Mark was standing at the kitchen sink and I at the stove as we cleaned up dinner one night last week. The conversation had been rather pedestrian until that point, and I was taken aback by what he said. I inquired as to whether I could hear the statement first and the the question but, according to him, the order of things was crucial. If I answered the question one way, the statement would be void.
"Would you consider it a PR," he started "if someone paced you to the time during Fort4Fitness?"
Again. Taken aback.
To be honest, I have never really thought of having a personal pacer who would promise to pull me to a personal best. I was with a pace group for part of last year's Fort4Fitness, and I found the sub-2 goal quite literally looming over my head to be motivating. However, I had ran most of the race myself and had made the choice to stick with them no matter what. I had done it, accountable only to myself.
My answer to Mark's question, at best, would be laced with uncertainty but I didn't need him to make a statement. I knew what he was getting at - he was offering to pace me to a half marathon PR.
Mark has run two races of the 13.1 distance, with a PR of 1:34, but hasn't expressed a huge interest in longer events since. I think the combination of a busy track season, which means no running for him, and my performance at Athens have turned the tides this spring.
Note: Mark is not upset or disappointed in me about the race but bummed because he was so confident that I would be faster.
I haven't given Mark an answer - I have until May 5 when registration goes up - but after some encouragement from Joe on our run this morning, I am tipping yes. After all, Galen Rupp had a rabbit when he broke the indoor 5K record. I just want to run a 1:53 half marathon.
In addition to Fort4Fitness, which is in September, here are some other races on the calendar:
1. Dirty Girl Mud Run in Indianapolis on May 17. If you haven't registered, use code BLOGFRIEND for $10 off.
2. ZOOMA Napa Valley half marathon on June 28
3. Runners on Parade 5K on July 12. The 2010 race is where I set my 5K PR. I haven't tried to break it since, and I might just try it again.
What's on your calendar? Would you use a pacer?
I think it counts as a PR for sure! It's not like they are dragging you across the course. :) I think it would be fun to have my husband pace me. If he ever actually ran. Hahahah.
ReplyDeleteHa! Mark will probably run, like, three times all summer and still be able to carry me to the end. He stinks.
DeleteI have used a personal pacer and love it. I am not sure why that would not be a PR. Your legs are doing the work (along with theirs). Why did he think you wouldn't think that was a PR? It's just like running with a friend who is running their easy pace... which happens to be your goal pace. I hope you do the HM! And get that PR in July!
ReplyDeleteLots of tentative stuff on my calendar! No goal races though. Just fun stuff.
I am weird and dumb about stuff, which he knows but is smart enough not to articulate!
DeleteThat sounds like fun and a challenge! I'm not sure if Josh could handle pacing me. So since we're moving (see the blog and please note my disappointment that I will not be in Colorado in July...tear, TEAR) I do not have any races other than the half in a few weeks on the calendar. But I'm side eyes at least another half this year.
ReplyDeleteJosh might not handle it because you are such a rock star!!! It could be precarious because there is a 178 percent chance that I will turn into a monster B at least 4 times during the race. I am a bit too comfortable taking out things on him when I run. Eek!
DeleteIt definitely counts as a PR!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping once I'm healed I can actually HAVE a race calendar. All my races are on hold until released to race by my PT.
My big goal for the yr if that happens is a half PR (and sub 2) in the fall in Ohio.
Get better!!! I've been watching you on Daily Mile and been quietly sending you well wishes. What race in Ohio?
DeleteIt could be pretty cool to have a pacer for your half marathon PR attempt. You're still doing all the work, but it gives you a lead to follow in terms of speed, and someone to encourage you all the way. If you're comfortable with it, do it!
ReplyDeleteMy calendar: Road half marathon with my amazing mom this Sunday! Then a 50K trail race in 3 weeks! Then... nothing! (I decided not to make any more race plans till after the 50K. It's very relaxing, actually.)
A road half? Wow! I hope you have tons for fun with your mom! I love that she takes on the longer distances. Hopefully, you have some good weather for your 50K!
DeleteI totally agree with many of the above. You are doing the work, YOU are enduring the pain, that is YOUR PR. Races provide pacers all the time, and often times those pacers are finishing on their own because people either couldn't keep up or pushed ahead. My first sub 2 I was pushed that last mile by the shadow of the 2:00 pacer behind me. I knew I had to stay ahead of that shadow. And what an awesome way to get a PR, with your supportive husband at your side!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely still counts as a PR - they were your legs running. I'm looking at using a pacer if I ever believe I can PR the marathon this fall. Right now I'm not even registering. My other races are the 25k relay in 2 weeks, which I'm not prepared for, RnR Chicago in July, and the Fred 200 relay in August.
ReplyDeleteFirst first of all, I love the photo of you and Mark! You look so cute! Second, you have to run with Mark. How fun would that be to PR with him by your side!
ReplyDeleteTotally counts. It's not unlike using a more generic pacer on a race- the 1:50 group, for example. Yours is just more specific. I think it's awesome! I'm also slightly nervous you might end up killing Mark around mile 10. :)
ReplyDeleteI've run in pace groups but I've never had a personal pacer. If someone offered, I'd jump at it though. Who cares how you got your PR? As long as somebody didn't drag you in a rickshaw...wait that actually sounds really good...
ReplyDeleteI figure, you are still the one who is doing the running, so whether you have someone there to help you stay on track or not it is still a PR! Looks like you have a fun schedule ahead!
ReplyDelete