Pace Calculator

Running Pace - How Fast Are You Actually Going?

Running pace is just how long it takes you to cover a mile or kilometer. Pretty simple concept, but it's one of those things that can drive you crazy if you let it.
Most people measure it in minutes per mile or minutes per kilometer, depending on where you live. So if it takes you 8 minutes to run a mile, your pace is 8:00 per mile. Easy enough.

What This Thing Does

This calculator can work backwards and forwards with three basic pieces of info:
If you know how long you ran and how far you went, it'll tell you your pace.
If you know your target pace and the distance you want to cover, it'll tell you how long it should take.
If you know your pace and how much time you have, it'll tell you how far you can probably go.

Why People Get Obsessed With This Stuff

Tracking pace helps you figure out if you're actually getting faster or just fooling yourself. It's also useful for race planning - like if you want to finish a 10K in under an hour, you need to know what pace to aim for.
Some runners use it to make sure they're not going too hard on easy days or too easy on hard days. Your pace can tell you a lot about how your training is going.

Don't Go Crazy Over It

Here's the thing - your pace changes based on weather, terrain, how you slept, what you ate, if you're stressed about work, whether it's hot or cold outside, and about a million other factors.
A pace that feels easy on a cool morning might feel impossible on a hot afternoon. Running uphill is obviously going to be slower than running on flat ground. And if you're just starting out, your pace is going to improve pretty quickly at first, then level off.

Keep It Simple

Use this to get a general idea of where you're at and where you want to go. But don't let it ruin your runs by constantly checking your watch every thirty seconds. Sometimes the best runs are the ones where you just go by feel and check your pace afterward.
If you're training for something specific or want to get serious about improving, find someone who actually knows about running training. They can help you figure out what paces to target for different types of workouts.