Pacer Bill

Hometown

Marietta, GA

Current P.R.

3:39 at Mississauga, ON in May, 2007

Where were you born?

Detroit, MI

Number of marathons

52 (21 states and 1 ultra)

Favorite marathon

Chicago – the big city and huge support

Typical pace

always 4:30 (10:17 per mile)

Favorite running music

I only listen to music if I'm running 800m repeats (to help with the boredom). Since I moved to Georgia from Michigan, I do more trail running and need to keep my wits about me to focus on rocks and tree roots, as well as enjoy the scenery. When I bring my ipod shuffle, I like something with a fast beat and catchy tune like Bruno Mars, Black Eyed Peas, VanHalen’s “Right Now”, Classic Motown tunes by Stevie Wonder, the Temps or Jackson 5, Sugarland’s “It Happens”

Occupation

IT Consultant in finance

Favorite running food

my wife is a strict vegetarian and I support her when we’re together, but when she leaves, I head to the convenience store and buy Reese's Peanut butter Cups and a Coke Life. That is my post run treat…sad as that sounds

Any hobbies?

I really enjoy home improvement projects because it gives me a sense of visual accomplishment that I don’t get in the other parts of my life.

Who do you train with?

training to me is more group therapy. I schedule weekly runs with a group of friends and we talk about anything that’s happened in the past week. Sometimes when you’re a little relaxed while running and not making eye contact, you can share some pretty personal stories. I like to drag my stories out since we frequently have a couple hours. .

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

Any non-fiction self-improvement book on NY Times Best Sellers list. One of my all-time favorites is "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey.

Personal goals

Eventually complete marathons in all 50 states, I’d like to run more ultras because I can justify a slower pace.

Why do you run?

running gives me more energy and a great stress relief. It also makes me feel young, no matter what that guy looks like who stares back at me in the mirror.

Describe your best marathon memory.

I’m a big Notre Dame fan and I ran the Sunburst Marathon in South Bend (my dad was there to cheer me on) and I got to finish on the 50 yard line inside the stadium. It was like I was in the final scene of the movie Rudy. While that one is my favorite finish, I have some funny stories of other races...but you'll have to ask.

Why do you pace?

I get the same rush being a part of someone else finishing their first marathon as I did when I finished my first.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

My favorite regular experience is when a young woman hugs me after the finish line. I never tire of that! OK, men can hug me too but it's not as motivating as a hug from a woman. My all time favorite memory happened at the 2008 Detroit Marathon. I met a young man named Matt who ran with my group and happened to be the youngest marathoner on the course that day. His reason for running still inspires me to this day but I only share it at mile 20. Want to hear why Matt inspires me? You'll have to hang with me until mile 20. In summary, I will add that you will inspire others that you will never know about after you complete this task.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

The nicest compliment I was ever paid was that a woman in my running group once said I missed my calling to be a Midwife. When I asked why, she said that I have a gift to both be a distraction and help to calm and focus. I hope you'll feel that way when you run with me. I will share stories and give you tips throughout. If you leave the race thinking you could see yourself running another one, then I’ve accomplished my goal.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

best tip for me are:

Train your long run as if that were your “trial” marathon. Wake up at that time, eat what you will before your race, and wear the same outfit.

If you don’t mind bananas, then start eating them (or more of them) a couple days before the race, to race day. This will increase your potassium level and help to prevent cramping.

Respect the taper, you are more likely to hurt yourself by over training than under training. The day before, relax and take it easy. The night before, eat a healthy dinner and re

If it rains on race day, bring a 30 gallon trash bag and tear a hole in the bottom to put your head through. You’ll be amazed how warm it will keep you.

If it’s warm on race day (or a long run), put some Vaseline on your eyebrows to keep the sweat out of your eyes.

Start to put gobs of lotion on the bottom of your feet a couple nights before the race or before your long runs to keep your skin moist, this will prevent blisters.

Walk through water stops so you don’t wear it. Take your first sip of water and only rinse out your mouth then spit it out. This will prevent sweat from getting into your mouth and stomach and giving you a sour stomach. After that, take a drink. If you are sweating, make sure your drink includes electrolytes like Gatorade or PowerAde. e. Squeeze the cup to a “V”

Bring some type of snack on the race (or long run) so you can eat every hour and do this during your training. If the race supplies Gu, I would suggest trying to train with Gu so you can take advantage of the free gels.

During the race, it takes about 3 miles before my body loosens up. Listen to your body more than your thoughts, and simply relax. You've trained and you've got this.

It’s your race so whatever works for you is what you should do and stick to your plan.

Anything else you'd like to share?

No matter what your running goal is, I can’t speak highly enough of any professional pace team. It’s your race, have fun and take advantage of a free service.