Time. It’s one of the reasons why we run. Anyone can say that they can run fast, but can they prove it? The only way you can truly know is if you have your run timed. Of course, it’s not bad at all. Running a fast time is great. However, it’s because of that, we focus more on pace and splits rather than just running.

Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is just that. Memory of your muscles. Muscle memory has been used many times with motor learning. Motor learning is a form of procedural memory that involves a specific motor task into memory through repetition. In other words, doing something over and over until it can be done without much specific effort. When someone repeats song lyrics multiple times, eventually they won't have to look at the lyrics to sing the song. They'll already know it and be able to recite it perfectly without much thought. It's the same thing with running. This process decreases the need for attention and creates a certain level of efficiency within the motor and memory systems. Examples of muscle memory are found in many everyday activities that become automatic and improve with practice, such as riding a bicycle or running at a certain pace. There’s nothing wrong with running with a watch, or looking at it when you’re running. The more you get used to running a certain pace, the easier it will be to lock into that pace. Before you know it, you’ll be easily running a distance at a pace that was once very difficult for you to hit.

Run, Forrest, Run

At the end of the day, it comes down to what you do on race day. Practice is where you prepare and the race is where you execute. Coaches have been saying it for as long as anyone can remember: you have to just get out and run.

Of course, it’s easier said than done, but getting into the mindset that you don’t need to look at a watch to determine how fast you’re going will help out a lot in the long run. Some may be scared to run without knowing times, and some people just run better when they do know the times. There’s nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it can hold you back. Sometimes it’s better to get out and just go after it. Don't focus on the time. Your running will do the talking, and the clock will reflect that.

So if you’re ever feeling tired, just think of Forrest Gump, who said “From that day on, if I was going somewhere, I was running!”