Pacer Jo

Where are you from?

Originally fromBirmingham, England.I currently live in Amenia NY

Current P.R.

3.42

Typical pace

9/9.30 min mile

Number of marathons

Occupation

Horse trainer

Favorite marathon

NYC & Boston

Hobbies

Crossfit, cooking ,reading

Favorite Running Food

Pancakes

What are you reading now?

Welcome to Wherever You Are by John Marrs

Who do you train with?

A small group called of friends called the Junkyard Dogs & my friend's cocker spaniel Lillie

Personal goals

I'd like to tackle an ultra distance soon .And continue to train and compete horses to the highest level. I enjoy the training process ,whilst continuing to learn myself.

A quotation you like…

"Don't look back ,you're not going that way"

Why do you run?

I really enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after a long run or a tough speedwork session. I very much enjoy the social aspect of a group run. I love running with friends way more than running alone

Describe your best marathon memory.

That would have to be my first marathon ,which was NYC in 2008.I was completely overwhelmed by the whole experience ,but I remember going past the 20 mile marker & getting really emotional because anything after that was going to be further than I'd ever run before .And I cried when I crossed the finish!

Why do you pace?

I love meeting new people & hearing their stories .For so many people it's their first marathon & I love sharing their enthusiasum (& terror!) & providing them with loads of encouragement when they're starting to doubt themselves .In a marathon you really see every single emotion,from the highs at the start, to the lows ,and then the euphoria at the finishline .It really is such a journey & I love being a part of that. Plus I've made loads of new friends & that's also awesome!

Tell us your best pacing experience.

NYC marathon 2017,I had a lady that introduced herself to me at the start & said she was going to run with me .Around mile 9 or so,we were exchanging stories & she told me she was a cancer survivor .She said "I told myself that if I get through this,then I'm going to run a marathon" I said "and here you are,how amazing is that?!" She replied "Here I am,so don't leave me behind" And she stayed with me until 400 metres from the finish ,when I told her to give it all she'd got. She waited for me at the finish, we hugged & I gave her my pacer sign as a momento. It was a pretty special time

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I have learned from experience that it's so easy to go out too fast, only to hit that dreaded "wall" at mile 15 or 16 & have to struggle through the last miles in absolute misery. So I will run an even pace ,make sure you hydrate at every water station & hopefully provide a bit of a welcome distraction when it's starting to hurt.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Resist the urge to go out too fast.Be conservative at the start of a marathon, there is no point dodging & weaving through a crowded startline. You will hit your goal pace ,there's plenty of time! And trust your training. You've worked hard for this, so now it's time to enjoy it. And remember to hydrate & take your GU!!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Don't try anything new on race day.No new shoes or clothes that you bought at the expo & nothing new to eat. You will be nervous enough, without worrying about whether that gas station sushi was a good idea...

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I'm a riding instructor to a bunch of neighborhood children (& their ponies)