NOTHING BUT GREEN: Pacing the Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon

Jun. 2—There is something exhilarating about being a pacer in a half marathon.

The responsibility of guiding runners to achieve their desired finish time is both a privilege and a challenge.

This past Saturday, I found myself back in Manhattan, Kan., ready to take on the role of the 1-hour, 55-minute pacer in the Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon. This marked my second time pacing this race and my fifth time pacing a half marathon (13.1 miles) overall.

As a member of the Garmin SmartPacing team and a pacing coach at Fleet Feet Tulsa, I had experienced the intricacies of pacing before. However, being the 1:55 pacer for four out of the five races gave me a sense of familiarity and comfort.

The Stilly Half in Stillwater earlier this year was the exception, when I stepped in as the 2:00 pacer. But this time, it was back to the pace range of 8:46 to 8:51 per mile to hit that coveted 1:55 finish time.

Pacers like myself follow a meticulously crafted pacing strategy designed to provide racers with the best chance of running a great race.

Rather than maintaining an even pace throughout each mile, we employ a "SmartPace" approach. This strategy adjusts the pace based on the terrain, taking into account the uphills and downhills. The goal is to help racers maintain an even effort and start conservatively, enabling them to run more efficiently.

This time, though, I did deviate from my usual pacing strategy.

Although I am perfectly capable of running 13.1 miles without walking, I have been using the Jeff Galloway run/walk method during my long runs in my marathon training, implementing 3-4 minute run intervals with 30-second walk breaks.

To keep that consistency for this race, I decided to incorporate 30-second walk breaks at each aid station, which occurred every 2 miles.

The timing worked out remarkably well because it took exactly 30 seconds to walk through each aid station entirely. Most people running with me decided to keep going, maintaining their running stride, but I did notice a couple of runners who followed suit and took the opportunity to stop and walk during those designated intervals.

It was a departure from the norm, yes, but taking walk breaks is actually encouraged by the Garmin SmartPacing team organizer, Eladio Valdez, so I wasn't breaking the rules by any means. It was a fun experiment that I believe benefited me and some of the runners I was guiding.

My Garmin smartwatch data also revealed an interesting insight regarding the strategy.

Not only did I have a lower average heart rate than last year despite pacing the same time (158 beats per minute to 156 bpm), but my rate of perceived effort was significantly lower as well. I credit that to the walk breaks.

It was a valuable discovery that reinforced the effectiveness of the run/walk method in conserving energy and reducing overall perceived effort and fatigue.

As for the race day itself, it was filled with excitement and anticipation.

As I donned my pacing singlet and lined up alongside the runners, I couldn't help but feel a surge of energy. I was eager to chat with the participants, many of whom looked to me for guidance in achieving their personal bests.

The beauty of pacing is that it allows me to enjoy the race without the pressure of racing or hitting personal time goals. After all, my personal best in the half marathon stands at 1:43:27.

Runners gathered at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on the Kansas State University campus early in the morning, eagerly anticipating the start of the Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon.

The vibrant energy in the air was contagious as participants, myself included, prepared for the race ahead. We were soon bussed out to the course start line near I-70 on Highway 177, known as the Coach Bill Snyder Highway, ready to embark on our running journey.

The course unfolded before us, a scenic route through the heart of Manhattan. We began running in the northbound lane on the east side of the road, making our way into town.

The peaceful morning streets welcomed us as we weaved through downtown Manhattan, passing by notable landmarks and local establishments. The course led us around the picturesque City Park, where the beauty of nature provided a refreshing backdrop to the race.

Next, we ventured into Aggieville, the oldest shopping district in Kansas. The lively atmosphere of Aggieville added a vibrant touch to the race experience, with spectators and volunteers lining the streets and cheering us on. The energy of the crowd was infectious, propelling us forward through the course.

As we continued our journey, the Kansas State campus awaited us. Running through the campus grounds was a special moment, as we immersed ourselves in the vibrant collegiate atmosphere.

Our path then took us through the recently completed Shamrock Practice Facility, located on the east side of the football stadium. The facility served as a testament to the rich sports heritage of Kansas State. With each step, we could feel the spirit and dedication that permeated the air, inspiring us to give our all as we approached the grand finale of the race.

However, this year held a slight change in plans.

The university had informed the race organizer about a month ago that the turf at Bill Snyder Family Stadium was being replaced, necessitating a change in the finish line location. Despite this alteration, the excitement and determination of the runners remained unwavering. We adapted to the new finish line, which led us to the outdoor turf practice field.

Bill Snyder, the legendary figure behind the race and the stadium, was present at the finish line area.

Known for his impact on Kansas State and its football program, he graciously took photos with runners and signed medals and bib numbers. Though the opportunity to meet him presented itself, I decided to pass this time.

The line was long, and I had already cherished the chance to capture a picture with him and secure his autograph at last year's race.

Throughout the race, I received words of gratitude and encouragement from both the runners and the volunteers.

One particular moment that stood out was when a gentleman in the Army — likely stationed at nearby Fort Riley, where I was coincidentally born back in 1995 — referred to me as his spirit animal. It was a lighthearted and endearing comment that brought a smile to my face.

Such interactions reminded me of the unique bond between pacers and racers.

However, the dynamics between pacers and racers can sometimes be a mix of love and hate.

I vividly recall a runner jokingly exclaiming, "I hate you," after I picked up the pace on a downhill stretch of the course. Laughter filled the air, and it was clear that camaraderie and good-natured banter were part of the race-day experience.

Later on in the latter stages of the race, I came across a struggling woman whose discontent was evident, for she let out a frustrated "Dang it" as I passed her.

I empathized with her, having experienced my own moments of disappointment in past races. I offered a word of encouragement before continuing on to assist others.

In a race, it is natural to encounter moments of grief and doubt. It is important to acknowledge those feelings, but to also never give up. The spirit of perseverance should always prevail unless an injury is involved.

In the end, I was filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment as I approached the finish line.

The pacing strategy, incorporating those short walk breaks, had worked seamlessly for me and seemed to benefit some of the runners I guided. Crossing the finish line in 1:55:25, I felt a deep satisfaction in knowing that I had played a part in helping others achieve their goals.

My friends Kelly Kilmer and Seth Olson also participated in the race, each pushing themselves to achieve their own goals.

Although we didn't run together, there was a sense of camaraderie in knowing that they were working hard alongside me, adding another level of motivation and accountability. We cheered each other on despite our different fitness levels, celebrating the shared experience of running and pushing our limits.

Kilmer, one of my loyal Fleet Feet Tulsa training partners, is not only a renowned real estate professional but also the owner, publisher and area director of the Real Producers real estate magazines in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The 48-year-old Broken Arrow resident finished the race in 2:03:37, maintaining a steady pace of 9:26 per mile.

As for Olson, 29, he is not only my best friend but also a former coworker at The Lawton Constitution. His dedication to training paid off, for he finished the race in a speedy time of 1:39:32, averaging an impressive pace of 7:36 per mile. He placed 60th of 675 runners, showcasing his remarkable skills.

Despite Olson now residing in Leavenworth, Kan., near Kansas City and being much faster than me, we often find ourselves running races together.

In fact, we are currently training for Grandma's Marathon, scheduled for June 17 in Duluth, Minn. It will be my first full marathon (26.2 miles) and Olson's 11th.

The anticipation for this upcoming race is building, and I'm grateful for the support and camaraderie we share as we prepare for the challenge ahead.

If you are reading this on Saturday morning, I am probably out on my final long run workout of the training block — a 20-miler.

As I reflect on my trip to Manhattan and the Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon, I can't help but feel a sense of fulfillment and excitement for the future.

Pacing this race for the second time was a joyous experience, and I'm already looking forward to returning next year for a third round.

But for now, my focus shifts to Grandma's Marathon in just two weeks.

It is a new adventure that awaits, and I'm eager to see what lies ahead on this marathon journey.