Until 2-years ago, I had never paced a race. I was always in awe of the pacers. Keeping a steady pace, finishing in an exact time, and carrying a sign the entire time seemed quite a challenge. In the spring of 2023, I took the plunge and signed up to pace the Covered Bridge Half. It was time to reunite with one of my favorite runs which I first ran 2 decades ago (yes, I am on the older side 🙂). In preparation, I immediately started running at my pace and went out on my next long run day and ran 13.1 at the pace I had agreed to run. Race day came and I was a bit nervous, but the pacers were amazing, the runners were super appreciative, and I was hooked.

After pacing several half-marathons, I’ve learned it is always a great time. I don’t have to race, which regardless of what I promise myself as any race approaches, when they say go, I feel the need to push hard. Pacing was liberating! I could enjoy the run, talk to those around me, and everyone was so thankful. 

So this October, I signed up to pace my second CHAD half-marathon. An amazing UVRC group turned out to pace. Everyone had a partner, we covered a wide variety of paces from 1:30 to 2:30, and a great time was had by all. The pacers killed it, all hitting their promised pace within a minute or two. Pacers were chatting with runners from all over the US, encouraging them up the long and steady climb from miles 5-7, and leading the cheers as their followers took off and beat them to the finish line.

I love the questions you inevitably are asked.

• How fast would you run if you weren’t pacing? Good question…
• How much longer is this hill? We’re almost there…
• How many times have you run this course? Before? I haven’t ever run this course…
• How do you manage to carry that sign? It looks much harder than it actually is…

Thank you to all that volunteered to pace. What an amazing group! You helped many people reach their goals. I hope you found it as satisfying as I did. And for those that didn’t pace, if you have been thinking about pacing and haven’t made the plunge, go for it. You won’t regret it!