Training RESOURCES & Pace Teams
Proper training can go a long way in reaching your running goals. To assist you, we turn to our local running guru, Coach Eladio Valdez III from The Runner’s Edge. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned veteran, we have a schedule that will help you cross the finish line!
An easier and more enjoyable way to train is with others. If you would like to learn more, Coach Valdez invites you to enjoy a complimentary group run anytime. With pace groups that range from 8 to 12 minutes a mile, all levels are welcome.
HALF & Full MARATHON TRAINING
Official pace teams
WHY JOIN A PACE TEAM?
It’s so much easier to let someone else set the pace and simply follow along. The synergy of the group helps you conserve your energy and you can also take turns blocking any potential headwind further sparing energy. Besides, it’s a lot more fun to tackle this challenge with others and our pacers promise to keep you entertained as well as on track!
The SmartPace Team is a collection of all-stars with their running backgrounds and positive personalities. They have been carefully chosen and promise to do something that most races don’t – set an intelligent pace given our course terrain to increase the likelihood that you will achieve your goal finish time. There will be an opportunity to meet the pacers at the pacer booth during the Health & Fitness Expo. While you are there be sure to pick up a complimentary pace band. On race morning, they’ll be easy to spot with their pace signs. We encourage you to take advantage of this major perk!
We have half marathon pacers for 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30, 2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00, 3:10, 3:20 and 3:30.
We have marathon pacers for 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:40, 4:50, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30 and 6:00.
By using the SmartPace strategy, you’ll avoid the 3 most common mistakes:
Starting out too fast: It’s very easy to give into the temptation of starting out too fast with the adrenaline rush of race day. If you’re thinking about starting out at an even pace, that also doesn’t allow people to warm up properly. When not warmed up, the body is inefficient at converting fuel to energy and releasing heat – it takes about 15-20 minutes or 2 miles. As a result, people use up too much of their glycogen (sugar stored in the muscles), accumulate too much metabolic waste, and risk overheating to virtually assure themselves of wearing down too much in the latter part of the race.
Rushing through the aid stations: This doesn’t allow people to replenish adequately, especially in the first third of the race when people are most apt to deal with crowded aid stations and feel their best leading them to skimp on valuable opportunities to stay replenished. The reality is that the early aid stations are the most critical for optimal performance.
Pushing too hard on the uphills: Trying to maintain the same pace up hills will exhaust many folks while failing to go faster down hills is a wasted opportunity to use gravity to one’s advantage. Instead, our pacers will rely more on even ‘effort’ which means you’ll naturally and appropriately slow down and speed up according to the terrain to conserve energy.
PACING FAQ
Why should I run with a Pace Team?
Running with a Pace Team is a fun way to run with a group and accomplish a specific time goal. Pace Team Leaders are experienced marathoners and half marathoners who will encourage you throughout the race and help you achieve your performance goal. Their objective is to help you have a great time while running a great time!
What is the cost of joining a Pace Team?
Running with a Pace Team is free!
Which Pace Team should I join?
Choose a pace that reflects your training and ability level and allows you to run at a comfortable pace throughout the race. If you can’t decide between two paces (for example, 1:55 and 2:00), it is recommended that you start with a slower pace, as you can always pick it up later in the race.
Where can I get a pace band with the pacing strategy?
Complimentary waterproof, tearproof Races2Remember pace bands with the pacers’ pace strategy & times will be available at the pacer booth at the Health & Fitness Expo.
Do any of the Pace Teams offer a run/walk method?
Yes, all of them will briskly walk through most of the aid stations for 15-60 seconds to ensure that you drink enough, while others will incorporate additional strategically planned walk breaks for 30-60 seconds on uphills or every mile. Please stop by the pacer booth at packet pickup to pick up a complimentary pace band for the pace time of your choice while getting to know the pacers and their specific strategies.
How will I find my Pace Team on race morning?
Pace Team Leaders will line up holding large signs marked with their corresponding paces. They will also be wearing uniforms to help identify themselves. During the race, Pace Team Leaders will share the duty of carrying a smaller Pace Team sign. Race start times may change for participant safety.
What if I have to go to the bathroom?
Pace Team Leaders will not plan any bathroom breaks during the race and will not wait for you. If you need to use the bathroom, it is suggested that you run ahead of your pace team before breaking to use the bathroom, then jump back in with the team or catch up to them.
How does the Pace Team handle drinking at the aid stations?
Each Pace Team will take water and energy drink from every aid station to ensure that runners remain well hydrated throughout the race. Pace Teams will stop at the middle to end tables, where it should be less crowded. Teams that stop to walk while they drink should walk quickly to keep the crowd moving through the aid station. If you need to stop completely, go past the aid station and move off to the side of the road and out of the way of other runners.
Do I have to stay with my Pace Team throughout the race?
No. Runners are welcome to use the Pace Teams for whichever portion of the race they think will help them most. You can run ahead or drop back at any time.
Do Pace Teams go by clock time or chip time?
Chip time. Pace Team Leaders will start their watches at the start line as they cross the chip timing mats.
For more information or questions about the Pace Team, email Garmin Pace Team Coordinator Eladio Valdez.