One of the most powerful tools in a runner's toolkit: running by feel. Running by feel means pacing and adjusting your effort based on internal cues: breath, heart rate, muscle fatigue, mental focus, instead of external metrics like GPS pace or heart rate data. According to a 2016 study in Frontiers in Physiology, perceived exertion is closely linked to physiological markers like lactate levels and heart rate, making it a reliable indicator of exercise intensity (Marcora et al., 2016).
Running by feel is one of the most underrated skills in our sport. It helps you train smarter, recover better, and race with more confidence. Whether you’re chasing a BQ, running your first 5K, or just trying to stay consistent, learning how different efforts feel in your body is a total game-changer.
