![]() “Get that feeling of the pace embedded into your mind and your legs,” says Lock. Be sure to spend some time at that pace during race week in particular so you know it’s locked in. Drill in your paceĪny marathon training plan worth its salt should have you spending plenty of time running at your goal marathon pace so that you get used to what it feels like. If you’re on your own, use these tips from the pacers to run an even race. Even in races that use pace groups, you may not find one that suits your goal, or you may start with one but eventually find yourself running alone (ahem, the group isn’t going to wait for your bathroom break). Some smaller races, and even some big ones, like the Boston Marathon, don’t use pacers. “Usually it’s not worth the mental or physical energy-it’s best to just wait for an opening and then move forward.” How to be your own pacer “People waste too much energy trying to get around someone,” says Forehand. If you do end up running in close quarters, be careful to not clip others’ feet, and try to avoid weaving. Pacers at most marathons plan to come in at least 30 seconds ahead of the designated finish time, so if you’re slightly behind them, you should still meet your goal (but confirm this with your pacer before the race just in case). In fact, Forehand says that if you’re not used to running in large, crowded groups of people, you may want to run just in front of or just behind the pace group. Though ideally you want to be close enough to the pacer to hear them, you don’t need to be right in the thick of the pace group. “And it also helps you be more aware of people around you and be able to communicate.” Run where you’re most comfortable “There are things that you’ll miss if you’re really into your Beyoncé moment,” says Lock, who is also a certified running coach. Forehand often gives runners a heads up that he’ll be running the tangent when a turn is approaching (meaning taking the shortest possible route rather than following the curve of the street), for instance, and Lock talks his group through upcoming hills, instructs them to “grab and go” when approaching a water station, and gives form cues when he notices runners looking down, or tensing up. Good pacers will give instructions and tips throughout the race, so try to keep your ears free so you can hear them.
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