New Exercise and Fitness Review
When I was asked to pace the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon 2014, I jumped at the chance. It would have been my 3rdtime pacing a race but neither of my previous races were anywhere near as big as Reading. At the Reading Half in 2013 I reached my PB of 1hr30mins so I knew this was a great course to achieve that dream finish time.
As a pace maker you have to go against many of your usual race instincts. I was given the 1hr45min slot which works out an average pace of 8 minute miles. We try to maintain an even pace throughout the race as much as possible which means no picking up pace when you feel you have the energy, and no sprint finish!
At the start line it’s all about bonding with fellow runners. You can’t really go unnoticed with a large pacing flag attached to your back. This is where you try to calm nerves, give advice, tell them they can do it and that you’ll be there every step to encourage them.
The Reading Half is a great course; spectators of all ages on the side lines, pubs giving cheers of encouragement and even the odd jelly baby motivate us all to the finish line! This race truly has one of the best atmospheres I have ever witnessed, start middle and end! However even with the crowd cheering you on sometimes you need the encouragement of a fellow runner to give you that extra push – and that’s where the pacing team come into play.
We’ll tell you how far you’ve got left, how well you’re doing, help you up those hills and encourage you to open your stride during your declines. It’s our job to keep you all feeling positive throughout the race. I like a good ‘woop woop’ to motivate my team of runners!
You cannot beat running to the finish line in the roaring Madejski Stadium. There is no more incredible feeling than the endless thank-yous, the hugs, the massive smiles on the proud runners faces as they achieve their PB or complete their first ever competitive race. Knowing that you made a difference is unreal – total job satisfaction!
I will be returning to pace the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon 2015 because apart from the amazing feeling you get knowing you’ve helped people run a great race and achieve PBs, the free Mizuno trainers and race t-shirt aren’t bad either – us keen runners can never have enough kit!
Natalie Babington, member of the official Pacing Team of the Mizuno Reading Half Marathon
Mizuno Reading Half Marathon: race review
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