Concept
Running pace
The time required to cover a unit of distance, commonly expressed as minutes per kilometer or mile.
What pace measures
Pace describes external speed. It is useful for planning finish times, reviewing splits, and comparing similar runs.
What pace does not measure
It does not directly show physiological cost. Heat, hills, wind, fatigue, and surface can make the same pace require very different effort.
Why ranges help
A pace range allows the runner to preserve the intended training response when conditions vary.
How to use it
Read pace beside perceived effort, breathing, route, conditions, and recovery.
Common misconception
Holding the planned pace does not automatically mean a session is being executed correctly.