Which running technique involves starting slow, reaching race pace, and then finishing slow?

The running technique that involves starting slow, reaching race pace, and then finishing slow is called a progression run. This method is designed to gradually increase your pace throughout the run, usually beginning at an easy, comfortable speed and then progressively getting faster until reaching a higher intensity or race pace during the middle segment. Finally, as the run concludes, the pace slows down again, allowing for a cool-down period.

Progression runs help improve endurance and pacing strategy, making them useful for runners preparing for races. They teach the body to adapt to increasing intensity and help prevent early fatigue. This specific structure distinguishes progression runs from other techniques that may emphasize different pacing strategies, such as sprints, which focus on short bursts of maximum speed, and intervals, which involve alternating between high and low intensity over specific durations but do not necessarily adhere to a gradual speed change. Tempo runs, while similar, maintain a steady pace at a challenging but sustainable speed rather than a gradual build-up.