How to Find Your “Sweet Spot” Race Distance

ver notice that some runs and races are more satisfying than others? These workouts aren’t necessarily the easiest runs or even the ones that are the most fun. Instead, they’re fulfilling because the distance feels challenging, but doable. You collect your medal and walk away thinking, “I bet I can do even better next time,” rather than, “thank goodness that’s over.” If you have already clicked with a specific distance, you may have already found your running “sweet spot,” or the race length that fires up your inner athlete and gets you training for your next PR. But if you’re new to running or haven’t yet hit your racing stride, some experimentation and a little self-reflection will help you determine where to focus your time and effort when registering and training for events. To help you land on your sweet spot (and figure out what to do when you get there), we chatted with a few run coaches who have worked with athletes of all levels of experience and race preferences. Here’s what you need to know. [View in Browser]( [Runner's World Logo]( [SHOP]( [RW+ EXCLUSIVE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [How to Find Your “Sweet Spot” Race Distance]( [How to Find Your “Sweet Spot” Race Distance]( [How to Find Your “Sweet Spot” Race Distance]( ver notice that some runs and races are more satisfying than others? These workouts aren’t necessarily the easiest runs or even the ones that are the most fun. Instead, they’re fulfilling because the distance feels challenging, but doable. You collect your medal and walk away thinking, “I bet I can do even better next time,” rather than, “thank goodness that’s over.” If you have already clicked with a specific distance, you may have already found your running “sweet spot,” or the race length that fires up your inner athlete and gets you training for your next PR. But if you’re new to running or haven’t yet hit your racing stride, some experimentation and a little self-reflection will help you determine where to focus your time and effort when registering and training for events. To help you land on your sweet spot (and figure out what to do when you get there), we chatted with a few run coaches who have worked with athletes of all levels of experience and race preferences. Here’s what you need to know. ver notice that some runs and races are more satisfying than others? These workouts aren’t necessarily the easiest runs or even the ones that are the most fun. Instead, they’re fulfilling because the distance feels challenging, but doable. You collect your medal and walk away thinking, “I bet I can do even better next time,” rather than, “thank goodness that’s over.” If you have already clicked with a specific distance, you may have already found your running “sweet spot,” or the race length that fires up your inner athlete and gets you training for your next PR. But if you’re new to running or haven’t yet hit your racing stride, some experimentation and a little self-reflection will help you determine where to focus your time and effort when registering and training for events. To help you land on your sweet spot (and figure out what to do when you get there), we chatted with a few run coaches who have worked with athletes of all levels of experience and race preferences. Here’s what you need to know. [Read More]( [Read More](   [Cracked Heels Causing You Pain? We Can Help]( [Cracked Heels Causing You Pain? We Can Help]( Steal these easy solutions for the skin on your feet, which is critical for healthy, pain-free running. [Read More](     [The Best Running Shoes for Runners With Wide Feet]( [The Best Running Shoes for Runners With Wide Feet]( Find the perfect fit, no matter your foot shape. [Read More](   [This Runner Learned the Importance of Easy Days After Trying to Train Hard for Too Long]( [This Runner Learned the Importance of Easy Days After Trying to Train Hard for Too Long]( “Running has made me a better thinker—I’m able to solve problems when I’m on a run, and often find new and creative solutions to or perspectives on something that’s bothering me." [Read More](     [New to Running With a Stroller? Try the Guava Roam]( [New to Running With a Stroller? Try the Guava Roam]( This portable stroller folds down to half its size and is easy for newbies to maneuver. [Read More](   [Maximize Comfort With the Best Cushioned Running Shoes]( [Maximize Comfort With the Best Cushioned Running Shoes]( Treat your feet to an extra pillowy ride. [Read More](   [90-Day Transformation Challenge: Abs](   [LiveIntent Logo]( [AdChoices Logo]( [Need Assistance? Contact Us.](mailto:rwmembership@runnersworld.com) Follow Us [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Notice]( | [CA Notice at Collection]( Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2024 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779