Does each athlete train at an individual pace?

Yes. Each athlete has pace zones based on personal records and physiological strengths.

During practice, athletes may be given a duration and an intensity—for example, 30–45 minutes in Zone 2. This allows runners of different abilities to complete the same type of training at an effort appropriate for their current fitness.

The purpose is not for every runner to maintain the same pace. It is for every runner to receive the intended training benefit.