Running a consistent pace is an important consideration for any runner. Keeping your pace consistent can be challenging and difficult to determine just how fast it should be. Let’s take a look at a few ways to become more consistent.

The following tips will help you along your way to pacing your runs correctly. It will take time for your body to adjust, keeping a log will help you track your progress.

1. Train on a regular basis: This may seem self explanatory and even silly but missed runs and workouts can throw your body off kilter. Keeping your routines regular helps your body adjust to your natural rhythm.
2. Map your runs out: If you are planning to run outside make a plan of where you are going to run and how far. You can use tools like www.mapmyrun.com to plot your path. If you are running on a treadmill set a goal for yourself, choose time or distance. On a any run do not get into the mindset of “I will run three miles or thirty minutes”, pick either the mileage or time.
3. Turn off the tunes: Running with headphones on can throw your tempo off. Listen to your footsteps to hear your rhythm. Count each footstep up to four and start again “1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4”. Repeating this exercise will help you memorize the pace.
4. Gauge your effort: Run hard enough to make it feel like you are truly running but not hard enough to cause you to exert too much energy and tire quickly.

Remember that the most important aspect to keeping a good pace is repetition. Run a tempo which is comfortable to you and if you are on a treadmill make sure to remember the speed which is most comfortable. If you are having difficulty breathing well take a look at improving breathing technique.