Lake Merrit Question

[Jon]

I noticed in the race day instructions that it is okay to have friends/family run a couple laps with you, but that pacing is not allowed.

This will be my first fixed time event. I have a personal mileage goal, but do not believe I will be competitive for any top honors. I have a friend that is planning on joining me the last hour. In my mind, he would be there for a moral boost and distraction for the last couple of laps. But, I am concerned this would violate the intent of the rule. Can you comment and maybe provide an example of what is allowed?

Also, is anyone driving over from SF willing to offer a ride?

[pctrailruns]

The explanation is very clear. "Friends and/or family members are welcome to run some laps during the event to share in your experience. “Pacing” isn’t allowed. Generally, we want your achievement at Lake Merritt Half Day (distance and/or place) to be a solo effort."

A friend running with you during the last hour to provide a moral boost or distraction wouldn't be a solo effort and is considered pacing.

Wendell (PCTR)

[Jon]

pctrailruns said:

The explanation is very clear. "Friends and/or family members are welcome to run some laps during the event to share in your experience. “Pacing” isn’t allowed. Generally, we want your achievement at Lake Merritt Half Day (distance and/or place) to be a solo effort."

A friend running with you during the last hour to provide a moral boost or distraction wouldn't be a solo effort and is considered pacing.

Wendell (PCTR)

Thanks Wendell. I agree the explanation is quite clear, but I have to admit that I had a hard thinking of an instance that is not pacing (or at least borderline). Hence, the reason for the question. To be safe, I'll tell my friend to come and cheer at the end, but not run.

Forecast for next weekend is cloudy and not as hot as this weekend.

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Well, here's an example of something is not pacing:

One of our runners at the SF One Day 24-hour event (which is run on a one-mile loop) was joined by her husband and two small kids for a loop or two at mid-day. They may have even been on bikes/trikes, I don't remember exactly, but it was pretty obvious that they were out there to see their mom and share in her day - which they couldn't do at one of her trail ultras - and that their being out there on the course walking with their mom or trying to ride in a straight line for a lap or two sure wasn't pacing.

But, you're right, it's a bit of a gray area and we prefer to err on the side of caution - if it feels even a little like pacing, just don't do it.

Looking forward to seeing you in Oakland next weekend!

Sarah

[pctrailruns]

You're welcome. If your friend wanted to come out, say at 9 .m., and run a lap or 2 to see what it's like, that's fine with us.

Wendell (PCTR)

[Jon]

admin said:

Well, here's an example of something is not pacing:

One of our runners at the SF One Day 24-hour event (which is run on a one-mile loop) was joined by her husband and two small kids for a loop or two at mid-day. They may have even been on bikes/trikes, I don't remember exactly, but it was pretty obvious that they were out there to see their mom and share in her day - which they couldn't do at one of her trail ultras - and that their being out there on the course walking with their mom or trying to ride in a straight line for a lap or two sure wasn't pacing.

But, you're right, it's a bit of a gray area and we prefer to err on the side of caution - if it feels even a little like pacing, just don't do it.

Looking forward to seeing you in Oakland next weekend!

Sarah

Thanks. Can't wait!

[jennyray]

admin said:

Well, here's an example of something is not pacing:

One of our runners at the SF One Day 24-hour event (which is run on a one-mile loop) was joined by her husband and two small kids for a loop or two at mid-day. They may have even been on bikes/trikes, I don't remember exactly, but it was pretty obvious that they were out there to see their mom and share in her day - which they couldn't do at one of her trail ultras - and that their being out there on the course walking with their mom or trying to ride in a straight line for a lap or two sure wasn't pacing.

You're right - they definitely didn't help my mileage total, since I had to spend time consoling the older one when she fell off her bike and hurt herself, and had to help carry the younger one back to the S/F when she was having a tantrum! I did have a friend who showed up unexpectedly the next morning and wanted to run w/ me at the end, but my husband properly told the friend that was prohibited. (Which was cool - I didn't feel like running w/ anyone else then anyway!)

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

I was going to mention the bike crash/crying/stopping/consoling incident...but I didn't want to remind you!

We'll miss you at Lake Merritt this weekend, Jenny!!

See you soon.

Sarah

[Jon]

jennyray said:

admin said:

Well, here's an example of something is not pacing:

One of our runners at the SF One Day 24-hour event (which is run on a one-mile loop) was joined by her husband and two small kids for a loop or two at mid-day. They may have even been on bikes/trikes, I don't remember exactly, but it was pretty obvious that they were out there to see their mom and share in her day - which they couldn't do at one of her trail ultras - and that their being out there on the course walking with their mom or trying to ride in a straight line for a lap or two sure wasn't pacing.

You're right - they definitely didn't help my mileage total, since I had to spend time consoling the older one when she fell off her bike and hurt herself, and had to help carry the younger one back to the S/F when she was having a tantrum! I did have a friend who showed up unexpectedly the next morning and wanted to run w/ me at the end, but my husband properly told the friend that was prohibited. (Which was cool - I didn't feel like running w/ anyone else then anyway!)

That's too funny. Thanks for the laugh.

I'm glad I asked the question, because I finally understand it better. In fact, I have another friend that is just starting to get into running and wants to set a marathon as a goal. He currently runs 3 miles a few times a week (yes, he is impulsive). He just asked me today if he could come run two laps with me Saturday morning to see if he could get to 6 miles. I mentioned that it should be fine, although Wendell and Sarah might not like the idea of a participant pacing him (just kidding).