Pacer Spotlight: Chris Baker
This Sunday, the Race Pacing team, along with Xempo, will be pacing at the Swansea Half Marathon. This race is a scenic coastal half marathon, which runs from the city to the sea. Following a successful inaugural event, the Swansea Half Marathon was voted highly commended for best event in Swansea and shortlisted for the UK Running Awards. With over 5,000 runners taking part, the 2015 race is set to be even better than the inaugural race.
We spoke with one of the pacers, Chris Baker, about his love of running and pacing.
Here is a little bit about Chris …
Chris is a company director and personal trainer. He reluctantly started running in 2010, after having hated childhood cross-country but loved blossomed and he completed two ultra-marathons in 2014. Chris has gone from strength to strength and this year, he will complete his 10th marathon! He has more challenges in store for 2016, including gaining a Boston qualifying time … his current PB is 3h 26m.
Chris likes to train on the big hills around his home in Wales. As well as hill training, strength and resistance training are a big part of his training regime. These training sessions obstacle course races he also enjoys.
We asked Chris some questions. Here’s what he had to say …
- What made you want to start running?
I started running to get fit and to compete in triathlons. I just run now, as I’m retired from triathlons
- Favourite distance?
Marathon
- Favourite race (and why)?
My favourite race was the Amsterdam Marathon. I really enjoyed both the route and the after party
- My pet hate in running…
People cutting you if you they are overtaking you
- What I love most about running …
Pushing myself
- My best piece of running advice…
Train insane or stay the same
- What made you want to become a pacer?
To help others beat their target goal and to get a free race entry!
- Why you should follow me as a pacer…
If I didn’t make the right pace I would feel so guilty…
- No one knows that I…
Why would I tell you that???
Follow Chris on Twitter @getufitr and on Facebook @getufitr
Pacers
Keep an eye out for the Race Pacing pacers and their Xempo flags.
- 1h30 – Jason Dickinson
- 1h40 – Martin Bridgeman & Jack Baker
- 1h50 – Kevin Pugh & Martyn Lewis
- 2h00 – Chris Baker
- 2h10 – Darren Powell
- 2h20 – Jen Kaye
- 2h30 – Andrea Brabrook
Happy Running,
The Race Pacing Team
