If you’re a regular reader of The RunDown, you’ve learned a lot about our fantastic 2011 KeyBank Vermont City Marathon pace team already, thanks to the introductory post each pacer submitted. Now we’re excited to bring you more detailed posts from each leader.
We have a great team of leaders; we hope you enjoy getting to know them. In May we will post detailed information about where and when to meet your pace leader on Race Day (as well as an opportunity to run with them on Saturday, May 28.)
Marie Bartoletti, together with Michael Kazar, will pace those of you looking to finish KBVCM in 4:45.
Marie Bartoletti:: introductory post :: audio interview :: email
I have many different “tactics” or techniques which I use to help get my ”groupies” through the marathon when I pace. I explain everything right at the start line before we head out, so everyone knows the bathroom break suggestions, water stop situations, and then I have other things to “distract” my group. I will always sing out the mile marker as it it coming our way. Then, at each marker, I ask for dedications and we will dedicate that mile to someone. This helps people get to know one another in the group as well as lets us think about something for a mile, besides when we are going to see the next mile marker-lol. Another thing I try to do is get people to find at least one other person in the group who is running the same speed in case they want to break off with them and they won’t have to run all alone. I will tell stories the entire 4 hours and 45 and just try to motivate and support everyone who is in my group. I tell them at the beginning that this is all about having fun, so if they don’t want to have fun, they better not run with this pacer 
The reason I run IS to pace. It is a passion that I have and it makes me feel SO good to get someone a PR, a BQ, or just get them across the finish line for the very first time (or 2nd or 3rd or 19th!). I tell everyone that I teach children how to be physical and keep moving during the week – (I am an elementary school physical education teacher) and I teach adults on the weekends (how to run and enjoy every step of the way). I love running into someone I have previously paced and they remember me! I wear hats when I pace; usually indicative of the city or theme of the marathon in which I am running. I agreed to be a pacer because in 2004 when I was doing a marathon in every state and I did this marathon, I loved it and my friend who lives in the area keeps asking me to come back to visit her and so this is my reason to come back and visit her AND get to pace the marathon. I have also talked several of my friends into coming here to run with me I am not sure how I will celebrate the completion of this marathon which will be #206, but whatever my friends and hostess, Margaret Ferguson want to do, I am ready to do it! Maybe a little Ben and Jerry’s Thanks for giving me the opportunity to come back to this fine marathon and take part as a pacer. I can’t wait to be back again!
RSS Feed
