I have a talented middle school runner that struggles with pacing during his 1600/800 races. I am considering having him wear a watch as an aid during the races to help him get the feel of proper pacing...good/bad idea??
I have a talented middle school runner that struggles with pacing during his 1600/800 races. I am considering having him wear a watch as an aid during the races to help him get the feel of proper pacing...good/bad idea??
I currently run in high school, I never used a watch during races from middle school onwards. However I do know someone who has since 6th grade used a watch and he’s become OBSESSED with the watch splits and what it says. He lets the watch determine his race for him and honestly I don’t think that’s good.
You don’t have to even split an 800, theres one 2:00 runner I ran against who ran 50-70 and won his heat.
The 1600 is different but just go out and race man it’s middle school
Have him train with a heart rate monitor so he can understand his level of exertion, that will help with learning his pace. You learn pace in practice not races.
watch is useful to help learn pacing in practice/workouts and will be valuable on race day
on race day leave it off