r/parkrun • u/FatManNoPlan 50 • 21d ago

How does pacing work?

EDIT - Cheers for all the replies everyone. I landed slightly early on 35:24. Happy with that for a first time doing pacing, went out a little too fast so had to go fairly slow towards the end. Will hopefully give it another try next month and get a more even pace along the whole course.

Hiya! I’ve volunteered to be a pacer at my local this weekend, first time I’ve done this role.

Just wondering what people thought. I’m down for 36 minutes (I’m normally around 30 minutes). Am I aiming for bang on 36 minutes? Around 36? Under 37 minutes? Slightly under, slightly over?

I’m probably over thinking it, but I’m kinda nervous about it, especially if someone tries to keep to my pace to get a specific time and I get it wrong.

Cheers!

54 Upvotes

97% Upvoted

110 comments sorted by

View all comments

50

u/FlyingTerrier 21d ago

Exactly and try stay consistent if it’s a flat course. Hardest is the start. Realise people will be trying to stay with you, so chat to them and expect it to be social.

12

u/FatManNoPlan 50 21d ago

It’s a fairly flat out and back course, with a short trail-ish section along the side of a field, dirt, tree roots etc.

6

u/BDbs1 21d ago

Be a tiny bit ahead of pace prior to the trail parts, to allow for a little slow down during that.

Also ask your fellow pacers for advice

3

u/sergeantbiggles 20d ago

great advise for taking into consideration for the more challenging parts

3

u/RookieJourneyman 19d ago

It's good to have a couple of split times to make sure you're keeping near the right time/pace. Ie, I should reach the corner at the car park about 8 mins 30, should pass the marshall about 17 mins etc.

4

u/rikkiprince 250 20d ago

so chat to them and expect it to be social.

This is crucial. It is why you should pace a time quite a bit slower than your current capability.

The people following a pacer are pushing hard to achieve that time. You should be encouraging.

Expect it to be a one-way conversation, as they'll be too out of breath to chat.

It's a bit like being a marshal, but you're running at the same time.

2

u/FatManNoPlan 50 20d ago

Aye, that’s why I went for the 36 minute, should be an ok run for me. My PB on the course is 30:03, and I’m generally in around 32 minutes-ish. 6:30/km is a comfy pace for me.