"There was an incredible amount of pressure that I acknowledged and then just kind of wanted to tuck away in the back of my mind and not pay attention to, because if I let that take over, I would’ve been scrutinizing it, and it would’ve gotten in my head, and I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did."   Rick Powell was the official 2:45 pacer at the 2020 Houston Marathon, who led a group of several dozen women hoping to qualify for the Olympic Trials. On this episode, Rick — a former Marine and current attorney who was fresh off a 2:31 finish at the Steamtown Marathon — reflects on his experience in Houston.   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: Why Rick wanted to be the OTQ pacer in Houston (5:55) On the magnitude of the day for the women (14:30) On getting advice from the CIM pacers before the race (21:00) What it was like being the only pacer for the 2:45 group (25:30) What it was like at the start of the Houston Marathon (34:20) What happens when people fall off the pace group (39:55) What it was like pacing Neely Spence Gracey (48:25) The impact this experience had on Rick (51:00)   What we mention on this episode: The CIM Pacers on Episode 196 of the Ali on the Run Show Starla Garcia on Episode 200 of the Ali on the Run Show Neely Spence Gracey on Episode 201 of the Ali on the Run Show   Follow Rick: Instagram @rjp1210   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play   SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!