Running Advice

How to Run Faster, Longer, and Stronger

January 8, 2018
Interview with Coach Armand Crespo by Dr. Steve Smith On my office wall are the yearly group photos of the Pasadena Pacers. Friends often hover over those photos to see if they are in it; they look for friends. They brace themselves for the changes caused by ravages of time as they expect to look… more

The “Core” of All Running Problems

August 15, 2017
By Dr. Steve Smith, Pacers Founder and Team Doc Abdominal strength has a real and immediate effect on your running gait, and the faster you go, the more your abdominal muscles participate in your gait. Many running injuries can be traced back to weak core muscles that result in poor running biomechanics. If you are looking… more

Train for the 2019 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon

July 31, 2017
We get you to the start. We cheer for you at the finish. Training for the 2019 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon starts September 29, 2018! Some things to know about the Pasadena Pacer Marathon Training Program: We are an official training partner of the Los Angeles Marathon. Yep, we’re certified and bonafide as such. Our training program is… more

Running in the Heat

July 18, 2017
By Dr. Steve Smith, Pasadena Pacer Founder and Team Doc We live in southern California where hot days are a fact of life. As such, it’s important we discuss some tips to keep you safe, healthy, and running. Run Early. If you are going long, go early. If you are training for a marathon and… more

Reflections after LAM

March 20, 2017
By Steve Smith, Pasadena Pacer Founder and Team Doc Today was the 21st year the Pacers Running Club ran the Los Angeles Marathon. I really don’t know how many of our runners participated, maybe 200, maybe less. I’m not sure how many Pacers came out to cheer for the runners out on the course but… more

Taper Madness

February 21, 2017
By Dr. Steve Smith, Pasadena Pacer Founder and Team Doc You are about two weeks away from the Big Race. It has been months of early rising, suiting up in your running gear, and heading out the door with your hydration pack in hand. You’ve had to head back in the house more than once… more

A Friend in Deed

February 7, 2017
By Dr. Steve Smith “I have a pain in my knee, what should I do?” I overheard a runner ask his friend last week. I listened, mostly to see what kind of advice would be given, thinking the friend might be a physical therapist or a doctor. This could be good; I might pick up… more

Pacer Safety Protocol

January 13, 2017
As Pasadena Pacers, we are large in numbers and take up a lot more space on the road than you might realize. General safety tips from the Road Runners Club of America can be found here. Below are some safety tips specifically for Pasadena Pacers with notes from our founder, Dr. Steve Smith: Run single file… more