I have never paced someone for 38 miles—let alone at the biggest ultra in the US, the Western States Endurance Run. David Tien got into the 2025 race from being 27th on the waitlist.
Dave’s story is intertwined with mine. Nearly 20 years ago, I started working for a web hosting company in their help desk department. This is where I first met Dave, who was part of the Network Operations division. While I was a road runner back then and enjoyed biking (but not swimming), over time, we would go on lunchtime bike rides at work, and I got to know Dave better through the years. I never would have he would be the reason I would be heading to Western States in 2025.
I ended up getting promoted to junior system administrator, and that’s when I started working directly with Dave. He was heavily involved in the Philadelphia triathlon scene, and after constantly badgering him with questions about what it takes to complete a triathlon, I entered my first sprint distance event. That’s where I began progressing my endurance into longer and multisport events. If it weren’t for his assistance back in the 2008–2010 time frame, I might not have been led down the path I’m on now.
While I didn’t stick with triathlon because trail running fit my lifestyle better, Dave inspired me to go longer and push harder into areas where I was uncomfortable—learning to swim, racing on a tri bike I bought from him, and finally running the last leg of a triathlon. It was the stepping stone I needed on my journey.
When I got the news he was on the waitlist for WSER, my next question was, “Can I pace and coach you?” I didn’t even have to think about it. I am so glad I got this opportunity; it was truly magical to go on this kind of journey with someone you’ve known for so long. I had so much fear, uncertainty, and doubt about whether I would be a “good” pacer. Sitting at the Foresthill aid station, I felt equal amounts of excitement and anxiety. All of it was washed away as soon as we started running together.
In the end, it’s just running—and ultras, which I know well. There was nothing this 38-mile run could throw at me that I couldn’t handle. That’s not the real task; the task is helping someone else. I think I did that pretty well for my first big pacing duty. I still can’t believe I got to do it at the Super Bowl of 100s.
This video is the culmination of years of experience, friendship, and a commitment to helping someone who taught me so much about networking, routing, switching, Linux, and many things that have nothing to do with running. It was paying back someone in the only way I knew how. Enjoy the video. Enjoy the process of training and self improvement. Enjoy all of the people you met along your journey. You never know who you are inspiring with your actions, and how your paths may cross in the future.
Enjoy the documentary now live on YouTube. It took be awhile to edit because we went on two different family vacations. I think it was worth the wait. Let me know what you think of the video in the comments on YouTube.
Patrick is an ultrarunner and coach from Philadelphia who loves documenting his running career. His mission is to provide useful tips and tricks to assist others along their ultra journey. You can find his coaching services at https://ultraruncoach.com.