Pace Team
- CIM/ClifBar Pace Team FAQS
What is a Pace Team?
A pace team is a group of runners who wish to achieve a specific
finish time goal. Examples of such goals include a personal best
time, a Boston Marathon qualifying time, or perhaps a finish time
that suits the conditioning a runner has trained to achieve.
What is a Pace Team Leader?
This is an experienced long distance runner who will coach the pace
team runners to their set time goal. The leader will do this by
setting a steady pace based on the terrain of CIM and by offering
encouragement and advice. The Pace Team Leader has the capability of
finishing the event anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes faster, so they
can devote their extra energy to assisting their team. Most of the leaders
have run CIM multiple times so they are very familiar with the course.
Do I need to sign up for a Pace Team?
You are not required to sign up for a Pace Team, although there will
be sign-up lists at the Pace Team booth at the CIM Sports and Fitness
Expo so your Pace Team Leaders will be able to anticipate the number
of people to look out for at the start.
Will I be able to meet my Pace Team Leader before the event?
There will be a Pace Team Clinic with the leaders on Saturday,
December 1 at the Sports & Fitness Expo at 4 pm where you can
meet your Pace Team Leader and receive additional information. Pace
Team Leaders will also be stopping by the Clif BAR booth
periodically during the Expo.
What are pace wrist bands?
These are bands you can wear on your wrist that have each mile split
for your goal finish time written on them. Whether or not you are
participating on a Pace Team, you may pick one of these up at the
Clif booth at the Expo, for free!
How do I find my Pace Team at the start?
The Pace Team leaders will be located on the east side of
Auburn-Folsom Rd. near the start and they will be holding red and
white signs that will have goal finish times on them.
Go to your group and introduce yourself to your leader.
How will I be able to keep track of my Pace Team Leader?
Your Pace Team leader will be carrying his/her goal finish time sign
during the entire distance.
Will the Pace Team Leader walk through the aid stations?
No. He or she will encourage you to take fluids but will maintain a
steady pace. If you wish to walk at the aid stations, walk briskly
and then very gradually catch up to your group. Do not sprint to
catch up as this uses energy inefficiently.
I take a walking break after each mile. How will this work if I want
to be on a Pace Team?
The Pace Team Leaders will not be taking walking breaks. If you wish
to do this but still want to be part of a Pace Team, walk briskly and
then very gradually catch up to your group. Again, do not sprint to
catch up.
What if I need to take a porta-potty break?
The same principle applies as is described in the walking break
scenarios above. Gradually catch up to your group afterward.
Will every mile split be exactly the same?
There will be some variation in mile splits due to the terrain. Your
Pace Leaders are familiar with CIM and will explain these variations
during the run.
What if the weather conditions are terrible?
Depending on your overall fitness, you might want to shift your goal
time to a slower time. The Pace Team Leaders have selected pace times
well within their capabilities and will be sticking to their finish
goal times.
What happens if the Pace Team Leader has an unexpected problem and is
unable to continue?
You never know what might happen during 26.2 miles. Hopefully among
your group there will be others willing to share leadership
responsibilities. Also, remember that the synergy of a group with a
specific goal will provide the incentive to continue and achieve your
goal. Stick together and carry on!
Isn't "pacing" illegal in a USATF sanctioned event?
If a pacing service is offered to everyone in the event it is not
illegal (similar to having hired "rabbits" at other events). Pacing
is illegal when someone assists a runner or other runners as a
special service to just those runners.
Let us know how it goes!
We will appreciate receiving feedback from you. Send an e-mail or a
note with your comments and suggestions to: runcim@ncbb.net
Cynci Calvin, 9810 Stoneyridge Rd., Auburn, CA 95603