Learn the best marathon pacing strategies from two pacers who’ve helped hundreds of runners hit their race goals.
Experts in This Article
Theres a reason it gets said so often.
It is both vitally important and incredibly tempting to ignore.
Well+Good spoke to two pacers whove helped hundreds of runners meet their marathon and half-marathon goals.
If you could, meet your pacer before the starting-line chaos; theyre sometimes available at the race expo.
Dont hesitate to ask for the signas long as its not strapped to my back, its all yours.
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(Forehand, for instance, is a 2:39 marathoner, and usually paces the 3:30 group.)
They want to know that I can do the job.
It helps ease their anxiety about whether this person is going to be able to perform, he says.
Its a comfort thing.
Were like, yeah, we know, says Lock, who usually paces with two GPS watches.
We want you to go out there and have fun and not think about the pace.
If youre running with us, youre not going to have to worry because Ive got it.
Were little computers in our brainswere trying to take the guesswork out.
And it also helps you be more aware of people around you and be able to communicate.
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People waste too much energy trying to get around someone, says Forehand.
If youre on your own, use these tips from the pacers to run an even race.
Get that feeling of the pace embedded into your mind and your legs, says Lock.
(Some websitesalso make custom pace bands based on course elevation and race strategy.)
Just check that youre not spending too much time looking down at your wrist, says Lock.
Remember: For a marathon, think of your first 20 miles as just your warmup.
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