too much at the race, or not pushing enough in training.
Anyhow I am curious and thought I'd make a poll. Not taking the results as anything serious though, just for fun.
I think my speed disparity between training and racing is mostly consistent from 5k through 1/2 marathon distance. I find that in a race I typically run at least 30 seconds per mile faster pace than I do during training for the same distances, and if I am not pushing things a little I might fall back to around a minute per mile slower training. For example my race pace in a half marathon is currently around 7:30 pace but in training if I am doing close to 10 miles or so my pace is rarely faster than 8 minutes, and often 8:30+. Similarly for a 5k run I might be able to bring myself under 7 minute pace slightly if I am feeling very motivated, but no where near the 6:07 pace on my last 5k.
Anyhow I am curious and thought I'd make a poll. Not taking the results as anything serious though, just for fun.
I think my speed disparity between training and racing is mostly consistent from 5k through 1/2 marathon distance. I find that in a race I typically run at least 30 seconds per mile faster pace than I do during training for the same distances, and if I am not pushing things a little I might fall back to around a minute per mile slower training. For example my race pace in a half marathon is currently around 7:30 pace but in training if I am doing close to 10 miles or so my pace is rarely faster than 8 minutes, and often 8:30+. Similarly for a 5k run I might be able to bring myself under 7 minute pace slightly if I am feeling very motivated, but no where near the 6:07 pace on my last 5k.