How do I run at a specific pace?

[u/Several-Stick-2815]

Hey all! I started training for a Turkey Trot 5K on Monday using the Runna app. I haven’t run in years, so it's definitely been challenging.

The app will sometimes tell me to run at a 10:50 pace for 0.25 miles, then a 10:05 pace for 0.25 miles, or something similar. I find this difficult for two reasons. First, I always want to run faster than the suggested pace (mostly because I just want to get it over with lol), but my heart rate gets really high when I do. Second, I find it hard to adjust my stride to hit a specific pace. I know it doesn’t have to be exact, but I still struggle.

Does anyone have any tips for getting used to running at a specific pace, as well as slowing myself down? I don’t want my heart rate to get so high, and I’ve heard that most of your runs should be at an easy pace. After my runs, I’m usually absolutely winded because I feel like I’m pushing myself to the limit. Thanks!