Banking Miles Early: My Approach to Racing 5Ks, 10Ks, and Half Marathons in My 50 - Bob Andetson’s Notebook #4
When I was racing 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons at sub-6-minute pace back in my 50s, I had a strategy that worked for me, banking miles early and then hanging on. It wasn't a tactic I consciously developed; it just seemed natural to me. Start strong, build a cushion, and fight to the finish.
One of my proudest moments was at the Carlsbad 5000 when I was 49. I clocked 17:09 for the 5K, hitting the first mile in 5:11. Maybe I went out a little too fast, but I managed to hang on and finish strong. That race epitomized my approach—push hard early, stay focused, and keep fighting.
Another memorable race was my best 10K, where I clocked a 35:24. I hit the first mile in 5:17. By miles 4 and 5, I inevitably slowed down, but I found a way to come back strong and finish hard. It wasn't a perfect negative split, but it worked for me.
The question I've often wondered is: Could I have run faster if I had started slower? I'll never know because I never raced that way. For me, the surge of adrenaline and the psychological boost of being ahead of my target pace gave me the confidence to push through the inevitable fatigue.
Of course, not everyone races this way. Conventional wisdom suggests a more even-paced strategy might be more efficient, especially for longer distances. But for me, the thrill of starting strong and the challenge of holding on worked, at least in the 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances.
Would I recommend this approach to others? Maybe, but with caution. It depends on your training, fitness level, and mental game. Banking miles early isn't for everyone, but for those who thrive on pushing hard and holding on, it can be a rewarding way to race.
Looking back, I am proud of those performances. Whether or not starting slower would have made me faster, I can say that racing hard from the gun gave me some of my most satisfying moments as a runner. It's a strategy that suited me, and that's what matters most.
Bob Andetson’s Notebook #4
posted Monday January 27th
by Boris Baron