I've seen people finish marathons in decent time using the Jeff Galloway method. Maybe use this specific approach?

https://www.runtothefinish.com/galloway-method-run-walk-marathon/

Don’t stop your watch. Just slow your pace for a bit.

Nothing wrong with taking breaks for water. Even during races most people stop for a quick water break or two.

Anonymous wrote:I am going on a 5 mile run tomorrow. The furthest I've ever done. I often have to take little breaks here and there during my runs. Is it OK if I stop my watch and only track my actually running? Or does this mess up my pace? I have a race this fall I'm training for.

GPS watch? Don't stop if when you're walking. It'll completely screw up your data. Just hit the lap button every time you switch between running and walking and vice versa.

Also, while it's absolutely fine to do a run-walk method, you may also want to try just a slower running pace.

It would not make your pace accurate, quite obviously. But you can do what you want. Taking walking breaks is a fine way to help build endurance. But yes of course your pace will be artificial.

It's not going to accurately reflect your time come race day. I recommend slowing your pace enough that you complete the entire five miles running and then as you continue to train, it'll become easier and easier to hit that pace util soon you're beating it and there's no need to walk.

Are you stopping and walking part of the five miles? Or just a quick break to catch your breath? If you're just catching your breath I think it's fine to stop the watch. But if you didn't actually run the 5 miles because part of it was walking it may not give you an accurate picture if you're training for a 5 mile race.

What's the problem? You know what you did. It's not like you're going to submit it to a race and say you didn't walk. I'd do what I could to get the run in and then next time to to do better.

I am going on a 5 mile run tomorrow. The furthest I've ever done. I often have to take little breaks here and there during my runs. Is it OK if I stop my watch and only track my actually running? Or does this mess up my pace? I have a race this fall I'm training for.