How to Pace an Even Split: My Race-Day Decision System
I show how to set realistic split targets, adjust for hills and weather, and correct pace without surging, with a worked 50-minute 10K example.
I show how to set realistic split targets, adjust for hills and weather, and correct pace without surging, with a worked 50-minute 10K example.
Do trail running shoes need rock plates? Ken’s five-pass field test weighs sharp-stone protection against flex, fit, grip, and late-run control.
I explain what a threshold run feels like, how I choose a starting effort, and when I slow, stop, or progress the workout without racing it.
Ken’s 20-week beginner 50K plan includes a weekly schedule, entry criteria, long-run time caps, fueling practice, cutbacks, and race-day decisions.
Trail running alone? Ken’s plan covers route choice, an actionable trip plan, turnaround rules, emergency decisions, and safe check-in.
My downhill running plan starts with a small controlled dose, checks the next days of recovery, and builds duration, grade, and trail skill without sacrificing the week.
I turn a mountain course into a training plan for climbs, hiking, descents, fueling, altitude, and safety—with a sample week and rules for adjusting load.
I use a Build–Settle–Cap method to make steady runs purposeful, controlled, and repeatable without letting moderate effort take over the week.
My step-by-step method for technical trail descents: choose a line, manage braking, adapt footwork to rocks and roots, and know when to walk.
I explain what running economy measures, which workouts may improve it, and how I choose strides, hills, strength, or intervals without overloading the week.
I show how I finish race-specific training, taper without feeling flat, protect race-week recovery, and adjust the peak for a 5K through an ultra.
I estimate lactate threshold pace from a controlled 30-minute test or a suitable race, check the calculation, and validate the working range in training.
I use resting heart rate as one layer in a baseline-first readiness system: verify the reading, compare the trend, add context, and require a second signal.
I schedule rest by mapping the real cost of hard sessions, long runs, strength, and life stress—then placing recovery where it protects the week.
My readiness-first comeback plan uses the first run as calibration, the next 48 hours as evidence, and repeatable weeks—not old pace—to govern progress.
I explain the two thresholds as a practical training map: one protects repeatable easy volume, while the other controls sustained hard work.
I choose hill repeats by goal, then control grade, duration, effort, recovery, downhill load, progression, and the rule that ends the workout.
I use this 1–10 RPE scale to connect effort with speech, breathing, duration, session purpose, changing conditions, and the next training decision.
How many days a week should you run? Ken shares a practical way to choose 2–6 days, build a balanced week, and know when to add or remove a run.
I interpret heart rate drift while running through three gates: signal quality, stable external work, and whether the result should change the session.
I built this 12-week intermediate half marathon plan around five running days, controlled threshold work, progressive long runs, cutbacks, and practical adjustment rules.