Pacer George at Space Coast Marathon

 

 

 

  Pacer George

Where are you from?

Born in Pomona, CA;  now living in Orlando, FL

 

Current P.R.

2:17:24 all time; After age 50 = 3:14:21 marathon (2011 Boston), 17:46 for 5K.

Birthday

08/16/1955

 

Number of marathons

40 in 11 states & 4 countries.

Typical pace

3:20 – 4:00

 

Favorite marathon

Jacksonville Bank Marathon

Occupation

Strategy Consultant, Jesus Film Project

 

Favorite Running Food

Isagenix nutrition, especially Amped Power and Amped NOx.

Hobbies

Running, Hiking, Bird Watching

 

Who do you train with?

Orlando Galloway Runners

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

“Duel in the Sun,” by John Brant is my favorite; Now I’m reading “Everyone, Everywhere,” by Dr. Erick Schenkel.

 

A quotation you like…

“Never do anything that someone else can and will do, when there is so much of importance to be done which others cannot or will not do.” Dawson Trotman

Personal goals

Place in the top 3 in my age group at a Masters National Championship road race.

 

 

 

 

Why do you run?

 

I run for health and fitness, primarily, but also because I love to run. Running is a stress reliever, and it gives me more energy throughout the day.

 

Describe your best marathon memory.

 

Boston Marathon 1982 is my best marathon memory. I had made a big mistake in 1981, going with the lead pack through the first 10 miles, running my 10-mile PR, no less, then hitting the wall at 11 miles, and struggling to finish with my PR of 2:17:24. In 1982, my fitness level wasn’t quite as good, but I ran smarter, taking it easy the first half, on a very hot day, then picking up the pace and passing 103 runners before the finish. I remember sprinting near the finish and seeing 5 more people within 50 yards in front of me, whom I would have passed if I’d had another 200-300m. Still, I was very pleased with 15th place overall, and a 2:17:55 time, my 2nd best marathon time.

 

Why do you pace?

 

I pace to help other runners achieve their goals, and I like to offer encouragement and advice to runners during the race if they want it. I’ve benefitted from pacers in the past, and this is my way of giving back to the sport and the running community.

 

Tell us your best pacing experience.

 

Jacksonville Bank 2010 was my debut at pacing a marathon. I paced the 3:30 marathon group. It was a blast! I started about 10 seconds too fast the first mile, but then settled into 8:00 minute miles like clockwork. I carried on occasional conversations with a few of the runners. We had about 30 runners in my group and great weather, and it was fun to help so many of them through the race.

 

Why should someone run in your pace group?

 

I keep a steady pace, I’m friendly, and will encourage runners if they start to struggle. With over 50 years of running, I have a lot of experience on which to draw.

 

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

 

Make sure to lube up with Glide or Vaseline in all the important spots (underarms, crotch, between the toes), wear band-aids over your nipples (or Nip-Guards), and use sunscreen if you are fair skinned like me. Don’t overeat the night before the race. But DO HYDRATE well.

 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Start taking gels or other nutrition by 6 miles and drink fluids even if the weather is cold. And just expect the last 6 miles to hurt; it’s rare when they don’t.

 

What philanthropic activities do you have?

As a Christian missionary, my work is very involved in philanthropy. The people I consult with in Asian countries are continually doing philanthropic relief work after disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and cyclones. Typically, they bring in initial food relief to places untouched by the UN or RedCross efforts, and then they rebuild homes, bring in pure water systems, or other practical aid to help bring positive change to a community. The films we have dubbed into over 1,500 languages are used to literally transform lives and communities. The story of the historical Jesus is the most life-changing message available to human beings. Even impoverished people and forgotten people groups gain hope from Jesus’ teachings and life example, as they watch the movie in their heart language and experience the philanthropy programs run by these local organizations. My part is to help find the resources these organizations need in order for their projects to succeed, whether it be the resources of people, products, or funding for the programs. On a personal level, I like to donate to runners who are raising funds for a cause such as The American Cancer Society, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and to church-based causes, such as some of the recent disaster relief efforts in the USA and Puerto Rico.

 

 

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