Second mile slower than first and third miles, but effort feels the same in 5k

The middle of a race almost always is like this. My bet is that if you get more granular data, you'll find it is most pronounced in the 1.25 to 2 mile stretch

This is typical for races in the 1 mile to 5k distance. This is why the classic advice in the mile is to push the third lap.

But how much? If by only a few seconds, it is so minute, why worry about it?

It was by 30 seconds and I know I need to work on it, but am trying to figure out how to do so.

At least the 3rd mile rebounded ok. I figured it was something to do with endurance as well.

The solution is easy, but a heart rate monitor with gps features.

Dying wrote:

It was by 30 seconds and I know I need to work on it, but am trying to figure out how to do so.

At least the 3rd mile rebounded ok. I figured it was something to do with endurance as well.

Run the first mile 15 seconds slower, also consider switching your watch(if you wear a GPS watch) to kilometer splits. Than you will be able to analyse your race better.

Dying wrote:

It was by 30 seconds and I know I need to work on it, but am trying to figure out how to do so.

At least the 3rd mile rebounded ok. I figured it was something to do with endurance as well.

I sprint out the first 300m of road races and XC races. I do not want anyone to step on me and I do not want to get bumped and pushed. Since I sprint out rather aggressively, my first mile may be my fastest. It's not that I am dying in a race. How about you? Are you establishing position the first 300 metres? You may not be slowing your pace at all from 400m to 4000m.

I tried getting out fast in the first 100m but didn't want to overdo it. That's something to consider thanks so much!

The first mile always feels easy, of course. The second will be slower if you give equal effort. The third mile will be faster if you have been running under control and have fire in your belly to finish strong.

That may explain it. And perhaps it looks flatter than it is? Do other runners have similar patterns?

What you're saying isn't logical. I ran 3 miles in XC in HS and went out too fast, surged in the middle or ran a fast last mile off of a slower pace. If you want to break your pattern, try keeping up with someone faster than you during the first mile of your next race.