Helping Someone Else Run A PB

My Pacing Duties At The Christchurch Marathon

A lot of races these days have organized pace groups or pace runners as part of the event to give people the opportunity to run with an experienced runner at a specific speed. Weather you're one of those experienced runners or being called on by a friend, you may find yourself in the position of pacer like I did a month ago at the Christchurch Marathon in New Zealand.

To run as a pacer, you need to be a consistent runner focused on maintaining your speed while helping someone else realize their running goal.

This year, I have had the pleasure of running as a pacer twice. The first time was to help a friend get through an ultra run, so joined him for his last 22km to simply help motivate him and get him through the last parts of the race. For the Christchurch Marathon, it was a different story. I was there to help my girlfriend try to get a qualification time for Boston, which needed me to sit and think about how I was going to approach this role.

What To Think Of When Your A Pacer

Weather your an official pacer for a race or just running with a friend on the weekend. There are a few things you could plan out with your run buddy to make it the best experience for both.

1. Know The Course And Make Sure Your Runner Is Running The Inside Line

Makes sense to know the course, but there has been a few times where I have been in a race and taken a wrong turn. So make sure you know the course, where aid stations are and know the terrain, especially any tough hill climbs or rough terrain that you need to make your runner aware of. As well, make sure you get your runner to take the inside line at all times to make sure they are taking the quickest route through the course. You may be faced with a course like the one below at Christchurch

The Christchurch Marathon Course

2. Check Weather Conditions And Plan Accordingly

You'll be doing most of the grunt work for your runner. This means holding onto any wet weather gear or extra layers of clothing they may need during the race. So make sure you know what the race conditions are going to be like on the day.

3. Discuss Their Nutrition Need Before Race Day

You can limit both what your runner is carrying and the need to think about re feeding or nutrition. Make sure you discuss what they will be using on the day and how often they need to use it and make sure you have extra on hand in case they need it.

4. Check Pace Regularly And Report Progress

You probably don't want to over report information like this, but make sure you are giving good feedback on times and pace. You need to remember that a few kilometers off pace will not be the end of their day, so gentle criticism to get them back running at the right pace. Always make sure you are positive and encouraging with your feedback.

5. Discuss What To Say To Them When Things Get Tough

This was something recommended by a friend and a really good point. When things get tough or your runner falls off the pace, how are you going to respond. Some people respond to reverse psychology, while others don't. Its a good chance before the race to find out what works best for your runner just in case you need it.

6. Make A List Of Talking Points

Sometimes all you need to do is keep your runners mind off things, and this could be by simply talking to them. Maybe write a list of subjects that will get you talking, are at least have your runner listening and keeping their mind off any pain they may be in. I have a friend who "runs angry" when I bring up certain subjects, and this makes him also run faster.

7. Let Them Draft In Windy Conditions

This works, weather you like it or not. If your running into a strong head wind and you tuck behind someone else, you'll get some relief from the head wind, so make sure your taking the lead into any head winds you face on race day.

The aim of your pacing will be to allow your runner to focus only on running without having the need to expend any unnecessary mental energy. This allows them to focus on running form, allow them to listen to their body and take the fastest line on race day.

Interested In Fitness And Steem

If you want to get involved in the Steem communities that are helping people earn Steem by keeping fit and active, here is a list of the groups I know of:

• The Running Project - Approved running authors get upvoted by a growing community of like minded users. To join the fun see the channel: https://steemit.com/@runningproject
• Run for Steem - A great way to run, post and be rewarded. You'll be able to see the latest post and how to get involved at the following: https://steemit.com/runforsteem/@jumowa/28th-runforsteem-payout-and-29th-runforsteem-challenge-june-9nd-june-16th
• Fitnation With Run Burgundy - A newer channel to get you more active, you don't just have to be a runner, for more information check the daily posts at: https://steemit.com/@runburgundy

My latest post for the @runningproject is all about "Breathing When Running and Traning For a 10km Race", so feel free to look it up below:
https://steemit.com/runningproject/@runningproject/breathing-while-running

If you have found this post useful or interesting, please consider Commenting, Upvoting, Following and/or Resteeming @run.vince.run