#performatyourpeak

Grateful for those who once paced me to my goal time. Time to return the favor and help others chase theirs.

Coming into this pacer duty, my mantra was simple: pay it forward. I knew that pacing comes with a hefty responsibility, not just representing myself or the run clubs I’m affiliated with, but also the event itself and the trust placed in me. Because of that, I prepared for this role as best as I could.

Pacers use different strategies to hit their target finish; some go for negative splits, others for positive splits. Personally, I prefer even pacing, keeping in mind runners who may only have just enough fitness to hold the goal pace. The only adjustments I make are for factors like elevation.

Here are some preparations I did to give my group the best shot at their goals:

I sought advice from experienced pacers. It always pays to ask wisdom from the experienced ones.

I only accepted a pacing duty that matched my fitness level, one I could run comfortably while still having the energy to cheer others on.

Reviewed the race route and elevation profile to plan pacing adjustments.

Set up a Garmin PacePro plan (thanks, Tiger Alex!) for precision.

Race day came, and I was assigned to pace 1:20 for the 10K (8:00 min/km). Since I prepped a GPX file, it reflected a distance closer to 10.15 km, so I knew I had to be smart with execution.

My strategy was even pacing (based on average effort); slower on uphills, steady effort, then gradually opening up on the downhills. Along the way, I kept asking runners about their goals and cheering whenever I could to up the energy.

This was goal versus actual pace time.

Throughout the course, different runners joined me, some stayed, some dropped back. That is how dynamic the 10K field was, so I thought.

In the last 4K, I chanced upon one runner who aimed for sub-1:20. I encouraged him to keep moving as the long downhill stretch was near. We ran together, maintained a good downhill pace, and with energy left in his tank, I told him to let it all out it in the final kilometer. He did, met his goal time, and reset his personal record.

I crossed the finish line a few seconds above 1:20 at 10.35 km, and to my surprise, that runner was waiting to thank me for helping him achieve his goal. That moment alone made all the preparation worth it.

To RD Gerald and JCIR Events Management, thank you for trusting me with this pacer duty at The Great Clark Run Leg 1. The plaque of appreciation was sure a surprise and is deeply appreciated.

To my Project Z, Dukot Center, and LDJ family, especially coaches Angelo, Aljon, and Jeck, thank you for the support. And kudos to all the pacers who gave their best for the running community.