California International Marathon

Below is a sample of emails we have received from pace team participants to the CIM pace team leaders. 

WILL HUDSON - 2:45 GROUP

My name is Andrew. I'm an architect in SF. I ran next to you for about 18 miles on Sunday (tall guy, red shirt). I wanted to say thanks for being such a great pacer. You did a perfect job. We all appreciate your work out there. I wouldn't change my plan at all and you really helped make it a fun experience. I just don't know how I could have prepared for the cramping that hit me so quickly though, haha.  My plan was 2:05:30 at 20 miles which I hit exactly thanks to you and felt very strong. I figured I could muscle through the next 6 and be around 2:45, in the 2:40's at the slowest. I cannot believe how my legs cramped, I didn't think I would even finish!
— Andrew Tarcin

KEVIN SAWCHUK - 3:00 GROUP

If it wasn't for the help of your 3:00 pacer I never would have made my goal.  My finishing time of 2:59:48 was a lifetime achievement for me.  The pacer was right where he said he would be and I just passed
him at the finish timing mats.  If it wasn't for him I would have
never been able to dig as hard as I did. I would like to express my thanks to him directly.  Can you help me get in contact with him.
— Richard Selinger

Just a short note to thank you for pacing the three hour group at last weekend's CIM.  Your even pacing was phenomenal.  I was part of the group for the full race.  In the last mile you may have thought the group had completely broken-up and you were running alone.  I was twenty or thirty feet behind you trying desperately to keep pace and cuing off of your pace.  I finished in 2:59:58.
— Roy
 
Thanks so much for being an awesome pacer! Really nice meeting you and hope to at least do one training session with you in Walnut Creek one of these days. Good luck to your cross country team! Just enjoying my recovery now! You are the best!
— Danny Wang

MICHAEL COOK - 3:10 GROUP

I crossed the finish line with an 11-minute PR (I was the girl in the purple tank top and white compression socks).  I finished in 3:09.15 and just wanted to thank you for not only pacing our group but for your encouraging words along the way.  I ran almost exactly even splits, my second half marathon was 15 seconds faster than my first.  I wasn't having a great day, my legs were feeling flat and tired but our coach had told us over and over again the importance of running in a group so I just hung in there and kept going.  I just wanted you to know that you did a great job and I wanted to thank you as well. I really can't tell you how much I appreciate what you did for us on Sunday.
— Robyn Hefner, Seattle Washington

RICK SANTOS - 3:50 GROUP

I just wanted to thank you for your help in the CIM. I did not finish with your group although I did run "around" it for several miles in the middle of the race. Having you for a marker was helpful. I enjoy the challenge of the marathon. I've run enough of them, that I think I can do it by myself, but any help is appreciated.  Mostly I wanted to thank you for giving up your own goals on race day to help others. I did achieve one of my main goals by staying well ahead of Rae Clarke, who has the annoying habit of whacking me with his pace leader stick when he passes me on days when I'm not having a good day.
— Sincerely, Craig Newport
 
I just wanted to formally thank you for all your efforts at CIM. Happily, I reached my goal and am so excited to be a Boston Marathon Qualifier. I know that I put all the hard work in, but if it wasn't for your pace group, words of encouragement all while holding a flag!! I don't think my outcome would have been so joyous.
— Happy Miles, Michelle Foxworthy

KARYN HOFFMAN AND BILL FINKBEINER - 4:00 GROUP

I ran in your group and wanted to thank you for your encouragement, guidance, and positive attitude through the run.  I wasn't close enough to speak to you but I listened and followed all of your suggestions during the run.  They were very helpful!!  You are my hero as I wasn't sure I could do it.  I met my goal of sub 4-hour marathon, a personal best.  I qualified for Boston which was on my 'list of things I must do'. 
This was my first CIM and 3rd marathon. Thank you for being a great pace leader!
— Julie Gray

Thanks Bill and Karyn!!  Of my 13 CIMs, my last three (07,08, and 2010) have been next to the 4-hour pacers.  Yesterday again I was able to finish a couple of minutes under 4 hours.  My aim was accomplished, but I would not have been able to do it without your help; it is a big big help to leave the pacing to you two, so I can focus on other things.  Knowing myself, I have a feeling next year I'll be back for more. I'll be 65.  I know you two the most, but at the expo and before the race, I was able to hear some comments from few other pacers, and all you people are a bunch of nice people; I could feel you all were hoping one met his aims and also have fun.  Thanks to you all!
— Armando

GRANT CARBONI - 4:05 GROUP

How are you feeling after getting a group of CIM'ers across in 4:05?  I bet you could run it again right when you cross that finish line, right? Well, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your pre-race pep talk and your enthusiasm and motivation throughout the race.  This was my 3rd appearance at CIM, and my best one yet.  I pr'd and for the first time, joined you and the pace team for the first time, and though I didn't quite make it in 4:05...I did it in 4:14:21--something I'm ecstatic about.
 
Hi Grant, I was in your 4:05 pace group last Sunday (Stephanie, from Menlo Park) and just wanted to express my appreciation for the great job you did.  It was my second  marathon and it was a wonderful experience - your sense of humor, enthusiasm,  constant encouragement, great running and nutritional tips made it such a fun  race.  I took 18 minutes off my last time and three days post race, I feel just great.  I have emailed the director singing your praises and hope to see you again next year!
— Stephanie Polverari

LISA DOWNEY AND MIKE HERNANDEZ - 4:15 GROUP

I was one of the runners that you "paced" in the recent CIM.  I THANK YOU many, many times over for hauling my rear end across the finish line with a qualifying time for Boston.  Lisa, right from the start your easy going attitude and consistency forced me to relax and focus my energy on running and not on tension and concern about my ability.  Mike, those last few miles were run on the very last of my reserves, and had it not been for you encouraging me through them...well, I seriously doubt I would have accomplished my goal of qualifying.  You guys make a great team!  I hope everyone else that ran in your pacer group sends you an appreciation message of some kind because you both deserve it. Many thanks again.
— Mary Ann Frazer
 
I just wanted to say "THANK YOU!" since I didn't get a chance on Sunday. I was the 26 year old girl in a hot pink tank top running along with the pack, saying hello to family at Fair Oaks & Arden, then falling behind around mile 18. I finished just a bit behind you at 4:19:42 - THRILLED for a beginner who struggled to run a mile in ten minutes just a year ago.  I'll take credit for my training of course, but I must say if it hadn't been for the pace team I may have fallen behind when I started to feel tired at mile 14. It was incredibly helpful and inspirational to have you and the other 4:15 runners around me.
— Healy
  
I know Mary Ann gave you personal kudos for helping her make her Boston qualifying time on Sunday.  I don't know if she will drop you a note or not, but I wanted to share with you just how appreciative she really is.  Believe me, she has been as congruent with me as possible in saying (multiple times) that she would not have made it without you.  I especially liked the part about you saying you'd drag her sorry ass across the finish line if necessary!  By the way, she finished with a 4:14:20, so made it even without the extra 59 seconds.  Now, we'll have to be poised over the keyboards the minute they open the 2012 Boston registration window.
— Bob Frazer

CHRIS TAYLOR - 6:00 GROUP

Thank you for making my first marathon thoroughly enjoyable. I really appreciated how you managed our participation by suggesting when we needed fluids and gels. It was so much fun that I don't even remember being in any discomfort. At the end of the race, I felt like I could keep on runnning. I've even signed up for another marathon and plan to run it with a pace leader. Thank you for your dedication.
— Lynda

KEVIN SAWCHUK - 3:00 GROUP

Hi Dr. Sawchuk, Just thought I'd let you know I finished the CIM in 2:58:57!  I ran with your pace group for 19 miles and pulled away to the finish.  Thanks for your pace work.  It felt fantastic coming in under my goal time.
— Mark

MICHAEL COOK - 3:10 GROUP

Hi Michael, Just a quick note to thank you once again for the awesome pacing. You were by far the best pacer I ever ran with and I couldn't believe how steady you were.  I most definitely would not have run a PR without your help!!!  I didn't make 3:10 but I did not bad for a 40 year old Canadian girl.  Ended up with a 3:12:39 and stayed with you up until about the 22 mile mark.  Legs just weren't co-operating anymore and I sure did miss the pack once I fell off the back.  In fact, I thought the entire race was just a big crowded mess until I realized it was just your big pack.  Once I fell off the back, I was all alone.  The only thing that kept me sorta together were your words at the start which I kept repeating the last 4 miles. "It's all mental"!!! Good times, hope to be back again one year.  Thanks again I had a great time - went for short run in Napa before the wine tours started on Tuesday and am no worse for wear. Thank you.
— Carmen Pavelich.  PS  Just so you know . . . .  I was not in 3:10 shape but I picked you because I decided if I had to run behind someone, he may as well be good looking.
 
Hello Michael I'd like to thank you for being my pacer in the marathon on Sunday. In large part thanks to you I got a new PR of 3:09:35 (my previous PR was 3:23:45 in Berlin this year). Although I ran slightly in front of you for most of the race, during the last 3 miles you caught me up. If it wasn't for your encouragement over those last couple of miles, and especially over the last mile I certainly wouldn't have broken 3:10. I still can't believe how consistently you ran the course! When you were running you hardly seemed to be using any effort. If you don't mind my asking, what's your PR?! Thanks again for helping me qualify for Boston in 2011!
— Cheers, Richard

LEWIS ASE - 3:15 GROUP

Lewis,  you were awesome out there even when you took port-a-potty breaks (X3), too funny.  No, I'm really appreciative for your help especially when it got windy you taught me to push through the terrible wind and what seemed like more hills than last year (when I ran with the 3:30 pacer, Lee).  I guess it could've been worse but now it feels like I have asthma every time I take a deep breath. The air was so cold.  I did fairly well all the way until mile 25 then I saw you fade away ahead of me by a minute. I only wish I could've finished with you.  Anyway, it's another PR for me, and I'm very proud of it. I improved another 5 minutes in my marathon time.  Take care and thanks again.
 
Lewis: Nice job pacing the group - having a bit in the bag in the 1st 1/2 paid off nicely at the end. See you again next yr. (6th CIM, 16 Bostons, 52 yrs old, ran just behind or along side you for much of the race).  Express passion in what you do!
— Paul

PETER KELLEHER - 3:20 GROUP

Peter -- Thanks for the terrific job pacing the group yesterday at CIM. As I have been explaining to family and friends, your help particularly after mile 25, coming by the park on L Street, encouraging me to "look up, look ahead" along with other words really helped make the difference at crunch time. It helped make yesterday's marathon on my 40th birthday, my second CIM and sixth marathon in total, an outstanding day! Great job!
— Dan

I looked you up on the CIM website. Had to send a thank you for keeping me focused yesterday. My goal going into the run was 3:30, I caught up to you around mile 11, and hung along until the end. I ended up finishing in 3:18:17 (chip). Last year's time was 3:31. I am thrilled. You were a great leader. First time I stuck with a pacing group, and it was highly motivating. Thank you thank you!!
— Jenelle
 
Hi Peter! Thanks a billion for pushing me across the finish line yesterday and helping me achieve my goal! I must admit I got carried away feeling too good in the beginning and running ahead of the 3:10 pace group for the first 20 miles hoping for some miracle to happen. I made the mistake I tell all my marathon "students" not to make: throwing all planning over board and going with the flow! Sub 3:10 is just not attainable without putting in the required mileage - and I did spend most of the summer coaching my marathon clinic in Vancouver. Sacramento was a great comeback marathon for me, after qualifying for Boston in 2005 in 3:14 this was my second fastest marathon and the last 4 miles will burn into my memory as probably the toughest of any race I have done.
— Thanks, Carsten ps. what a great gesture of giving credit to the pacing team, the Vancouver Marathon has never done anything like that!

Peter, thank you again for getting me to the finish line with a PR and BQ time.  Your words of encouragement the whole course were so helpful, especially in the final mile, "use the energy from the crowd"! That comment really helped.  I appreciate you noticing me falling behind that last mile and those words above were just what I needed.  This morning I had lunch with friends that did Las Vegas, the same day as CIM.  Their LV experiences with the pacers were not positive. The 3:45 pacer went out too fast, the first three mile splits were 8:07, 8:09 and 8:14 (should have been 8:45). The friends ending up coming up short for BQ by 3 min, bummers.  When I heard these stories, I appreciated your time even more!  I also owe you an apology for losing you after the finish. I told you I'd meet up with you at the sponsor station but couldn't find it.  After a futile effort, the cold weather got the best of me and I headed back to the hotel.  Many thanks.
— Aloha, Robert

LEE MCKINLEY - 3:30 GROUP

Lee,  A quick note of thanks for the excellent pacing yesterday.  I looked back on my splits and they were all +/- 15 seconds of 8:00 miles.  We did even better in the difficult "third quarter" when we encountered the fierce wind.   You pushed me to a sub-3:30 finish, which was a better than 50 minute PR for me!  I chipped in at 3:29:47. Thank you for making the 2009 CIM such a memorable second marathon for me.  I'll be back next year, with an eye towards a new PR. Best of luck with your recovery (how are those quads today?), and happy holidays!
— Matthew Brown
 
Hey Lee, My name is Kai McBride and I ran in your 3:30 pace group yesterday. I just want to say THANK YOU for leading our group and for getting us through the cold and FUN run.  It was great to be a part of the pack - when I hit the porta potty at mile 14, it took 3 miles to catch back up. Once back in the fold, there was no way I'd get dropped.  Thanks again - I am heading to Boston in 2011 thanks to your leadership. You nailed it!
— Kai

Hi Lee, I wanted to send a note of thanks for the CIM race.  I was able to reach my goal, and got a BQ thanks to your great lead for the 3:30 pace group !! I held back for the first several miles with your 3:30 sign in view, eventually catching the group around mile 7.  Then I just "kicked back" and followed along with your great level pacing!  I couldn't believe every time I looked at my watch how right on we all were.  I took your advice at m20 and dropped the pace a bit, and was able to come in just below at 3:29. Thanks again Lee - CIM was an awesome experience all around for me, and running in your group was a key part of that.  Sorry I wasn't able to say hey at the expo ... maybe next year, as I'm likely headed back to Sacramento in Dec 2010.
— Take care, Tom

Hi There Lee, I wanted to personally thank you for the fantastic job you did as the 3:30 Pace Man/CIM. This was my second marathon and ended up being such a great experience. You helped me to stay on pace and looking for you became a huge motivator throughout the race. I crossed the finish line, chip time, 3:30:07! Yahoo!!
— Thanks again, Suzanne Mandy

Hey Lee, just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your help at the CIM this year.  It was a bit crazy at the end - I finished just ahead of you guys and shifted over to the women's finish line to watch for my wife.  We ended up both qualifying for Boston. I really appreciated the steady consistent pace.  I wasn't sure what to expect given it was my first marathon but I think the consistent pace really helped me at the end.  I didn't really hit the wall and although my legs were tired, I had enough stored in the tank to keep up the same pace through the finish.  Thanks again for a very positive experience!
— Warren

TIM TWIETMEYER - 3:35 GROUP

Hi Tim, I just wanted to say thanks for leading the 3:35 group.  With your help, I was able to qualify for Boston with a PR of 3:34:32 gun time, 3:33:46 chip time.  Felt pretty good the whole way, only issue was my shoelace came undone around mile 21 and when I pulled over to tie it I realized my hands were pretty stiff from the cold.  So I ran up to a spectator and they tied it up.  When I got back on course you were well down the road.  I didn't panic and gradually lifted the pace, but it still took about 1.5 miles to reconnect.  By then we were at about mile 23 or so and home free.  Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
— Best Regards, John
 
Tim, thanks for your help.  I ran with you for a good portion of the race.  I came in at 3:35:48 and qualified.  Thanks again.
 
Thanks so much for your pacing yesterday.  I hung with you until about 22.5 and had to slow down from really dead legs and feeling some calf/glut tightness that I know were precursors to cramps.  I knew that the 3:35 would be a slight stretch from a more realistic goal of 3:40 -3:45, but didn't want any regrets.  I still made the 3:45 time and set a new personal best by almost ten minutes.  Even with the cold temps and the wind it was a great race.  Everything was clicking and I had a good time.  The 4+ hour drive back to Reno was a little much right after the race due to the snow storm over the pass, but nobody wet their pants before getting to a pit stop.  Hope to do it again.
— Mike

Hi Tim, I wanted to take the opportunity to personally thank you for your excellent pacing today. Your command and confidence was instrumental in my finish today (my first marathon!). The accuracy in which you would call out splits and your much needed words of encouragement were invaluable. I am truly touched by your passion for running and willingness to share it with others. Many thanks.
— Eli

Hi Tim, I'm sure by now you are getting lots of emails thanking you for your support yesterday during the marathon! I too want to thank you for what you did for me and for our entire group. You were truly awesome. It was my first experience trying to stay with a pacer and if they are all like you, then I will always try to run with a pace team. Thank you so much for your encouragement along the way. You probably will never know how much that helped me to stick it out. I am grateful for everything you did for me and the rest of us. I qualified for Boston and I'm so excited. Thank you again for everything.
— Sarah

GRANT CARBONI - 3:45 GROUP

Grant, Thank you very much for all your help. Your tremendous pacing got me in in 3h43m51s. This qualified me for Boston, although I believe it is full for next year. Without you I think I would have got away too fast on the downhills and uphills and possibly not finished. Please feel free to forward this to the organizers as I believe if one has a fixed time in mind this is the way to do it.
— Regards, Victor S. Perkel, M.D

Grant: Just a quick note to express my sincere gratitude for your commitment and professional expertise at the CIM.  Your advice paid off and helped me get that BQ.  I cannot say enough good things about using a pace group.  Your relieved a huge amount of stress and I didn't have to be a slave to my garmin.  I didn't even wear it.  My chip time was 3:45:00 on the nose......you know your CIM route!  Thanks again...
— Sincerely, Tammy

Grant, I ran about 21 of the 26 miles by your side on Sunday and I want to thank you for everything! Your pace was perfect!  You were positive, uplifting, just enough chattiness, not too "coachy", and you made this year's CIM a great one for me. My goal was to run a 3:45 and qualify for Boston, though my reach goal was to run a 3:40.  Historically, I start off just fine, but I give too much too soon.  This time, I stuck right with you, conserved my energy (and had more GU than I had ever consumed on a long run!!)...and at the mile 21 bridge, felt confident enough to pick it up a bit.  By mile 24, with the conserved energy that I had saved up thanks to you, I was able to run my fastest miles and cross the line with a PR 3:40:40. I could not have done it without you!  Thank you so much.
— Liz
 
Hey Grant, Thanks for the great job pacing and coaching on Sunday. This was my first CIM and I PR'd by 5 minutes. Your pacing was especially helpful given the rolling hills in the first half of the race. Much appreciated -- thanks again.
— Jack Keane

I wanted to pass along a compliment and a huge thank you on one of the pacers...Grant Carboni. I was really struggling around mile 20 when the 3:45 pacer group caught me. I had been trying to keep up with the 3:40 group but was running out of gas. Grant was really helpful in "pulling" me along for the final six. He didn't say anything to me directly but he was great in announcing upcoming aid stations, the upcoming hill going over the bridge, he even made sure to remind people to pull back a little going up the hill and explaining this was the last uphill stretch. He had also built in a slight cushion in time to give people every chance to make the 3:45 time...I really needed that cushion. I had fallen behind the group with about a 1/2 mile to go and then he stopped on J St and encouraged a handful of people, including myself, to keep on going that we could still make 3:45. I can't say enough about how nice it was to have someone give that final push. I finished in 3:45:29 which is a PR by almost 40 minutes. Couldn't be more stoked with my time and total experience with the race! Thanks Grant! I know you really pulled a lot other folks around me. Next stop...Way to Cool!! If I can get in!
— Tim

First, and most importantly.. THANK YOU.. it was an amazing race, extremely well organized and staffed. I have run CIM as a relay participant in the past and this was my first time doing the full race. I have run other marathons and CIM blows them all away (Eugene and Paris France) for overall organization, course layout and staffing. Second, kudos and thanks to Grant Carboni and his pacing.  This was my first time running with a pace team and he was SPOT ON.. I had some trouble finding him at the start, but was able to reel him in by mile 3 and he kept us all on pace and informed for the rest of the race.  I slipped to the back of his group around mile 18-19 but that was due to my own conditioning.  I still came in just over the 3:45 mark and set a 10 minute PR over my previous marathon best. Grant does a fantastic job and deserves all the kudos he gets. The other pacers staffing the both at the expo were also friendly, helpful and a credit to the themselves and the race. It was really motivating to see them working so hard so that we all can achieve our goals. C.I.M is a wonderful event, extremely well done and SHOULD be a destination Elite level racing venue attracting the top marathoners in the country. It's a beautiful course, excellently organized and staffed. I recommend it to anyone who wants to run and be part of an exceptionally well done marathon. I will be back next year! — Best Regards, Ed

3:50 GROUP

Dear sirs, Thanks to the awesome and wonderful 3:50 pacers. They were very nice fellows. I was really thinking that I wasn't going to get to 3:50, but they provided so much encouragement -- it would have been hard not do your best.
— Thanks again. Tina

KARYN HOFFMAN AND BILL FINKBEINER - 4:00 GROUP

Dear Bill and Karyn---I didn't get to see you after the race, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for leading the 4:00 pack to the finish line yesterday. My successful finish in  3:59:49 (Boston qualifying !!!) was greatly aided by keeping your red, bobbing 4:00 placards as my target throughout the race, especially when I had to stop for a "potty- break".  Thanks again.
— Jerry

Thanks to Bill & Karen - First of all, thank you to CIM for providing pace groups.  I can't thank these two pace group leaders enough. I was one of the many in the four hour pace group who just quietly ran in their shadow for my first 20 miles (going back and forth between them), taking comfort and inspiration in their confidence. I never spoke to either of them, but want them both to know just how much they helped me. Please pass this note on to them. THANK YOU both. I hope you know the gift you share with others is remarkable. I needed your help on Sunday, and you delivered.
— Beth
 
Hi Bill and Karyn, I just wanted to thank you for being my pacers during the CIM.  This was my third marathon of the year to qualify for Boston.  I decided I needed to run with the pace group because I was starting too fast.  THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!! You guys were great!!  It was really fun to run with you and and everybody that was running with you. And the best part is, I qualified for Boston with a 3:59:06 chip time!!  Perfect!
— All the best, Jayne Bjornsen

Hey Karyn, Thanks so much for your advice and support in yesterday's CIM.  Pacing with you helped me to NOT go out waaaaay too fast, then crash and burn.  My chip time, 3:59:46, was perfect! Thanks again for your help, and have a great holiday season.
— Beth

Hi Karyn, Pinkee (Eliza Drummond) checking in to say thank you so much! for pacing me through my first sub four hour marathon. It was truly a dream come true to run this marathon AND get a good time, and I could not have done it without you and your calm, relaxed attitude and steady running. It was also the first marathon I have run without walking, and as you can see my splits were so even! You may not know that I stopped at the potties in mile 14 and still managed to catch back up to you after two miles. A credit to your good pacing, I know! I am already planning my next (4th) marathon (Newport, Oregon in June....close by and NO HILLS), and can't wait to build on the experience of CIM, knowing that I can get through it. I will always remember your advice and encouragement. Thank you again. It was an incredible experience and I will be back to California!
— Eliza Drummond in Oregon

Hi Karyn, Just wanted to say thank you for help during the race on Sunday.  You got me through some pretty rough patches; had I not been running with the group and you, I would have stopped and walked like all my prior marathons. Your pearls of wisdom, stories and encouragement got me through that 4 hr. journey. I'm so glad you shared your story about completing your Ironman just one week prior. I kept thinking if you could do that, I certainly could run "only" a marathon! I hope you are enjoying your one month "retirement". I know I am. I have 2 weeks off from work and have eaten more junk and consumed more alcohol than I have in the last 2 months!
— Sincerely, LaDawn Allen (the chick with the obnoxious but warm running outfit)

Hi Bill, Thank you very, very much for your encouragement in the last stretches of yesterday's race. When I asked for your help, I simply meant for you to speak to me if I seemed to be falling off the pace.  You went above and beyond by talking me through the toughest patch, and I am very grateful for your help.  My chip time: 3:59:46, so I made my goal of sub-4:00!   :-)  Thanks again, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
— Beth Dyer Santa Cruz, CA

LISA DOWNEY AND MIKE HERNANDEZ - 4:15 GROUP

Lisa and Mike,  you guys were just awesome!!!  Running with you guys at this year's (2009) CIM made my YEAR! I learned so much from you guys from "Roll your shoulders", "Move those toes", "Shake those hands",  to "Shoulders back".  Those instructions will remain with me for a long, long time. With your steady help during the race I was able to qualify for the 2011 Boston Marathon. It's a dream come true and I feel I would not have done it without all your help. At the 24 mile point I was feeling pretty good so I moved ahead of the group and was able to finish in a time of 4:14:05.  Crossing that finish line knowing that I qualified for Boston was a feeling that is so very hard to describe.  I am still on cloud 9 and will be for a long time. The last time I did a marathon was 25 years ago and at that time I had good knees. Running with a Pace group (of course yours was the best) is the way to go.  Lisa, back in late Oct '09 you told me to try to get in a long training run of around 22 miles along with the 20 mile run that I had already planned.   I truly feel that one additional long run helped me stay strong during the race.  THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
— Tim Ryan, Colorado Springs, CO

LESLIE CARBONI - 4:45 GROUP

Thanks for a great marathon!  The organization, volunteers, and pacers were all outstanding.  I didn't get to thank the 4:45 pacer.   She did an awesome job and helped me reach my goal of 4:45 for my first marathon.  It really helps to have the pacers.  At times when I  wanted to slow down that red sign motivated me to stay up with her and not fall back.
— Thanks again, Julie

Thank you so much Leslie for your support, patience & guidance throughout the marathon, especially with those of us who were attempting our first time marathon ever! I can't thank you enough especially @ the end when I felt like I couldn't go any further & your kind words & encouragement helped me push through my doubt & allowing me to lean on you a little as you kept on pacing us to the end. You are awesome! Thanks again.
— Bernadette Villasana

BARBARA ELIA

Actually, my plan was to hang with you (I was the big guy with the blue hydration pack), for at least 9 miles, then hang with the 5:30 group for 9 miles, and beat the 6:00 group to the finish line.  I ended up hanging with you guys until mile 13, and crossed the half way point at exactly 2:30.  I stayed ahead of the 5:30 group until mile 23, and finished at 5:37. So I was ahead of schedule for most of the race, met my goal, and I am extremely pleased with my performance; some of the last 6 miles were at the same pace as some of the first 6 miles. It was my first marathon, and I went from not being able to run 1 mile 20 weeks prior to the marathon, to running it yesterday. You were an outstanding Pace leader, and ran an incredibly steady pace, and it was a pleasure to stay with your group for as long as I did. I look forward to being able to hang with you guys next year!
— Roger Buehler

SHARON SANDERS

Sharon: First I need to warn you there are unsavory info that qualify as TMI in the e-mail content below. I am sorry you "lost" me after mile 22.  But I want to let you know I did finish my first Marathon today a little after 5:38 gun time ~ probably less then 10 minutes after you crossed the line, and I want to thank you for making my first marathon comfortable and enjoyable.  In fact, my running felt really good through the entire course.  Unfortunately, everything I ate for the last couple of days all decided to "leave me" after mile 22.  I spent the next 4 miles dashing in and out of restaurants and port-a-potties, trying to keep myself clean so I can keep running, but there was nowhere else for me to go after mile 24... so I finished completely soiled!   Now I feel like a "seasoned" marathoner because I finished despite my challenges... Again, thank you!
— Mia

RICK SANTOS

Hey Rick, I can't find your official finish time, but I am sure you nailed it on the head.  I fell apart around mile 22 when I stopped for some fuel and saw you guys pull away.  I just could not find an ounce of energy at that time, even though I fueled and fueled.  I can only blame it on the training and I guess on the distance of the marathon race - darn, that's a long way to run!!  I ran one more mile hard after I left you and checked my time at mile 23 - I was over a minute and half behind (could still see you, but you were pulling away pretty fast) and then I totally gave up.  My finish chip time was 4:13 and change; a PR for my 4 years of running! I really enjoyed running with you.  Next time, I will train to do my long runs without the walks (this was my first 22 miles non stop in my life) and hopefully do better. I am curious to know how many crossed the finish line with you. Take care and give your family a big hug - it's nice to have the support of your family when you're a runner.  Merry Christmas, I'm heading back to Calgary tomorrow - back to freezing cold weather. Thank you again for a PR and a great run - that was the quickest marathon ever (mentally).
— Sylvie
 
Rick, Thanks so much. I wouldn't have finished in time without your encouragement. Thanks for all you do. The wind was tough but we did it. Thanks for everything. Did the other gal who was in the group qualify?
— Cecilia
 
Rick, Just a note to let you know that even though I didn't run with the group (I'm not a very social runner), I did appreciate your help during the race.  I stayed near the group until about mile 24 and was feeling pretty good until then.  I really struggled those last two miles but was pretty pleased with my finish (4:15) considering it was my first marathon.  I didn't have a great base when I started my training as I was coming back from an injury...that would be the one thing I would try to improve on.  Not sure what my running plans for the future are but I had a great time at my first marathon. Thanks for your advice before the race and your help during the race.
— Nancy
 
Hey Rick, Just wanted to give you a race update and what happened to me.  I was with the group through mile 14 and then began crying.  I hung in at the back of the group through mile 18 and realized I didn't have it in me to complete in the time I had hoped.  So, I decided to have fun and help others, which I did.  I came in around 4:45 so I didn't hit any of my goals but I am okay with that.  In the last four months I have had three friends and my father-in-law (who I adored and was very close to) die.  In fact, Friday night before the race, I attended one of my friend's memorial.  So, I believe everything happens for a reason and this race was for me to grieve and help others.  I assisted about a dozen people on my way in, which I really enjoyed.  I felt I gave back to those who had helped me in the past.  I am not giving up on my goal of qualifying for Boston! Thanks again for your great spirit and wearing the holiday hat!
— Gisela

PETER KELLEHER

Peter, I was the first-time marathoner running with your group today (carried your sign during an early pit stop). I fell a bit off the group's pace in the last 3 miles because of bad calf/hamstring cramping, but still finished in 3:20:15 gun time, which should be below 3:20 chip time since I started a bit back. Either way, I am going to Boston, which was more a dream than a goal, so I am pretty happy with the day. Thanks for being such a steady and encouraging leader. Best of luck in your future races, and hope to see you at another CIM.
— Best,  Howard

GRANT CARBONI

If it weren't for Grant Carboni at the CIM run today I would not have met my goal. He was incredible!!!!!!!!!! This was my 4th marathon and by far the best due to Grant and his spectacular coaching. Thanks for such a helpful program,
 
Thanks for an amazing run today. You were a great coach and helped me achieve my goal. I'm going to Boston. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!
— Kelly Gaab

I ran w/Grant in the 3:45 pace team, and I just want to say a big THANK YOU, and let you know that he was a GREAT pace team leader. Throughout the course Grant had a great sense of humor, words of wisdom, and extra gel pacs to share with other runners!! I did a PR, crossing the finish line at 3:44, and I qualified for Boston to boot!! Thanks so much for having such competent pace team leaders.
— Karen Adrian
 
I just wanted to write a quick not to thank you SO MUCH for your amazing pace group leaders. I came to this marathon with a previous PR of 4:14. I trained a lot, and decided to try starting with the 3:50 pace group. They took off the first mile and I found myself with the 3:45 group. The leader (I can't remember his name) was INCREDIBLE. He kept our splits consistent, helped us anticipate what was coming up in the course, and reminded us of when we should be taking gels. I had an amazing experience, and although I fell off a little at the end, I still managed to finish with a huge PR of 3:47! I don't think it would have been possible without that leader, so THANK YOU!! This was my third marathon and by far my favorite!
— Catherine

LISA DOWNEY AND MIKE HERNANDEZ

Hello! I just wanted to thank you both for your leadership today with the 4:15 pace group. (I was the new mom in the purple shirt.) It was a great relief to put the pacing in your trust-worthy legs. I was able to achieve my stretch goal, which was to beat my PR of 4:19 (set 9 years ago, pre-kids...) So, I was really happy! Thanks so much for giving your time and energy toward the benefit of other people's goals. You're both so inspirational!!
—Sincerely, Emily Klingensmith 
 
Lisa, Thank you very much for a GREAT PACE! I am very, very sore tonight & this will all seem more real tomorrow, but I did qualify for Boston! My time was 4:14:24 according to the website.  We leave tomorrow to go home! My husband met his goal of a sub-3 (2:58:31) age 55. He won 2nd in his age group. My daughter, Jess, pr'd by 33 mins. Her time was 4:19:28! What a great day! You guys were awesome! I was in extreme pain towards the end. I was very crampy from mile 22 on. I was a little afraid that a race ending cramp was going to do me in! I hung in there & then at the end after I stopped it was horrible. I heard them call your name & turned to try to see you & find you & could not find you. I had to keep moving & tried to get to some food but that was not easy. I developed a horrible calf cramp that one of the medical dr. helped me with & the rest is a blur!  We are going to bed early! I just wanted to thank you! I could not have done it without your encouragement & support & help.  I will e-mail Mike tomorrow! Thanks again, Lisa. 
— Take care, Rita
 
Hello Mike, Today was my 1st marathon and I want to thank you for being such a great motivator for me and the whole group. I didn't get to talk to you much but you are so good at what you do. I hope to have you as my pace team leader in another marathon. Thanks again Mike.
— Regards, Tim Roush

CHUCK HONEYCUTT

Yesterday I had the pleasure and privilege of running alongside of pace leader Chuck Honeycutt in the 26th CIM. In my opinion, this man is an incredible asset to the CIM event. This was my first marathon and I honestly believe that it was largely because of Mr. Honeycutt's advise, wisdom, and caring nature that I finished (4:56:03) as well as I did. I am very pleased and proud that I finished, but I am also extremely glad that I got to know Mr. Honeycutt prior to the race by email and meeting him at the Convention Center Friday evening. He was the right match for me. He taught me a huge amount in a short time on how to run a marathon. His willingness to share his stories and experiences help to make the miles fly by.  My 23 year old son and 21 year old daughter came to see me at the start and were there for me at the finish. The CIM was such a positive experience that the three of us are planning to run the 27th CIM.
— Thank you, John Mulcahy

Dear Chuck, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your leadership and support at the CIM on Sunday. You were an absolute blessing, you kept me in positive spirits and smiling, and there is no way I could have crossed the finish line without you! Thank you for making my 1st marathon a wonderful experience, and helping me complete my goals.
— Sincerely, Amanda Towers 

SHARON SANDERS

I hope you can convey a note of appreciation to our 5:30 pacer. Ms. Sanders was a perfect combination of confidence builder, coach and conversationalist, and absolutely right on the money for the pace. My wife and I are first timers, and when we picked up her group in the late teens it made a tremendous difference.
— Thanks, Stan Wieg

RICK SANTOS

Hi Rick I'm back in B.C. and still on my 'marathon high'...I want to thank you again for the fabulous job you did as our 4:05 pacer. You were  awesome, not only with pacing but also encouraging us all the way.  My official time was 4:04:54 ......you were right... I DID make it!  I'm going to BOSTON!!!! and I truly owe it all to you. I know for sure this wouldn't have happened had I not joined your 4:05 group. Thank you sooooooo much..... I will always remember "Rick" the kind man who helped me to qualify. I hope you, your wife and your sweet daughter have a wonderful Christmas and all the best to you in the New Year.
— Forever grateful, Liz