training

The Art of being a Pacemaker

The Art of being a Pacemaker

Ive never been one for number watching. My PBs are simple rewards for gradually becoming a better runner. Ill run on feel, rather than tirelessly calculating splits and squeezing seconds out of miles. I collect stories, friends and photos rather than smaller digits.

 

That doesnt mean I disagree with those that do. Its admirable that some runners can be focused on becoming so precisely fast (and that they can do the vital running maths). Its just not for me. What I do love, though, is watching and helping others achieve their goals.

 

My most rewarding races have been those where Ive run my absolute slowest times. The ones where Ive run with friends in their first event, where Ive slowed my pace to accompany struggling runners or encouraged complete strangers to start running again. So when I was offered the chance to run as an official pacer for Londons biggest half marathon, I jumped at the opportunity.

 

Im not sure Ive ever been so nervous before a race. Although I was more than comfortable running the required pace, Id never aimed for a specific time before. People would be relying on me to get their cherished PB. Being just a few seconds off the prescribed time could throw months of training out the window. I couldnt fail.

 

Talking to the group of runners who quickly gathered around me at the start put even more pressure on my shoulders. Whether they were attempting to beat a family members time, grab a hard-trained-for fastest half or just seeking support through an intimidating distance, they all trusted me to run the perfect pace.

 

Armed with a very technical cheat sheet in the form of times scribbled next to miles, I ran my first event with a tribe of runners following my every move. I felt like I could break into the Macarena and they would copy meI was definitely tempted.

 

Once Id settled into the perfect pace, the nerves disappeared and it felt like I was hosting a moving party. As the host, it was my job to make sure everyone was happy and having a good time, make small talk to keep them comfortable. From the number of high-fives, thank yous and fist-bumps I was showered with at the end, it would seem I throw a pretty good party.

 

Give me helping ten strangers achieve PBs over getting one for myself any day!

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