How to Pace Yourself While Biking

Whether you’re training for a long distance bike race or going for a leisurely ride on a weekend, pace is an important aspect of any ride. If you set the pace too high, you’ll "run out of gas” before the end. If you set the pace too low, you won't receive the benefits of a challenging workout.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine the length of your ride. You can set a quicker pace for shorter excursions.
2. Use a heart rate monitor to keep your heart rate in a target zone. With a monitor, you can better assess how hard the pace is and whether you need to adjust it. This will also allow you to increase your speed, but stay at the same target heart rate, as your conditioning gets better.
3. Set your own pace rather than trying to keep up with someone else. While it can be tempting to keep pace with a competitor, you’ll be better off by setting your own pace and looking toward the finish line.
4. Find a comfortable rhythm. For most people, this will be a pace that slightly winds you, but you won't be gasping. Leisure bikers can go slower and enjoy the ride.
5. Bike regularly. The more you bike, the better able you’ll be to pace yourself because you’ll know your body, limits and bike. Start out with slower, shorter rides and gradually build up your distance and pace.