Running is an incredibly inclusive sport but at the end of the day, we’re all different.

How should you pace your easy run? What even is a ‘comfortable’ or ‘conversational’ pace? What should it feel like?

Let’s first agree that a comfortable pace will look different for each and every one of us. This is why we use more abstract metrics to measure the pace. Terms such as ‘comfortable’, ‘conversational’, RPE (rate of perceived exertion), and HR (heart rate) zones, are all great ways of measuring the pace at which we should be doing our easy runs.

A ‘comfortable’ pace is exactly as the name suggests, comfortable. Simple, right? Not so much… When we refer to a comfortable pace of running, this is a pace that we can sustain for a prolonged period of time. But how do we calculate that?

A very useful rough guide to what a comfortable pace might be for you is to add 25-35% to your fastest 1km time.

Or if you are using min/mi and your best mile time is 8 min/mi, by adding 30% you get the following:
8 min/mi * 1.30 = 10:30 min/mi pace.

This calculation is not foolproof but will act as a very useful benchmark for finding the right pace for your easy runs.

In short, no. For easy/comfortable/conversational paces, just focus on it being easy, and do not worry about the pace at all.

Keep in mind, also, that your comfortable or easy pace for a short workout won't be the same as your comfortable pace for a long run, because you might not have yet built the endurance to run comfortably at an easy pace for a long time.

Otherwise said, your conversational pace for your long runs may be slower or decay over time: What feels easy for 5k might not feel easy for 20k.

That's exactly why, when training with Runna, in shorter workouts, you might receive specific easy pace guidance, but then for longer runs, you might just see "comfortable" without an exact target pace. Focus on your pace being easy and sustainable rather than trying to nail a specific number.