Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just to finish strong, pacers offer the motivation and guidance you need. In this blog post, Run Wichita introduces first-time pacers Michele Davis and Shirley Pitts Wanjau, who will be leading the “slow and steady” group for the Prairie Fire half marathon’s 3:30 goal time. These dedicated ladies plan to ensure every runner feels supported and motivated.
RW: What inspired you to start running?
Michele: My wonderful husband! In October 2015, he wanted to join a running group and kindly asked me to come with him to the meeting, so I’d understand how much time he’d be putting into it. At the meeting they mentioned a walking group, and I was quickly hooked. By January 1st, 2016 I was running my first half marathon, “The Hangover Half.” As of today, I’ve completed about 10 or so half marathons, I think. Running has been such a glorious journey for me that it all runs together, like one long dance party!
Shirley: I started running 10 years ago. I wanted to show that fat girls can run too! We may be a little slower, but we can run! It was also for health reasons. My doctor said I needed to lose weight to have a baby, and I successfully met that goal. To date, I’ve completed four half marathons.
RW: What inspired you to become a race pacer?
Michele: My running friend, Shirley. She’s so encouraging and has such a positive attitude. I can’t imagine I would have ever done anything like this without her support.
Shirley: During my first half marathon, I was probably third from the last and wanted to cry because I was all by myself. There was nobody around for miles. I ended up going in the wrong direction until someone caught me and turned me around. When I finished the race, there was no one there to cheer for me except my husband and the race workers and volunteers who had to be there. It was that loneliness that inspired me to reach out to Prairie Fire and persistently pursue a 3:30 pacer, because there’s never been one.
RW: Why is this particular pace important to you?
Michele: My mom would sometimes drive into town, park a few miles from work, and walk to work. People would stop and ask if they could give her a ride. She’d say, “No, thank you. I’m out here for the health of it!” I hope I can inspire others who might like to run just for the health of it, not for a trophy. It’s also nice to be towards the back of the pack in case anyone gets hurt, so I can help.
Shirley: When I first started running, I was doing a 17-minute mile. I have since dropped it all the way down to a personal record of a 12-minute mile during one of the Exploration Place Parkruns. I am putting all that work aside for now because leading a slower pace for others is so important to me.
RW: How do you prepare both physically and mentally for pacing a race?
Michele: Consistency is the key to training. This will be my first time pacing, so I’m very nervous. I hope the morning of the race I can be calm and simply trust all the work I put into it. It will be strange having people rely on me for a pace, though.
Shirley: Consistency is key. Also, surround yourself with likeminded people who, when you’re feeling your lowest, will push you through. This is important, because there ARE going to be days when you’re NOT going to want to do this.
RW: What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced while training to be a pacer, and how did you overcome it?
Michele: Getting up at 4:30am so frequently to train! Ugh! The big smile on the face of my running friend, Shirley, every morning is the only way I was able to overcome that struggle.
Shirley: Pacing isn’t a challenge for me; that just comes naturally, because I’ve always been slow and steady. The challenge for me was consistency, and that’s when surrounding myself with like-minded people helped. I found people who ran the same pace as me, and we formed our group, (Slow and Steady), to keep all of us accountable. It gave us partners who ran the same pace as us, so we wouldn’t keep being left behind.
RW: What advice would you give to someone considering running their first half marathon?
Michele: Be consistent with your training. On race day, try your best to be calm and don’t get caught up with people who run faster than you. Starting off too fast is the worst thing… just the worst.
Shirley: Running doesn’t discriminate. Running is all sizes, all colors, all shapes, all paces. It is running straight through or at intervals. Walking is a tremendous accomplishment as well. Be YOU, and just show up!
RW: What are you most looking forward to as a pacer for this race?
Michele: Supporting the people who are relying on me, to the very best of my ability.
Shirley: When the 3:30 group passes that finish line, it will be official that the Prairie Fire Half Marathon has 3:30 race pacers. It will be an acknowledgment that 3:30 runners are SEEN – that we deserve to be here.
Conclusion:
Run Wichita appreciates Michele and Shirley’s dedication to the local running community, especially for slower-paced runners. They demonstrate that leading with patience and consistency is truly rewarding.
If you consider yourself a slow and steady runner, remember to look for Shirley and Michele at the Fall Prairie Fire race on Sunday, October 13th, 2024.
For more information about the race, visit prairiemarathon.com.
Remember, every runner’s journey is unique, and there’s no shame in seeking help to make your race day memorable and enjoyable. So, lace up your shoes, find your pacer, and let them lead you to the finish line with confidence and pride. Happy running!
Est. 1976 