Our 2024 LA Marathon training season officially kicked off on Saturday, September 23! Over the next few weeks, we will continue to introduce our awesome LA Marathon Pace Leaders as well as our Marathon Coach. Find out why they run and some fun facts that could spark a conversation during your next group run! This week, we meet Grace and Melissa, our Pace Leaders for our 13 Minute Pace Group!
Name: Grace Huang
Which group do you run with? Team 13
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? Since 2017, always with Team 13.
How many marathons have you run? 13 marathons
Why do you run? It started as a way to get in shape, and it still is, but I’ve also found it to be great for mental health and me time.
Favorite post run snack/ meal? Cold watermelon and a breakfast burrito, but I only treat myself to those after a really really long run.
Running Mantra: I can’t say I have one.
Occupation: Marketing
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
What do you do for fun? Cooking, wine tasting, and hoping to get back to traveling again.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): I am able to kill any houseplant; my power has no end!
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? I never imagined I would ever run a marathon, but with the encouragement of fellow Pacers I have and hope we inspire others to great achievements!
Name: Melissa Galan
Which group do you run with? Team 13
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? 1 year, although I was doing my research on local marathon plans long before I joined. Pacers are the best!
How many marathons have you run? 1 and a successful, injury-free one thanks to the Pacers and program. I am convinced anyone can run a marathon if they commit to consistency in training and have plenty of support. I have run numerous 5K, 10K, and half marathons prior.
Why do you run? Funsies, overall health, personal fitness goals, and really great medals.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Snack – OJ and bagels. I crave a burger and fries after runs of 16+ miles or more.
Running Mantra: most used “You got this”. It works when things are going well and when they are not going so well.
Occupation: Head of US Billing for a large post production company.
Hometown: Burbank
What do you do for fun? Run. Besides that – spending time with family and friends, hiking, discovering great food joints, and traveling.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): I love to make others laugh. Maybe not a talent, but a helpful distraction on a Saturday long run.
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? Age is just a number. I started running at the age of 49. I am continuing to improve due to good programs, support, and commitment. You are never too old to chase your dreams. Bucket list: to run a race in every state.