Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Pacing

Monday, January 30, 2012

Pacing

This weekend I will be pacing my friend Amanda from mile 80 to the finish at the Rocky Raccoon 100 in Huntsville,TX. I feel very fortunate to have been asked to pace her. I know we'll have a great time reaching her goal to complete her first 100 miler.
Pacing a friend in a race is very rewarding. To me, it can also be a little nerve racking. Only because I put pressure on myself to make sure I am prepared and can keep my runner entertained and motivated. I can honestly say my best race running memory is when I paced my friend Liza at the Leadville 100 in 2010. Leadville was one race I always wanted to be at. I was very nervous the week leading up to that race. As it turned out, I had a wonderful time with Liza at Leadville, Even though She snapped at me (never in anger) a couple of times. And That's OK! She offered apologies, but I assured her, no need to. It's expected. As a pacer you need to take it all and still keep in mind that your job is to get your runner moving towards their goal, and knowing it's not personal. It made me feel more like a close friend too (and quiet moments are not uncomfortable among friends). Also, these flare ups make for a good conversation topic on a group run.
I have great memories of my pacers helping me complete races. Memories that live forever in my mind. Memories of Cactus Rose 100 every time I run at Bandera. Marissa having flashlight trouble, Liza pointing out the constellations and taping my feet, Kelli ever so cheerful, and Kelley's none stop banter as she pushed me up Lucky peak at mile 97.
Then there's John at Bandera 100K last year. My legs felt dead when he picked me up. I didn't want to run any more. John tried to get me running. He persisted and I rejected. He kept it up but was a little easier on me as time went on, sensing I needed time to emerge from a bad patch. I've never told him, but I wanted him to leave me alone. Go away! He did keep me alert and kept reminding me to take in fuel. It took some time, and quiet moments, but I came around appreciating what John was doing for me. I began running again and finished strong setting a 100K PR.
There are many ups and downs in trail races. As a pacer you need to realize this and keep your runner engaged. Reminding them to take in fuel, expect the fact that they may not always seem pleasant, and consider yourself privileged to be helping a fellow runner and friend accomplish their goal.
I'm looking forward to creating lasting memories with Amanda at Rocky.

2 comments:

Lalo said...: Hermano, thanks for being willing to pace Amanda. It gives me great comfort that she will have you helping her during the last part of the race. I know you will keep her safe and help her continue her relentless forward progress. I can't wait to see you all cross the finish line!; January 31, 2012 at 7:06 PM
Tony Maldonado said...: I feel honored. I'll do my best.; February 1, 2012 at 7:28 PM

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Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Pacing

2 comments:

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon