It's a very slow process - two steps forward, one step back - but I'm inching in the right direction. - Rob Reiner

March 30, 2011

To Pace or Not to Pace, That is the Question?

My next half marathon is just 4 ½ weeks away.  My longest training run to date has only been 6 miles.  I had really hoped to get in a strong training cycle for this half marathon, but due to my back injury I started training late – probably a little too late.  My longest run going into the Half will be 10 miles – and that will be the weekend prior to the Half.  Not ideal, because other than race week I have no real taper period, but I think that’s ok, since my training cycle has been fairly short.


I’ve mentioned before in my blog that I’m a very slow runner.  I know, I know – “slow” is relative – but no matter how you slice it I’m slow.  I have completed two previous Halfs with times of 2:52 and 2:50 (that’s a 13:07 and12:58 pace).  I only trained for 6 weeks for the first Half and a full 16 weeks for the second Half.  My biggest problem in the second one was that although I trained and trained hard, I didn’t train for hills and it was a very hilly course. My average pace time on shorter runs is between 11:30 and 12:00 – so I was really hoping that if I didn’t have to walk any in this Half, I would be able to set a new PR.  If I just maintained a steady 12 minute mile pace my time would be 2:37. 

So, I was considering using a pacer during this race.  In both of my previous races I just ran – by myself, no friend to run with, no pacer.  However, I just looked at the OKC Race website and they only offer pacers up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.  That would be an 11:26 pace.  Last week I ran 6 miles at exactly an 11:26 pace – but that was only 6 miles.  I’m not sure I could maintain an 11:26 over 13.1 miles at this point.  I really don’t think I will have it in me to run the whole thing.

So, what are your thoughts?  Should I run with a pacer of 2:30?  Would it be good to push myself – or would that be pushing myself too much?  Have you ever used a pacer in a race?  Did you like/not like it?  I could always start with the pacer and if it was too difficult I could leave the pace group.

Help, I need opinions! 


21 comments:

  1. I think you should try the pace group and if it gets to the point that its a struggle to keep up, then just drop back and finish at your own pace, good way to look for a PR

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  2. I think you should see how your next few long runs go, as you increase the distance a bit, if you can still keep the speed up.

    On one hand, running with the pace group could be a great way to push yourself. On the other, a half marathon distance is a long distance to push too much on. If you go out to fast on a 5k, it's not such a big deal because you don't have to hold on long. Different in a half marathon.

    Having said that, I don't have much experience, so I'm not the best to give advice. I've got my first half coming up soon.

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  3. I agree with Big DD. Try it and if you feel it is too much you can drop back. It is much harder to start out slower and then try to catch up to a pacer....been there, tried that and failed. :o) Good luck training!

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  4. I wrote this long response and it somehow deleted when I tried to post it. Anyway, what I said was that don't worry about your pace, go out and enjoy the day. I've had success with pace groups but I'm one of those that beats myself up about not being able to keep up so I would rather run in a group around me that talks and water stops together. It just seems more fun. For me anyway.

    You're gonna do great! Having fun and enjoying your day is the most important thing.

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  5. hmmmm...this is a tough one.
    1. you could go with them, but, it could back fire and you could crash later in the race and cause you to run slower than if you just maintained your (a little bit) slower pace- like 12 min./miles...
    2. you could rock it ;)
    I've tried running with pacers and have never really liked it. I am now back to running my 9 and 1's (nine minute run, 1 min. walk) and it doesn't work with pacers anyway.

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  6. I think you should run with the pacer. And see how you feel, you may surprise yourself. If it get to be to much just drop back.

    I ran with a pacer and it was a lot of fun.

    Also, for 1 of my halfs I my longest run was 9 miles and I ended up with a PR of 2:16. I can happen!

    I may be running this race... Not sure yet I am running a half in NM the weekend before. Going to depend on how I feel.

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  7. I'll let the experienced runners speak to the pacing question, but to me it's sounds like it would be pushing too much. As far as the distance is concerned I think you'll be fine with a race-week taper after a 10mi run.

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  8. I think you are trying to decide this way too early. I would wait and see how your 10 miler goes - if you are at a pace for that better than 12, I'd try to go with the pacer. If you are much slower than that, I'd worry that starting with the pacer would cause you to crash hard later on, especially coming off of a back injury.

    Good luck!!!

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  9. I tend to agree that it's probably a bit early to consider that. What might serve you well right now is to do some speedwork and focus on that. As you get closer to the race and if you feel as if you can handle the faster speed, go for it, but I'd also say to play it safe. Last thing you want to do is to crash and burn in the race.

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  10. I have not used a pacer. For myself I can run a lot faster in a race than at any other time. (A lot faster being relative.) I'm tempted to say try the pacer but you don't want to die before the end. Good luck deciding.

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  11. I have not used a pacer.
    Unless you can run your 10 miles at 11:26 or faster I would NOT use a pacer for this one because it is 20 minutes faster then your best time. That is a lot. I would be afraid to go out too fast only to hit the WALL at mile 9 or 10 and pay the price. Instead I would find someone who is slightly faster and stay with them. USE them as your personal pacer.

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  12. i've only followed a pacer once. and it was the race that i didn't hit my time goal and felt like i was being chased by the next pacer back ahhahaha... but i really did like the pacer concept (had nothing to do with why i didn't do well.) and don't forget! if you ran the 11:30ish pace for a 6 mile training run, you could probably do even better when you have the momentum of an event and crowd. i usually run 30sec - 1min faster than my training runs in a race. i bet you could do it!!!! especially since you still have a few weeks to train.

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  13. You have had a lot of good suggestions here. I agree with others that
    a) it would be good to check your fitness clsoer to race day.
    b) if it seems like a go, follow a pace group and have a fall-back plan
    c) maybe try wearing a pace band with the fall-back time so you can slip into it easily if needed.

    The pace group might really help you because it's such a fun social atmosphere- lots of support =D

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  14. Agh...typos!!! You'll do great, Michael =D

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  15. I vote go with the pacer. You could have enough adreneline flowing that it's great and you have a HUGE PR or keep up as long as you can and fall back when necessary! There isn't anything wrong with that!

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  16. Starting out too fast is a sure way to crash in the second half. Better to start off slow and then, if youcatch the pacer, use them the rest of the way.

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  17. I think having a pacer is a great idea. my best friend is my pacer for alot of the runs that I do.

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  18. I've never used a pacer, but have always wanted to. In fact, I'm signed up for a 1/2 mary in May and I was going to use a pacer, but now I may not even be able to run it.
    Anyways, here's what I think. I think you should see how the next few weeks go. Try running at the 11:26 pace for your long runs and see how you feel. If you feel good, then I say go for the pacer! However, if you get really fatigued towards the end of your long runs, then that pace just might be too fast for you. Give it a try and see how it goes in training and then decide closer to the race!!

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  19. Great info and very helpful to me too as I get close to my 1/2!

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