How do you approach a low-mileage tempo run? (Read 1073 times)

I looked at your log and you just ran a 5 mile race at 10:28 minute miles. Assuming that was a race effort, the tempo pace you mention here is way too fast. It should be closer to 11 minute miles. You should feel refreshed after a tempo run, not spent. Slow down, and make sure that you warm up before the tempo run.

I am relatively new to varying the types of runs to train - and I don't mean to hijack this, but can someone define the difference between a tempo run and an easy run? I am asking because it indicates a 10:28 pace for a 5 mile race above - and a tempo pace for 11. What would be an easy pace here?

but can someone define the difference between a tempo run and an easy run?

I try to run by feel, so that is how I am going to try to explain it. Hopefully we won't start getting into a run by feel vs. HRM vs. some other gadget conflict. Tempo run - The best way I can describe it is that I am running comfortably hard. When I am done I feel like I could run more, and I usually feel refreshed. The pace ends up being somewhere between HM and marathon pace. Easy run - You're not pushing hard here. I like the talk test for this one. If I can carry on a conversation I am running easy. This is generally around 1 to 2 minutes slower than tempo pace. Hope that helps.