We began offering pace leaders for the KeyBank Vermont City Marathon in 2009. This year, pace leaders are available for the following times: 3:30, 3:40, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, and 5:30. We have a great team of leaders; check back every Wednesday and Friday for introductions and insight from the pace team.
This week we introduce you to Nicole Bruyere & Deb Tirrito; together they will pace those of you who plan to finish KBVCM in 5:30 hours.
Nicole Bruyere: email
5:30 Pace Team Leader Nicole Bruyere
I love running. I love the simple rhythm of it. I love the feeling of accomplishment when it’s over. I’m addicted to running because it’s such an essential part of my well-being.
I am a former high school French teacher of 15 years, and now a stay-at-home mom of two.
My mom inspired me to run when I was 15 years old. She would come home from a busy day of teaching high school English and as soon as she walked through the door she would be back out again in her running gear, until supper time. I saw that she returned refreshed, relaxed, and ready to start her day anew. I wanted to get that feeling too, so I started joining her.
Then running became a social thing for me, running with friends in college, casually, on weekends. This is how I met my husband of 17 years. I have since “coached” four friends into running their first marathons since 1999. Now 40, I have completed seven marathons, all between 4:29-4:57.
I do not consider myself competitive, but I am determined, positive, and consistent. I run to have fun and to socialize, and I assure I will bring my 5:30 pace group to the finish line on time.
If this is your first marathon, you have chosen wisely! The KBVCM is organized, well-supported, and fun. The course is beautiful and constantly changing. The KBVCM has the energy of a big city marathon without the stress.
Favorite pre-race breakfast: diluted cranberry juice, whole-wheat sesame seed bagel with almond butter, coffee with milk.
How I keep motivated:
Running with a friend. The guilt of not keeping an appointment is stronger than the will to not go. Having a friend to run with is far more fun and interesting than the treadmill.
Running with my dog. She always wants to run, and will outrun me any day. How can I say no to that excitement? This is what it’s all about.
Keep a running schedule and a log. I keep a running schedule year-round, and plan each day my run. After my run, I log it. This gives me a way to plan ahead and to look back at what I’ve accomplished. I never regret going for a run, but I will regret not going.
Mix up the course. Wooded trails, bike paths, different neighborhoods, keep it changing.
During the marathon: Here’s a tip a close friend and colleague gave me after her first marathon. The night before the race, number your race bib 1-26 and list 26 people that you dedicate each mile to. I did this for my first, and it was really helpful when I got into a dark place mentally. If you start negative-talking yourself, look at the names on your bib #. This is a good way to refocus.
My running goals: long-distance trail running, Big Sur Marathon, NYC Marathon.
Deb Tirrito:: email :: website
5:30 Pace Team Leader Deb Tirrito
I am thrilled to be part of the Ski Rack/Mizuno Pace Team for the 2011 KeyBank Vermont City Marathon. In my mind, the pace is the race. I have heard so many times from runners, ”I went out too fast” or “I should have picked up the pace” thus leading one to run a marathon that was not within their goals. So pace is so important to the end result. I look forward to meeting and training with the pace group leading up to race day. I have my Race Across America web site (cycling event to be held June 14) that includes a race bio and a bit about myself. I can tell you that I’ve run over 100 marathons, with my first marathon being the Sandy Hook all women’s marathon in New Jersey. There were 12 women. I won’t say I was hooked on marathons after that event but it sure did give me an idea of what it was like to run through the finish line after 26.2 miles. What a great feeling!
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