David Papineau
Marathon PB: 2:44:55 (Vancouver 2009)
Previous Marathons: 23
Previous Vancouver Marathons: 6 (2004, 2008-12)
Most Recent Pace Bunny Race: Okanagan 2012 (3:45)
Most Recent Pace Bunny Finish Time: 3:43:01
Pace Bunny Motto: Go big or go home. Put up or shut up. Run smart and finish strong.
Pace Bunny Philosophy: My job is to run a 3:45 marathon as evenly paced as possible with regular Running Room-mandated ten-and-one walk breaks. I will give regular kilometre updates and aim for even first- and second-half splits. Think of me as your Garmin’s Virtual Partner with shorter shorts.
Stick with me the whole race and you’ll get in under 3:45. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to go ahead on your own, feel free. I’ll still be there if you need me, like your parents’ basement.
I can offer moral support, act as a tour guide along the way, bore you with stories about my previous running experiences and even suggest when it’s time to take a gel, but ultimately finishing the marathon is up to you.
If you find yourself struggling and unsure of whether you can finish, ask me to tell you about Western States.
Why Pace Bunny?: It sounds like a total cliché but it’s a chance to give back. I’ve had some unforgettable running experiences and I’m at the stage in life where I get as much satisfaction helping other people achieve their running goals.
Why Pace Bunny Vancouver?: This is my town and I love this course. I know these roads like the back of my hand and it seemed only natural to me to want to guide others through the streets I’ve been running almost daily for the past ten years.
But Why This Year?: A nasty flu virus cost me eight weeks of training in March and April so I didn’t feel I was ready to race. Is this a bad time to mention I’ve only been training for five weeks for this?
Pace Bunny Scouting Report: Has a tendency to run a negative split and finish slightly ahead of schedule.
Other Pacing Experience: Anyone heard of Fat Dog?
Tip for First-Time Marathoners: Remember why you’re running. Think about everyone who helped you get there: family, friends, coworkers. Think of everyone who has offered supportive words and even those who doubted you could do it. Positive or negative, feed off those vibes!
For more on what you can expect Sunday, click here to read the 3:45 pace group race plan.
UPDATE
I ran with some great people for most of the race by ultimately finished alone in 3:44:11. Thanks to everyone who joined me!
Click here for full results from the 2013 BMO Vancouver Marathon.
Yep. I’ve heard about Fat Dog. You’re qualified for any type of pacing duty.
Love the way you tell the tale!
TIM!! Great to see you out cheering today. When are we going to get a chance to run together again? Re-live the Fat Dog magic!
It depends on modern medical technology. It would be great to get out there again with you!