N...is for Negative Splits

A Negative Split is when you run the last half of a race faster than the first half of the race.

Negative splitting is the way to go when running a long race like the half-marathon or the full marathon, but it takes discipline.  You need to start out slower than your race pace in the first half of the race, and then speed up to race pace during the last half of the race.  When I ran my 5K this last weekend I ran a negative split race...the first mile and a half was slower than my last mile and a half and I beat my previous PR by 4 minutes and 23 seconds.  

Here is an example of a negative split race...If your running a marathon and plan on running a 10 minute mile pace, run your first 5 miles slower, maybe 15 seconds per mile slower.  Between miles 5-20, cruise at your goal pace of 10-minute miles,  and for the last 6+ pick up the pace and finish strong.

I believe in the sun even when it is not shining. I believe in love even when I feel it not. I believe in God even when He is silent. *Written on a wall in a concentration camp*

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