[GaReb770]

<p>I was one of two pacers for the 2:30 1/2 marathon group in the Georgia Publix Marathon today.  Around mile 7 or just beyond, I came across a lady waving an Atlanta Falcon's flag.  I was dressed in red and black (sponsor's choice) and yelled "Geaux Saints".  She responded cheerfully back until she realized what I had just said.  It was fun watching the look come over her face as her friend standing next to her pointed out I was obviously not a Falcon's fan despite being dressed in their colors.  She and I both had a good laugh. </p>
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<p>We had a large group that actually stayed with us all the way until we crossed the finish line.  Usually they will all take off just after mile 12 as it's pretty flat from there to the finish and my partner and I end up running over the finish line by ourselves.   Anyway 2:30:04 officially.  It was a great day for running Atlanta with temps in the low 70's, overcast and light winds but no rain.</p>
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<p>Everyone had a great time.  Of course, after finishing I couldn't hang around too long because I needed to get to work for the 1:00 to 10pm shift today (I'm on my lunch break as I hurriedly type this).</p>

 

[merigayle]

<p>sounds like fun! I got my first pacing gig May 1st at the NJ Marathon.</p>

 

[jcumming]

<p>I used to be a pace bunny, but one day in a race I was running I saw the most pathetic sight ever...a pace bunny being helped by paramedics. I never wanted to be in that position. Even just bad cramping or a pulled hammy or anything could do you in. Too much pressure now that I'm old.</p>
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<p>Also, most experiences were excellent, but a couple of times a number people in the pace group were yapping that I was going too fast or too slow or too something or other. I explained before the start that I knew every inch of the course and we would reach the finish line approximately 30 seconds before our goal time. We would take the uphill sections a little slower than pace and the downhill sections a little faster. We'd allow for people to walk through every water/gatorade/gel station so that they could remain hydrated. If you don't like that don't run with us...but please stop yappin' all the way.</p>
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<p>One guy told me at 10 miles that  I was so full of crap and he was going to miss his chance to break 2 in the half if he stuck with us. He zoomed off ahead to make up for lost time.  We completed the last 3 miles in 9:05, 9:08, 8:58 + the .1 mile to finish in 1:59:26.  He was walking when we went past him about half a mile from the finish.  Made me giggle.</p>
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[GaReb770]

<p>I have seen pace rabbits fail miserably in some races.  In Oklahoma City a couple years ago I came across one of the 4:30 marathon pacers just past mile 17 walking and limping (and no he was NOT a Galloway runnner, nor was that particular group using run/walk); he had discarded his pacer jersey in a trash can just before I came across him.  Fortunately there was another pacer whom I assume finished with that group.</p>
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<p>Merigayle is experienced enough as a runner I'm sure she will do fine and hopefully have as much fun as I do when pacing.  I pace groups at least 20 to 30 minutes slower than me for whatever distance I'm running just to avoid what I saw happen to the guy above. </p>
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<p>I've been a pace rabbit for 4 years now and for the most part really had fun with it.  But then again I think slower runners in the back of the pack are always a little happier having someone willing to run their somewhat slower pace than some of the faster runners.  Rarely do I find any of them getting anal and I always give them the option of doing run/walk with me or just meeting me at each mile marker if they wish to run straight through.  As long as they see me at the mile marker(s) whether they are running straight through or run/walking  they will meet their goal.     And a lot of them exceed their goal at the end  which makes them really happy.</p>
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<p>Plus, being a pace rabbit gets me into races comped as well as often a pair of shoes and other running gear, thus saving me money on my running budget.</p>