Picking up the Pace

Of late, I have observed that it is easy for me to fall into a rhythm when running and not push myself. No reason to push, just enjoy the moment, is what I say to myself.
As one of my students told me, in a different context, unless I pick up the pace, I will be left behind even if I am doing well.
Pushing oneself hard but intelligently enough to finish strongly- that is the Challenge.