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Negative Split
Rating
A negative split is a tactic in which the second half of the distance is run faster than the first. It is considered the most effective strategy for most race distances.
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In detail
Physiologically, it's beneficial to start a bit slower: the body uses glycogen more economically in the first half, accumulates less lactic acid, and keeps a reserve for the second half, where competitors who started too fast begin to slow down. Most world records in the marathon have been set with exactly a negative split or a maximally even split.
How to use it
At the start, deliberately hold yourself back by 5-10 seconds per kilometer slower than your target pace in the first third of the distance — the excess of adrenaline almost always pushes you to run faster than needed.