I don't know about a thread, haven't been on the site too long myself (Joined back in August I believe... can't even remember xD) I do know that there are plenty of videos on YouTube that could help you out though.
As for what I've always done is try to make each successive element a few feet shorter than the last. For example if your lift hill is 80 feet try to have your first ride element, whether it be a loop, zero-G roll, or airtime hill as close to 80 feet as you where it still clears the element in good time. Keep in mind that real roller coaster slow down significantly while moving through ride elements, and while it may appear to move through them quickly while watching it, you may feel it slow significantly while riding it.
Generally if you have a lift of 80 ft (the height really doesn't matter, just pulled a random height for this example) you'll want your next hill or inversion/element at around 70-75 ft. This will keep the ride moving at a good pace and the element/inversion will be nice and smooth for your riders. as the ride progresses keep working your way down to station level in similar increments and don't forget about an MCBR (Mid Course Break Run).
Hope this helps