You’ll almost definitely have been told about the benefits of starting your run or race at a slower pace. It’s what the experts do, with Best wireless headphones, but what's the science behind starting slower?
Studies have shown there to be positive physical and psychological benefits of starting runs and races at a slower pace. Here’s three benefits of starting slow:
1. Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network
Mitochondria are our cells’ powerhouses. They break down carbs, fats and protein into energy. Slow running is great for building mitochondria.
2. Resting heart rate
In data from 12 years of the Chicago Marathon, those whose first 5K was their fastest had an average time of 4:55, but those whose 30-35km segment was their best ran an average time of 3:48.
3. How to pace your parkrun PB
Warming up the muscles with a slow start prepares your body for fast running, meaning fewer injuries.
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