Running Advice

There is No Finish Line

March 26, 2019
By Dr. Steve Smith, Pasadena Pacer Founder and Team Doc Crossing the finish line is a feeling like no other. Barriers have been breached. You have attempted the impossible, and you did it! You can feel the power of accomplishment and you are looking into the future with a whole new attitude. You know you… more

Running Injuries: A Problem of the Sole

October 6, 2018
By Dr. Steve Smith, Pasadena Pacer Founder and Team Doc Runners talk about their shoes with great enthusiasm and I often overhear, “My shoes are the best ever! You should try a pair of these!” The question is: what is the best shoe for you? To get at this answer we need to look at… more

Big Ol’ LA Marathon Info Post

March 15, 2018
Pasadena Pacers before the start of the 2017 Los Angeles Marathon It’s 2021 Los Angeles Marathon (LAM) time! We have more than 100 Pasadena Pacers running this year — a new record — and we’re so proud of each and every one of you. Make sure to check out the LAM… more

Getting from Pasadena Half to the Los Angeles Marathon

January 16, 2018
We know a bunch of our Pasadena Half Marathon runners are going to be looking for the next race, and the Los Angeles Marathon will feel like a natural choice for many. But, can—and should—it be done? We asked Dr. Steve Smith, Pasadena Pacers founder, and Edgar Mejia, our Marathon Coach, what they thought. Here… more

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