Long-distance triathlon glossary·Neg. split

Negative split : finishing faster than you started

Run

A pacing strategy where the second half of the race is faster than the first.

On a marathon or Ironman, starting 5-10% below target pace preserves glycogen and form. The second half then becomes reachable without blowing up. Starting too fast ("positive split") typically costs 10-30 min in a late-race collapse.

In TriPaced:

TriPaced won't push aggressive splitting if you lack the base. But on prescribed long sessions, the last 30 min can be tagged "progressive" : you learn to execute a negative split before race day.

Source Daniels J., Daniels' Running Formula (3rd ed., 2013) - marathon pacing strategies

Related terms

  • Brick : the bike-run combo
  • Drop : heel-to-toe offset of a running shoe
  • Pace : Running pace (min/km)
  • Pacing : Race pace management
  • Drill : Isolated technique drill
  • Running economy : Energy cost per kilometre