I have a hard time with short tempo runs from 4 to 6 miles. I am able to handle a faster pace at the end of my long runs but when I start a tempo workout after a normal warmup my breathing is out of control and that same pace is much easier to maintain at the end of a long run. Any suggestions so I can fix this?
Start your tempo run at a slower pace and negative split it
Do a longer than usual warm-up. What is your usual warm-up now? Personally, when I'm doing a short tempo I will run anywhere from 1.5 to 4 miles easy before getting to tempo speed. Depends on the mileage I'm running for the day, but never less than 1.5 miles.