My Nonprofit Reviews

Pacer at Heart - my running journey with the Pasadena Pacers

Last Saturday my husband and I had the opportunity to volunteer at Revel Canyon Marathon. At the end, he could not hide his excitement about how the running community is so positive and he mentioned how he admires the goodwill of the Pacers. “They are always willing to help and support other runners, they do not mind what they have to sacrifice and do not even care if the runners belong to the Pasadena Pacers or not”. Listening to those words coming from an outsider was really meaningful and reassuring that I am at the right place, with the right people and at the right moment.

Of course, he could not forget to remind me of the time when he used to call me a “Pacer Wannabe”. That was the time when I wanted so badly to go run with them, but I just stayed home saying I wanted to go. I was actually afraid of joining the Pacers. I had been running solo for 3 years and had read about all the benefits of running with people (conversational pace? Is that possible? Runners are nuts! They talk and run!!!) And I already knew Pasadena Pacers was the team I wanted to join, I mean, come on! It’s free!

But I was afraid. Why? Because I did not want to be judged for my speed, my form or the “few miles” I could run at that time. Also, because I was an immigrant and I was worried of being discriminated or that someone could make fun of my Sofia Vergara accent :P. I was afraid that people would not understand me or that I would never make friends.

I could not be more wrong.

One day, I decided to start my journey with the Pacers volunteering for the Cheer Station at the LAM 2014 and to see what could come from there. I went and introduced myself to Dr. Smith, I told him my story and he said I was a “Pacer at Heart” (a better way to say that Wannabe thing). I have never felt so welcome in my life. I just mingled with everyone as if I already was one of them. They did not mind my accent or the fact that I had never run with them.

The next Saturday morning I went to the Rose Bowl, saw the sea of red and felt extremely lost and scared. It must have been pretty obvious, because everyone wanted to help me. In a matter of minutes, I had found the group they thought was perfect for me. It was! That day I ran as far as I could: South Route, all the way to… Señor Fish and back. 5 miles. I came back to the tables and the other runners gave me high-fives and words of encouragement. I was thirsty and hungry as hell and I was able to drink and eat what I needed right away, without having to wait until I drove home. I was walking on clouds!

That day, on that very first run with the Pasadena Pacers, I stopped feeling alone because I saw people that loved running as much as I did. I stopped being afraid of being judged or discriminated, because the Pacers were kind, respectful and loving people: they made me feel that I belonged. I felt inspired by a lot of runners I saw that day and that encouraged me to start my running blog months later.

My heart was full of love, eagerness, and dreams of new distances, races and speeds. It was one of the best days of my life and I am forever thankful for that. When I got home, I registered to bring water and post run refreshments for like a month. I just wanted to give back. I wanted the new runners to feel as welcome as I felt; to feel the happiness and goodwill I felt that day. I wanted to be part of this amazing community and I could not think of a better way to do it than bringing bananas, Hawaiian Bread and orange juice.

I still do it and when I cannot, I make sure to donate some bucks to the Green Can. Why? Because that is my way to say thank you to every single runner that makes this group, the best running club in Southern California. If I mention every detail of how I came to know the Pacers or the journey and the incredible people I have met, this will be way longer than it already is. But today, I just wanted to share how good it feels to volunteer and to give back to the Pasadena Pacers to thank them for all they have done for me.

www.pasadenapacers.org