The relationships
Pace, time, and distance are the three sides of a single equation. Know any two and you can solve the third.
time = pace × distance
pace = time ÷ distance
distance = time ÷ pace
Pace is just inverted speed - minutes per mile instead of miles per hour. A 6-minute mile is 10 mph. A 10-minute mile is 6 mph. They mirror each other.
Frequently asked
Should I race the pace I train at?
Race pace is typically 30-90 seconds per mile faster than easy training pace for amateurs, and significantly faster for elites. Most coaches recommend doing 80% of training at conversational pace and only 20% at race pace or faster.
How accurate are these splits?
Splits assume even pacing - the same per-mile/km time the whole way. Real races usually show positive splits (slowing down) for amateurs and negative splits (speeding up) for elites who paced well. Plan for a 1-3% slowdown in the back half if you're new to the distance.
What's a Boston qualifier pace?
It depends on your age and sex. A 35-year-old man needs sub-3:00 marathon (6:52/mi pace). A 35-year-old woman needs sub-3:30 (8:01/mi). Standards loosen with age - a 70-year-old man qualifies at sub-4:25 (10:07/mi).