Pacer Mitch

Where are you from?

Brooklyn NY

Current P.R.

3:22:20 at the 2020 LA Marathon

Typical pace

3:30

Number of marathons

Occupation

CFO for a Fusion energy company in Cambridge

Favorite marathon

Boston is very special

Hobbies

Running, Family Tree

Favorite Running Food

Oatmeal

What are you reading now?

Just re-read The Iliad and The Odyssey

Who do you train with?

No one on a regular basis

Personal goals

Getting to all 50 states (just OR and AK to go); completing the 6 WMM (just 1, Tokyo, to go); travel more with my wife; running my age (i.e., running as many marathons and ultras as my age – I’m at 41 now and 62 years old, so it’s really a way to ensure I stay healthy enough to keep at it)

A quotation you like…

“It’s my life; it’s now or never. I ain’t gonna live forever. I just want to live while I’m alive.” Jon Bon Jovi

Why do you run?

Running gives me time to think and free my mind. I love the fresh air and the ability to go where I want and see neighborhoods at ground level.

Racing turns me on because it’s my vs myself. No one cares how I do except me, so I can set the bar to a high level and push myself. I love that it’s hard and I can really challenge myself to grow and improve.

Describe your best marathon memory.

I had been trying to break 3:30 for literally years. I ran a 3:32 in 2014 but couldn’t reach 3:30. The moment at the 2018 Philadelphia Marathon in mile 25 when I realized I was going to make it was beyond exciting. Ran a 3:27 and kissed the ground at the finish line. That worried the medical staff, but I was so happy.

Why do you pace?

I’ve had the good fortune to run for a decade and plan to continue to race. I also want to do something to support our community and pacing feels like a great way to contribute to other runners’ growth and have fun while doing so

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I’ve only paced once, at the Singer Island half. I paced a group of about a dozen people who stuck together for the entire race. We had great conversations and it was wonderful to see and feel everyone keep each other going – I helped because I was the steady who just kept moving, while others came to the front and faded back and it kept revolving. I loved seeing and helping people accomplish something they weren’t sure they could do

Why should someone run in your pace group?

I’ve led teams for many years and been effective at balancing pushing and supporting people to achieve greater heights. Telling stories and getting to know people helps in achieving goals and having fun at the same time. I see a lot of parallels in running and pacing. When I run, it’s for the challenge and the joy of it and I’ll try to bring that to my groups.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Come with an open mind about what’s possible and come to enjoy the challenge and have fun

Anything else you’d like to share?

I have been with my wife for over 40 years. I picked up running when our three children were nearly grown up and I had more time to spend on my own, trying something out that I’d never thought I’d be able to do. It has been fun exploring new areas and trying new challenges – all the time growing and keeping young

What philanthropic activities do you have?

I am treasurer of my synagogue. My wife and I donate as we can to causes supporting education and helping those less fortunate than we are.