Taper Runs #7 and 8, Pace Groups

Last two taper runs went grand - the first of the week (Tuesday) I decided to run this one a little harder. Each mile was a bit faster than goal marathon pace with the last one being at my current 10k (or 5k after a 5.8 mile warm up) pace. Today's run I just went very easy. I even broke out the ipod to run with for the first time in a long time. I let the easy listening sounds of Tool help and keep me relaxed on this run. Oh and I probably should pick up some Bodyglide - the new shorts all of a sudden seem to allow for some chafing.

Tuesday's run -> http://connect.garmin.com/activity/56113546

Today's run -> http://connect.garmin.com/activity/56221762

The big taper question that I have been going back and forth on - is to join a pace group - or not. I've talked to some runners with varying degrees of expertise/experience in running for opinions and things seem split. For new and non runners - races will bring in people to lead groups to get people across the finish line in a certain time. Common finish times for pace groups are 3:10, 3:20, 3:30..etc etc...sometimes going all the way up to 5:00. At the Philadelphia Marathon - Clif Bar will be running the pace groups and I'm torn.

A few people I run with say pace groups are great - and highly recommended joining one. Said they have run with them in the past (not Clif specifically) and thought it really helped them get across the line at their expected goal. Others say they had a tough time with the group. Ive read online in places basically the same thing.

Part of me would love to join so I can
a) run with a group of people with the common time goal
b) have someone pace the beginning where my adrenaline will probably kick
c) help assist in the later miles with motivation (as some pace leaders do)
d) get the 3:40 Im hoping for

But the other part -
a) afraid that the 3:40 is too ambitious and will get discouraged later in the race when the pace group pulls away from me
b) afriad that a 3:40 is very doable and maybe faster and will feel like I left too much out there staying with the group (highly unlikely)
c) Not sure if anyone is still reading this - but taper has clearly started to affect the brain
d) would like to run "my own" race and just do what feels right and natural and have fun

As of this second - I'm leaning toward not joining a pace group. But I'm sure my mind will change 100 more times......in the next 5 minutes.

11 Days to Go!