Pacer Jay

Where are you from?

Charlotte, NC

Current P.R.

3:04:45

Typical pace

7:00 on training runs

Number of marathons

Occupation

Regional Director for a non-profit boys running and character building program called Let Me Run.

Favorite marathon

So far, Peak to Creek. Have a feeling that will change when I run Boston.

Hobbies

Hanging with my kids, mountain biking, reading.

Favorite Running Food

Chicken Tenders

What are you reading now?

Marathon Man by Bill Rodgers

Who do you train with?

Members of the Charlotte Running Club and other Friends

Personal goals

To break 3 hours in a marathon.

A quotation you like…

“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.”

Why do you run?

“Because I have to. Otherwise, my wife may kill me. Seriously, I do it because I love it. I love getting lost in my thoughts running solo, or lost in conversation running with others. It is a part of who I am.”

Describe your best marathon memory.

“Seeing my wife and kids at mile 19 of the Myrtle Beach Marathon, while I was on my way to my first BQ.. My six year old handed me a water bottle filled with Nuun, and my 9 year old handed me a gel for me to hold on to for later. They looked so proud of their daddy, and were cheering like crazy.”

Why do you pace?

To help others reach their goals. To give back to the running community that has given me so much.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

Pacing one of my best friends to a 1:35 half in Roanoke, VA. He had never done a ½ before, and asked me to pace him. I usually beat him by a good amount in any race we do together. When we got close to the finish, he started sprinting and beat me. He still brings it up all the time...”Hey Jay, remember when I beat you in that ½ Marathon?

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I run very relaxed, and people say a calming presence while running. I am not a drill sergeant, but I do enjoy motivating others.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Don’t change your strategy for me. If you need to start slower than us, do so. If you feel you need to start faster than us, do so. Know your limits, and as the miles rack up, listen to your body, not your mind.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I am excited to be doing this! I can’t wait to help others achieve their goals.

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I am the leader of a Dad’s group at my kids school, called M.O.E. (Men of Elizabeth). I am on the Board of the Charlotte Running Club. I am the Cub Master for Pack 210 in Charlotte. I coach soccer. I am a reading tutor at a local Title 1 Elementary School.