chen juan: i run im healthy im happy
When I first got into marathons, I knew nothing and just ran aimlessly! After running more often, I learned some marathon rules and noticed a group of people who received a lot of attention on the track—official pacers (commonly known as 'rabbits'). I envied their uniform outfits and the balloons with times floating above their heads. They led a group of runners at a consistent pace to the finish line. When you're curious about something, you explore its deeper meaning. So, in 2018, with a mindset of giving it a try, I signed up to be a 4:30 pacer for the Wuxi Wanshan Marathon and was fortunate to be selected. Through this experience, I found myself reminding fellow runners of important things and encouraging those who stopped to walk. It felt like a responsibility!
Someone asked me, 'What does being an official pacer represent?'
Initially, I thought it was just a few people in matching outfits with balloons, running together and looking cool! Occasionally, people would praise us. Later, I realized that when others knew you were a pacer, the comments on your WeChat Moments would be like, 'Wow, so envious, so awesome!' It was vanity, attention, the perks provided by the organizers, and being trusted and recognized by others!
So, when I saw the recruitment for pacers for the Wuxi Queen Run, I was tempted again and signed up—tested—and smoothly became a pacer! On April 20, I once again experienced the nearly nanny-like service of Su'ao, which was very considerate! How considerate?
They helped us collect the race packs, took beautiful photos of the pacers, had professional photographers following us, arranged sumptuous meals, luxurious accommodations, and so on. There were so many details that I think every pacer who participated in the Su'ao events deeply felt it!
Now, let me share my insights from this race! I must say I wasn't satisfied with my performance this time. Although my final time was 2:00:09, meeting the pacer standards, I didn't maintain a consistent pace per kilometer. The course felt like a mountain marathon with many slopes, leading to a slow uphill and fast downhill awkward situation. Perhaps I was a bit careless at the beginning, and with only 5 minutes left in the last kilometer, I had to speed up. The final time deviation wasn't much, but I felt sorry for the runners aiming for 2:00 who followed me. Some couldn't keep up in the last kilometer. I apologize for that and promise to be more precise next time. This was a lesson for better performance in the future. I want to be a mature runner; there will be setbacks, but not failures! This is the life lesson running has taught me.
Running is not about grandstanding; it's about being down-to-earth and being a true runner! Whether on the track or in daily life, take it seriously! Achieve: I participate, I run, I am healthy, I am happy!
