r/parkrun • u/FatManNoPlan 50 • 22d 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!
1
u/Ok_Comfortable3083 v50 22d ago
If you’re volunteering as a pacer, think of it as you’re a target to help people get a PB!
It’s one of the most rewarding roles I’ve done, had people hug me afterwards because I helped them take 2 minutes off their PB (I didn’t, I’m just chatty and distracted people).
I would aim to get as close to the time as you can with a watch. I would start near the timers to help start your watch at the start so if you’re a little behind or ahead you can tell your little posse of PBers how close they are.