Pacers Help Runners Achieve Their Goals
Written by Jill // April 28, 2010 // News & Events // 9 Comments // 910 views
by Carolyn Dunham
I don’t know how many of you watch the tv show, The Biggest Loser, but I sometimes find myself fantasizing about being a Biggest Loser contestant. Not so much for the losing the 100 lbs part, what I’m talking about is the hyper-motivation provided by the trainers on the show. Hmmm, what amazing feats would I be capable of if Bob or Jillian were there with me every step of the way, refusing to let up?
As a first time pacer for the St. Luke’s Lehigh Valley Half Marathon, that is the approach I took with my 1:50 pace group. More than my legs hurting at the end, the real soreness I felt was in my throat! I have run this Half Marathon five times and each time have been so close to my goal, only to see it fall away as I fall apart at mile 11. I have known all too well the sound of my own voice in my head saying, “You can’t do this, it hurts too much, just slow down!” What I have needed someone to say to me is, “You CAN do this! You’ve worked for this! Gut through the pain!”
This is what I tried to do for the men and women, many running a half marathon for the first time, in my pace group. I didn’t let up on them, I told them I knew they were hurting but everyone was hurting and the hurt would soon go away! When I noticed them slowing and weaving, I told them to pick their heads up, pick their feet up, use their arms and dig deep for whatever they had left.
As their breathing got more and more labored, I encouraged them to look ahead and focus on getting to that finish line as fast as they could and to finish with nothing left.
Okay, I know many out there were thinking “SHUT UP, woman! I entered this race to take in the Allentown sights, listen to some good bands and drink the free Gatorade – not to leave my very soul out there on the course!” To those, my apologies. But if you got across the line just a little or even a lot faster than you would have without me, then I say, “Job well done!” There is no better feeling than finishing a race with no regrets, having given it your all and done what you were capable of doing on that day.
9 Comments on "Pacers Help Runners Achieve Their Goals"
I talked with a woman Sunday night who said how fun it was to run with the 1:50 pace group. She said they were singing and having a blast. I might want in on that next year! Thanks for helping out, Carolyn. Great report.
Congratulations on your first pacing gig and thank you for being a pacer at the race. It is such a huge help to those you are pacing and it must be so satisfying to help them achieve their goals.
I would also like to thank all of the pacers who were out on the course over the weekend. You guys and gals rock!
You were singing, Carolyn?
Thanks for this post. I’m looking forward to signing up with my first pace group this weekend in Pittsburgh for their half. I hope my group/leader is as motivated and enthusiastic as you were!
Carolyn! you rock! as a spectator i could hear you coming with your group..even if you annoyed your group, it was only temporary!
pain is temporary, pride is forever! i am sure you helped many people accomplish their goals…
Carolyn- my goal was1:50 and though I didn’t run in your group I was usually nearby and could often hear your chatter. I really loved that you were talking and letting us know how we were pacing, what to expect next, and offering encouragement. You kept a steady pace too which was great and not what the 1:50 pace leaders have done well for the past couple of years. You have my gratitude for helping me finally accomplish my goal and a PR of 1:49:27! Thanks for doing an awesome job! I owe you some throat lozenges!
Thank you for those kind words, Noreen! I really had so much fun out there…I’m asking my friends and family if any of them need a “pacer” for their upcoming races :)
Way to go on your PR – awesome!! You must feel great!
I think you found your calling, Carolyn! I’m glad you had fun and helped so many. Awesome!
I want to add a loud “Thanks!” to Dean, the 1:55 pacer. He wasn’t as vocal but gave lots of encouragement near the end. And I also PR’d at 1:54:38. So thanks again!