33 replies to this topic

[Supersam1979]

Hi all,

Last year there was a lack of pacers at the Canberra Marathon and many people whinged about this fact. This year as you will have seen from the website, the organisers are looking for competent people to take on the role.

The thing is they don't seem to have the network contacts at the clubs and in the community that Dave Cundy had and things have proved trickier than they should usually be.

They contacted me a little while ago as I was on some old lists as having paced a group in 2009 and I have agreed to take on the 3.30 role if they offer the service for runners.

I now know that they have managed to fill the roles from 3 hours to 3.45, but are still looking for three other slots in 4 hours, 4.15 and 4.30.

If you are confident in your abilities and have some recent race results to back you up, then feel free to throw your hat in the ring at volunteers@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

If you are entered, the organisers will refund your entry and if you are yet to enter, they will allow you to enter for free if you pace.

I know there is mixed feelings about pacing, but a lot of people do quite like it.

Cheers
SAM

[Unlikelyrunner]

Email sent Sam.  I hope my services are useful and wanted!

[Supersam1979]

So good to see mate. I am sure you will be great! I think there is one more remaining slot if anyone wants to take it up.

I am starting to look forward to an enjoyable run.

[Unlikelyrunner]

No response from them, just got an out of office message?  Are you talking to them and if so is there any movement?

Cheers
Andrew

[Supersam1979]

Mate give them a chance overnight to come back to you. The last I heard they still had the three slots and that you and one other had applied, so logic says one more slot open.

Look I am sure you could do it and you know you can - just give them a chance.

The difference though is that they ask you to put forward some recent results and then basically tell you what they think you are capable of. I think I was deemd too slow for 3.15, but then again I am happy at 3.30 and not going to push the point. Ran 42KM in training 2 weeks ago in 3.26 over some big hills (City to surf course etc), so not too concerned.

[Unlikelyrunner]

All good, was just concerned with the out of office reply.  Happy now.

I hope i get to help out,  will be an awesome experience.

[buzzlightyear]

Hi,

Pacing is one of the BEST way to witness the emotions, strength and determination of all types of runners.
It is satisfying in more ways than I can describe in words. Andrew, it is great you have put your hand up.
Think of what running have given you as an Athlete and person ; Now this is the best way to give it back

For other CR who were thinking of taking up pacing but unsure of your ability, here are a few guideline

* Ideally you should be able to pull a 42km 'out of a hat' rather comfortable and is not a distance that is daunting.
* The nominated pace should be one where you can have a casual conversation. For a guide 30minutes off your PB pretty safe.
* Best to share with your "Bus" your pacing strategy BEFORE the gun goes. Create a good mode and allow your runners to be in the right head space.
* Tell them in-advance if you plan to -ve split or +split.
* Don't surge : This is the most common compliant of Pacers. They surge too much too quickly. It is important your goal is there to act as a Guide but not a magnet.
*
Have fun.

[Supersam1979]

This is so true Buzz.

When I paced Canberra in 2009, a young lady came across the line just under her goal pace and burst into tears (I wanted to carry on running and complete the 50KM, but she just held on to me). After I had completed the 50 K, I still found the same girl still crying- she was so pleased with herself. Really does reward one in ways you cant describe.

[sammo72]

I think all pacers should be knighted. They are the unsung heroes of long distance races and I think a lot of people achieve pb's from having a great pacer. Personally I have had a mixture, but the right one makes the journey a very enjoyable one....as long as there are no surges.

[NKOTB]

I will jumping on the 3:30 pace bus and hang on as long as I can.

New_Kid

[Unlikelyrunner]

My aim is always to go 30 to 60 secs under gun goal time.  First few kms are slower,  next 40 even splits allowing for some time lost at drink stations.

I may drop back with 500m to go to pick up stragglers that will also slip under the goal time with a bit of motivation.

Oh yeah,  then.continue on the last 8km at my own pace

[Horrie]

Thanks SAM for starting this thread. The good folks at Fairfax have requested my services as a Pacer. I have offered to pace the 4 Hour bus and am awaiting their reply. Looking forward to helping my Striders MTG and anybody else hoping to break 4 Hours achieve their goal.

[Supersam1979]

Horrie, on 05 April 2012 - 07:59 AM, said:

Thanks SAM for starting this thread. The good folks at Fairfax have requested my services as a Pacer. I have offered to pace the 4 Hour bus and am awaiting their reply. Looking forward to helping my Striders MTG and anybody else hoping to break 4 Hours achieve their goal.

This is some of the best news I have heard. Horrie you are a champion - not only on the run, but more importantly a champion of life!

Anyone looking for a 4 hour time goal could not have a better pace guide.

As for those people who have PMd me about a strategy etc on the day, rather than reply to everyone, here it is.

I will do exactly as I did previously. Slightly quicker at the start (I like to break the pack and not get caught in all the crowds at the start). Then even pace, aiming to go through halfway about 1-1.5 mins under. My feeling is that most people can't negative split and need that extra time going into the backend, particularly as you come up that slight incline out Black Mountain way on the last loop - that always catches many out. Come home about 10 - 25 seconds under goal time as previously did (setup a nice group at 3KM to go), they got home on their own steam and looped round to pickup some stragglers. Won't be walking at the aide stations, but will slow down a little to make sure the group gets a drink in.

As usual, I will talk the whole way round, crack jokes and offer encouragement, even if I end up as previously just talking to myself, unless of course people tell me to shut up in which case I will keep quiet. Come say hi before the race - I will be wearing dark blue tri shorts, a white cap, sunnies and either a red club singlet with SAM on the back or possibly my Can Too singlet.

[Unlikelyrunner]

Ok, Im officially the 4:15 pacer now.

Not an overly popular group normally because its not a 'milestone' time, such as sub 4hrs, but a nice easy (and round) 6min per km or just under will see everyone home.

God knows what I will be wearing, whatever isnt still dirty from Wildhorse 60km this weekend

[runningbird]

How will we identify you pacers? Will you have flags, like in the Blackmores marathon in Sydney? I have also seen balloons in Noosa, they worked quite well too.

Unlikelyrunner - I am hoping to run with your pace group the whole way around. Are you planning to run even splits? Slowing down a little bit for the drink stations?

Cheers

[Unlikelyrunner]

Yes,  as even as possible.  We will probably be asked to gun time and I'd hope to come in just  under 4:15. My guess is 5:58 pace will be close

[sammo72]

You are a legend Horrie. See you on the bus matey.

[Pom]

Great news Horrie! I'm looking for 4 hours too. Will see you at the start

[Hamburglar]

I am pacing 3:45. Unless otherwise directed, I will be hitting 5k splits of 26:30, going through half way in 1:52.

[Supersam1979]

Great so thus far (as far a I am aware anyways), the pacers for Canberra are as follows:

3 hours - Evil
3.15 - unsure
3.30 - Supersam1979
3.45 - Hamburglar
4 hours - Horrie
4.15 - Unlikelyrunner
4.30 - (think I know who this is, but until clarified not going to mention them).

Cheers
SAM

PS: I love running with company and will have some close mates along for their first 50KM ride anyways, but if you use the pace guides as a guide only and you will probably surprise yourself. You should by now all have an idea of what is achievable based on shorter distance races and your training program. Canberra is not a challenging course and the weather should remain at low 20s or south of that (almost ideal conditions) for running a long race.

Enjoy folks!!

Edited by Supersam1979, 05 April 2012 - 07:48 PM.

[danish]

Hamburglar, on 05 April 2012 - 07:23 PM, said:

I am pacing 3:45. Unless otherwise directed, I will be hitting 5k splits of 26:30, going through half way in 1:52.

I'll be running with you then... At least trying to

[Horrie]

I will be running the first half in 1:57:30 to factor in the inevitable slow down in the second half. Those that are feeling strong can keep going at the early pace and finish in 3:55. I will be aiming to finish in 3:59 and a bit of change.

[FarWest]

I plan to be in the 3:45 group. How will you identify yourself Hambuglar?

Edited by FarWest, 07 April 2012 - 10:05 PM.

[tjg]

FarWest, on 07 April 2012 - 10:02 PM, said:

I plan to be in the 3:45 group. How will you identify yourself Hambuglar?

me too Hamburglar...wearing a mask?!

[Hamburglar]

I will be the bloke running in his undies.

[Unlikelyrunner]

Hamburglar, on 10 April 2012 - 02:20 PM, said:

I will be the bloke running in his undies.

I thought I was going to be running in your undies?

[Horrie]

Hamburglar, on 10 April 2012 - 02:20 PM, said:

I will be the bloke running in his undies.

Have you pinched DJB's?

[tjg]

Hamburglar, on 10 April 2012 - 02:20 PM, said:

I will be the bloke running in his undies.

Hamburglar, what is your strategy for the 3.45 race pace?
cheers

t

[sammo72]

After speaking with my tri coach and going over some recent training and racing results, we have decided to try for a 4hr45min 50km.
Planning to jump onto the 3:45 pace bus with Hamburglar for as long as possible. So I guess I will be seeing you on the bus 'tjg'.

I have managed to hold a 5:20 pace for 30kms in training, so at least I know I can get that far, it is the next 20km that I may need a piggy-back.

Edited by sammo72, 11 April 2012 - 01:15 PM.

[Hamburglar]

tjg, on 11 April 2012 - 08:53 AM, said:

Hamburglar, what is your strategy for the 3.45 race pace?
cheers

t

Hamburglar, on 05 April 2012 - 07:23 PM, said:

I am pacing 3:45. Unless otherwise directed, I will be hitting 5k splits of 26:30, going through half way in 1:52.

[tjg]

For me 5.18 all the way through will be at the edge of my ability - and heavily relying on that flat course. After investing at 5.18 for 30ks id hate to get a bout of "buyers remorse"!

Sammo72, Ill see how Im going at half time and then I might get off that bus and WAIT till the next one!

Hopping on a bus with a speeding driver in his undies doesnt sound like too much fun

Having said all that, and after the reference from Supersam1979 to Dr Tim Noakes, Ive read this...

"So, we don’t see fatigue as a physical phenomena; we see it purely as an emotion and that’s one of the great benefits of this model because it tells you, however bad you feel, it’s actually just your brain playing the trick on you. And try to make sure that you don’t damage yourself.  Once you understand that, it becomes so much easier to exercise in my view and certainly helped my career to become a good runner."

So, assuming its all a 'trick' perhaps Ill stay on the bus!

[sammo72]

I think too, running is a much mental as it is physical How often do you see a person walking up a hill, or during a race and then all of sudden you find yourself also walking.
So in theory (my theory anyway), by running with people of similar abilities 'in a pace group', will remove this mental aspect and you will be able to run along with everyone else.
Like I said, my theory only.

[Unlikelyrunner]

Having now done a bit of analysis I can the 4:15 group will be looking at running between 4:14:00 and  4:14:30 gun time.

Lets assume it takes 2mins to cross the start line and a bit to get into a rhythm,  we are likely to be needing to run the last 40kms inabout 3:58. That's 5:57 pace.  

As a pacer its hard to be exact,  especially where inclines and declines come in to play.  If I average 5:57 and am +/- 4 secs each km i'll be happy.

The other things to remember are pacers are human - we all have good and bad days,  and we can only do our best to help you achieve your goals.

Good luck everyone,  see you Sunday morning!

[Pom]

sammo72, on 11 April 2012 - 04:00 PM, said:

I think too, running is a much mental as it is physical How often do you see a person walking up a hill, or during a race and then all of sudden you find yourself also walking.
So in theory (my theory anyway), by running with people of similar abilities 'in a pace group', will remove this mental aspect and you will be able to run along with everyone else.
Like I said, my theory only.

Well let's hope you're right Sammo, and running with a pace group sees me over the 1st finish line in 4 hours. Then I just need a group of people to drag me to the (final) finish.