The verb ‘to pace’ can come to mean many things. To walk back and forth; to measure out a distance; to control one’s effort. In the running sense, it means to lead a group at a set tempo. Etymologically speaking, the word “pace” is rooted in Latin from the word “pandere” which means to stretch. More on that later

Each week at the Runlimited Training Block, we were joined by our team of pacers: designated group leaders who supported each pace group throughout their sessions, with everything from navigation, to bathroom stops, to fuelling reminders but, most importantly, motivation and encouragement for their group along the way.

Without them, there would not be a Training Block. Each week they have given up their Sunday to lead runners in reaching their goals and each week, they helped runners to truly stretch the limit of what they thought possible.

A mega shout out and our gratitude to:

Sasha, Andre and Gaelle for leading the 5-hour group;

To the Sub-4 pacers Dana, Damo and CJ;

Our 3hr30 leaders Marcin, Wayne and Georgia;

To Ben, Tom, Mafio and Joseph for leading the Sub-3 crew;

And last but not least, everyone who stepped in to help lead when needed!

As we conclude the most part of the training with only two weeks to go, here are some of their stories from the block, and why they felt compelled to come out week in, week out.

 Why are you pacing?

Georgia: Long runs get lonely when you do them by yourself every week. Pacing is a great way to get in the distance and be social.

Sasha: I love nothing more than seeing someone’s confidence grow with running - this goes for any distance but especially marathon pacing when people are hitting their biggest ever distances. It’s nice to take a stressful element of long runs away from people and allow them to lean in and enjoy themselves and be proud of themselves - it’s such a rewarding experience. I like to be the kind of pacer I needed (and still need)…no one left behind, ever!

Damo: i’m an experienced runner and racer and i’m pacing because it *helps* particularly on the mental side of understanding pace, effort, and taking pressure off of route, distance, pace. It becomes a shared effort and a pleasure to help!

Mafio: I’m pacing to support others to achieve their training goals in the same way that the pacers did for me previously; I remember how much it helped and want to give that to others. 

Marcin: Talking to other runners used to be out of my comfort zone as an introvert. I wanted to pace because I wanted to find a place where I chat about anything with people from different backgrounds that do amazing things. I have found myself being inspired every time. This, and the encouraging community, helped me become so much more confident with running (coming from weightlifting and callisthenics) and wanted to give back and do this for others. I enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories and also learning from them. In a selfish way I am grateful for the Runlimited team for this opportunity as I am discovering myself more. 

Dana: I wanted to pace for a few reasons, but the power of training with other people - it is something that has helped me recently, changed how I view training and empowered me to give back to the community.

What has been a standout experience for pacing this block?

Georgia: It's always lovely when you see someone feeling proud of themselves at the end of a run. This training block has seen many runners completing their longest distances ever. So, it's special to be a part of that. 

Sasha: Running to the top of Primrose Hill and taking a group pic, massive beaming smiling faces in the sunshine and realising we had all made massive achievements together on this block! Making progress while having fun & making friends. 

Damo: ⁠inspiration has come from helping pace someone to their longest ever run (in their life) as they prepare for first marathon. Also helping pace someone just returning from their Ramadan fast who is working out what they can do and how to fuel.

Mafio: The stand out session was the 3 x 6km at race pace session in week 6. The whole group was so locked-in and on-point. The hilly 21k for the deload week was a beautiful route and the weather on the day just made it so enjoyable; everyone had smiles the whole way through despite it being tough. 

Marcin: My standout experience for pacing this block was supporting runners who were doubting their ability to finish a long run. To help them believe they have enough strength and power to execute their goal that day and seeing them succeed, for me was something special. 

Dana: The people that come every week - to be with others and share the hard parts of their training. And of course, the other pacers - every one of us is different, comes from different parts of the world and different walks of life but the synergy, the kindness, the care and how this matters to them too is something that I have appreciated every week. 

Number one tip for everyone running London/another marathon

Georgia: Pack some imodium 😆 thank me later. 

Sasha: Do it your way! Go at your own pace and just enjoy yourself…you’ll treasure the memory forever that way, whatever happens 🫶🏼

Damo: ⁠top tip is fuel: early, often, and before you think you need it. And, only use fuel you know you like/can handle. It’s not discussed as much as pace, as race strategy, as shoes, but it’s as important for the LONG ones and race.

Mafio: Number one tip to everyone running the marathon is to remember what your goal-pace effort feels like in training and run on that same effort on the day. Dont look to make up lost time on the very next km or mile, you’ve got time and a long way to go to even things out.

Marcin: Number one tip for everyone running London or any other marathon is to make sure you fuel yourself properly before and during the run. 

Dana: I’m not one to give tips, but something that changed my mindset: the marathon is just a step in your journey but not the end. Sometimes we PB, sometimes we don’t. There is so much more to running. Appreciate every joyful moment and learn from the hard. Like life itself.