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Jody
When it comes to following the lead of Pace Leader Jo, you might want to make sure it is a marathon you are taking part in, or else you could be in for a wild journey!
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Ask a Leader

Q: I’ve run three marathons, all right around 4 hours, and I’m training hard to qualify for Boston. I’m planning to run with the 3:40 pace group at the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati in May. How much time can I expect to save by running with the pace team? For example, if I’m really only trained for a 3:45, will running with the team help me cut those extra five minutes so I end up running 3:40? Thanks for your help!

A: First of all, congratulations on your Boston goal! Most people who earn the right to run at Boston put a lot of work into qualifying, and it sounds as if you're already thinking your race all the way through and are prepared to get the job done.

Running with a pace team is a great deal of fun, and provides numerous benefits to racers of all abilities. The mental pressure of calculating your pace is removed, as the leader does that for you; the emotional pressure of staying motivated is removed, as the leader does that for you; and some of the physical stress is reduced, as the pacer will keep you from going out too fast. We have had many runners from races all across the country tell us that they would not have reached their goal, whether that was qualifying for Boston, setting a personal best or merely completing a race, without the help of the pace team. The advantages you gain from running with us can help make a difference in your final result to the point where you can finish faster than if you run the race alone.

However, you still do have a big part in this happening. If you aren't properly trained, you won't get any magic benefit from running with the pace team. We don't make muscles stronger than they already are. We don't cut the number of miles you will run on race day. The marathon is still 26.2 miles, a distance that needs to be respected.

But if you come to the starting line physically, mentally and emotionally prepared, you can definitely benefit from running with our group. Our leaders will keep you on pace and motivated, allowing your body to reach its potential. Best of luck in your training for 3:40, and we'll see you on race day.