Pace (current, average, lap and split)

Pace (current, average, lap and split) Definition

How long it takes you to cover a set distance, usually minutes per kilometre or per mile.

So if on your run, it takes you 5 minutes to run an entire kilometre, then your average pace would look like: 5:00/km.

There are three main variations of pace shown on most watches and on Strava.

Average pace meaning in running

Average pace on most watches and Strava is simply the average amount of time it took you to complete each KM or Mile. On longer runs this average can be increased or decreased by variations in your pace. A hilly section of a run may bring the average down slower, whilst a quick finish may increase it (quicker).

Current pace meaning in running

This an estimate from your watch of the current pace you're running at. This metric can vary massively depending on whether you're going up or down hill. It's not an incredibly valuable metric as it change lots very quickly. Lap average pace or average pace are generally much more useful.

Lap pace meaning in running

Lap pace on most watches is the current estimate by the watch of how fast you'll complete that current split. Splits are normally each KM or each mile. As you get further into each KM or mile, this will change less as there's less time left for you to change it massively. Conversely, as you move into a new KM or mile, this will vary quite a bit as the watch doesn't have much time in that lap to work with.

If you're in a workout with individual steps, the lap pace will be your pace for that lap (400m for example).

What's the difference between laps and splits in running?

These are used almost interchangeably by lots of different watches and Strava. Generally they can switch between meaning each KM or each mile or in workouts, they can mean the current step you're in. So if you've programmed a 10 x 400m session into your watch, the current split / lap will the current 400m you're in.