Understanding Running Pace
What is Running Pace?
Running pace refers to the amount of time it takes you to cover a specific distance, typically measured in minutes per kilometer (min/km) or minutes per mile (min/mi). Understanding your pace is crucial for training effectively and achieving your running goals.
Pace vs Speed
While pace tells you how long it takes to cover a distance (e.g., 5:30 min/km), speed tells you how much distance you cover in a given time (e.g., 10.91 km/h). They're inversely related - a faster pace means a higher speed.
Quick conversion: Speed (km/h) = 60 ÷ Pace (min/km)
Why Pace Matters
- Helps you plan training runs at the right intensity
- Essential for race strategy and pacing
- Allows you to track improvement over time
- Makes it easier to compare performances across different distances
Common Training Paces
Easy Pace (Conversational)
You should be able to hold a conversation. Typically 60-70% of max effort.
Tempo Pace (Comfortably Hard)
Sustainable for about an hour. Around 80-90% of max effort.
Race Pace
Your target pace for a specific race distance. Practice this during training!
Using the Pace-Speed Converter
Our converter makes it easy to switch between pace and speed, whether you're planning a training run or analyzing race results. Simply enter your pace or speed, and the tool will instantly calculate the conversion for you.
Try the Converter →