My First Pacing Duties

I am super excited about helping my friend, Sean Greaney, complete his first 100 mile ultra marathon this weekend at the Vermont 100.  He has put a lot of time on his feet in preparation for this event, and I've parted about all the knowledge I have - given my 'oh so expert' level (1 x 100 miler done in my career).  He sounds ready, as he is well tapered and has a good mix of excitement (racing engine light on) and trepidation (all systems being checked and rechecked, adrenaline up).

Being a pacer doesn't come with zero level of anxiety.  I am nervous.  "Will I be able to perform my role well enough?"  "What will I need to do to get him across the finish?"  One of the challenges of a 100 miler is the vast issues that can arise.  I am performing an old military approach by "what if'ing" this to death. Extra Gu, Stingers, Water, Salt tabs, blister protection, wipes, batteries, etc. Picture a marathoner picking up a pacer with 1 mile to go, and the pacer has a backpack full of gear for their runner. Mule.  That is me.  (note, 'muling' isn't allowed at VT100.  All my gear is for his 'safety').

My portion of the run is 'only' 30 miles. It will tax me, but nothing that I need to overly plan for.  This week's training schedule initially caused me to squirm a bit.  Point 1 - this is a training cycle week, and not geared to resting;  Counterpoint 2 - pacer's job is to do everything possible to get their runner across the finish.   Given my racing isn't until late fall, sacrificing a few days in July to ensure I am fresh for this isn't such a big deal. My target of 73 miles will drop into the mid 60s.  Not like my training program will fall apart or anything.  One thing I've learned is being flexible is the key to proper balance. I feel very good about taking a bit more time off and lowering the mileage.  I am very comfortable I will meet him under the moonlight ready to successfully perform my role as pacer.

Here is a good write-up about the pacer's experience.  While quite hilarious, it does part very valuable lessons to a noob.

http://footfeathers.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-to-be-ultra-pacer.html