Meet Cristina Diaz, Pre-Conditioners Coach

With a smile that helps get you through the tough runs, Cristina will lead our Pre-Conditioners from couch-to-five miles with her cheery enthusiasm. During her time as a Pacer, Cristina has gone on to become a marathoner and dedicated volunteer. Our 2019 LA Marathon runners will know her as half of our “Fuel Fairy” duo, providing snacks and encouragement on the long runs, and our 20-Mile Cheer Tent lead. She’s fun, lovely, and we can’t wait for you to know more about her.

 How long have you been running with the Pasadena Pacers?
Since 2015.

Why did you join our amazing club?
I joined to support my friends who had started the Pre-Conditioners group to train for their first 10k (they were doing this race for my birthday!).

Tell us how you got started as Pre-Conditioner Coach.
I was approached about taking on this position since Dave will be stepping down. Encouraging new runners is my favorite thing to do! I will be coaching my sister through her first half marathon this December!

What keeps you coming back to the Pacers?
The camaraderie! I love being able to socialize with an amazing group of people while being active.

Tell us about an amazing Pacer memory.
I have so many, but the one that made the biggest impact was the first time I volunteered at the 20-Mile Cheer Tent at the LA Marathon. Doing so inspired me to sign up for the marathon the following year. This is a distance I swore I would never run, but I did!

What do you think is the best thing about the Pacers?
Aside from the fact that it’s free?! The people!!! It’s all about having a place to come each weekend or those Tuesdays and Thursdays when you just need time with other people who know what it means or feels like to accomplish running one mile or 50.

Tell the folks why they should start running, do a half marathon, marathon, all of the above.
No matter the distance or the speed, running is a huge accomplishment. I would encourage everyone to set a goal no matter what it is because there’s nothing quite like meeting a running goal. It requires both physical and mental strength.

Do you have any secret talents?
None that I think are particularly special or secret. 🙂

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I’m a proud mom of two cats and a huge fan of true crime. I can talk endlessly about both.

What do you do when you’re not running/working?
Watching TV, reading, listening to podcasts.

Speed Round

Longest distance:  26.2
Average pace: 14 min/mile (I like to talk and solve the world’s problems while I run)
Favorite food: Breakfast foods
Hometown: Arcadia, CA—Yes, I’m actually a native!
Family: My parents just celebrated their 52nd anniversary, I have two older sisters, awesome nephews, and my cat daughters (Gogo and Rowena Ravenpaw)
Job: Third Grade Teacher
Horoscope: Virgo
Running mantra: Tough runs don’t last; tough runners do. (My mom texted me that quote during a race, so it’s one I hang onto).