Game version
Pace-match pairs: run beside a partner and hold the same easy pace for a count of 60. Swap who sets the pace.
Race Pace Rehearsal
Run the first part of a race at goal pace, then stop while still in control.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Warm up 10 minutes easy.
Core: 60. Beat your own steadiest pace.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 20 min
- Players
- Just you
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Measured loop, watch, coach
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Pacing
The steps
How it works
- Warm up 10 minutes easy.
- Run the first third of your race distance at goal pace.
- Stop and note if it felt too fast, right or too slow.
- Cool down 5 minutes.
Coaching point
Rehearse, do not race.
Safety: Drink water and eat a meal or snack before and after, run in the cool part of the day, and stop and tell an adult if you feel dizzy or sick. Thunder or lightning: go inside now and wait 30 minutes after the last one.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (30 counts), Core (60), More (90). Beat your own steadiest pace.
Story
You are a metronome keeping a steady beat on the trail.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own steadiest pace. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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