This is probably the easiest and simplest post in the whole Marathoning series…Pacing.
The goal is to run even or negative splits and if you happen to run positive splits — keep it minimal.
It doesn’t always work out that way, but I think a long, gradual progression run is the best way to approach the marathon. Know your goal pace — the specific sessions performed in the training (and posted about earlier in the On Marathoning Series) should give you a good idea about what you can handle pace-wise…Start just a bit slower than that early, work into it, and be ready to finish strong.
Going out faster than you can handle, or taking an aggressive approach, is never smart in a marathon — too many things can go wrong and it’s a long way to the finish.
Be patient. Be calm. Know what you can handle and save something for the last 10k.
Even or negative splits. Patience.
Phillips Running 