There is now less than 2 months until my half marathon (eek!). If I were to stop training right now, I’d still be more prepared than I was for my first half nearly a year and a half ago (sad but true). I’m already thinking about the day even though it’s still pretty far away. Part of the reason is that out of the 5k, 10k, 3 relay teams and half mary that I’ve done, I’ve been calm and collected prior to zero of them. I get very nervous and often can’t even choke down any food beforehand. I’m not sure why, it’s a mental battle that I tend to lose control over.
This time, I’m hoping for thing to be different. I’m not as focused on my pace as I usually am (see my post on running intuitively for my reasons why), and I’m pretty sure that I will not finish last but rather somewhere in the middle.
But I still feel the need to do some visualizing ahead of time to get myself mentally prepared because mental prep is just as important as physical prep in any type of endurance sport.
I have a goal time in mind that I would like to achieve but I’ve decided (for now) to keep that to myself because I don’t want to add any pressure to finish in any set time. I’ve also resolved to (try) not look at my pace during the race but rather, do what I’ve been doing and follow my body through the 13.1. So then how do I plan to aim for a goal time if I’m not going to be paying attention to my time while running?
I’m considering following a bunny. The pace bunny that is.
For those that may not know, a pace bunny is a runner who graciously volunteers (usually in exchange for free entry into the race) to run at a certain pace in order that other runners who have goal finishes in mind can run at the right pace. Typically (depending on the size of the event) there are bunnies for every 15 minutes or so past the 2 hour mark for a half. I’ve seen them at nearly every race I’ve run but have never actually followed one before. I realize that this could either work very well or could be an epic failure, which is why I’m going to put it out there to you guys: Have you ever run with a pace bunny or as a pace bunny in a race? What was your experience?
Leave me a comment below!
I can’t wait to read what others say. I’m a misfit. I’ve done one race. A half. I never ever looked up my time.
I’m training for my first half right now, so I’m interested to hear what others say!
That’s really interesting! I never even knew about pace bunnies, but it seems like a good idea to keep u on track to reach your goal!! Let us kno what u decide! Spalove!
I wrote a post about this awhile back and how much pacers mess with your mind! I hate races with pacers as I’d rather run my own race and not feel the unintentional need to stay with or in front of a certain group. That said I have paced friends through races and love that aspect.
I’ve gone both ways and here are my thoughts: Start out with the pacer and see how it feels to you. If they seem to be too fast or too slow, break away and do your own thing. Some pacers are fantastic–others, not so much. Good luck with it!
I ran a race with a pace group a couple months ago, and really enjoyed the experience. I definitely had great leaders, and they kept everyone in the group motivated and were just generally helpful and fun to run with.
Based on that, I’m excited to try running with a pacer this weekend. I know a lot of what went well for me was the personality of the pacers, so I’m curious to see if it goes as well. I’d definitely recommend trying a pace group in a race at least once.
I’ve never heard them called bunnies before, but it really depends on you. I think if you have a goal time, using a pacer can be very helpful. Keep in mind, their route to a certain time may be different than yours (negative splits, even splits, run like hell then try to hold on).
Plus, running with a pace group can be very motivating. Everyone in the group is striving toward the same goal and will tend to encourage and help you get through the tough moments (and there always are tough moments).
I have never run WITH them, but use them as a gauge to how fast I am going or doing in the race. If I aim for an X finish, I keep in eyesight that bunny, or make sure I am in front of them.
I do a run/walk combo so it is hard to keep them in sight. Typically I’ll start closer with a “faster” bunny, then just make sure the “goal” bunny doesnt pass me.
I have never heard of pace bunnies. I am doing my first 15K next weekend. Working towards a half, maybe this year. I will try to find a pace bunny because I always think I will run better if I have someone to pace with.