As children, we all have enjoyed running from one place to the other, after our friends and siblings. Running then was more of a fun rather than an exercise for us. But, running the races is something very different from running around in the neighborhood. Marathons are considered as the most difficult type of running in comparison to the other types. To be a good and successful runner in marathon racing requires many things like a good stamina, fit body and a good pacing formula which altogether help you to win the marathon races.

One of the major problems that are faced while running the marathon races is to keep up a constant pace throughout the race. Most of the runners start either too fast or too slow which have their own consequences. When you start too fast, by the time you are crossing the 18 mile mark, you are already into deep trouble as your body gets completely exhausted and then to carry on running to the next 8 miles gets more difficult and ugly. Similarly, when you start running at a slower pace and cover the first few miles easily your legs stop responding when you wish to increase your pace during the final miles. This is because your legs actually get tired initially and hence when you want to increase your pace, your legs won't increase your strides thus increasing your pace. Thus, to help you with your pace here are a few tips provided by the well experienced marathon runners.

1To get to know your actual speed of running, you should run at least half the marathon distance with the best possible speed and your ability for the complete first week. While running this half marathon distance, wear a heart rate monitor to record your average heart rate. From this recorded average heart rate, subtract 5 beats to know your actual marathon heart rate. For instance, if your average heart rate is 150bpm, then subtract 5bpm to know your actual average heart rate.

2Once you know your heart rate, you should practice running for at least once in a week at this heart rate before the marathon will help you to build up the stamina and also correct your efforts. Initially start your practice from 5 miles a day and then increase it gradually upto 20 miles at the same rate. This will help you maintain your pace at a good speed throughout the race.

3During the next week, run longer in the next half which will help you improve your fitness and maintain it regularly. But after the long runs it is also important to take sometime to recover for your body.

4Record your average heart rate after running another half marathon during the midpoint of your training session. This will allow you to know about the changes occurring in your average heart rate. In case your heart rate decreases, it indicates that you are over training yourself which might prove harmful for your body.

5Run just half a marathon with full effort for three weeks, as your marathon day approaches. Continue to measure your heart rate while practicing for the marathon and keep this measurement for future upcoming marathons.