Carol Rader-Meislin, Pasadena Pacer President
Carol is the powerhouse behind so much at the Pacers. She’s held a variety of leadership positions (volunteer coordinator, Pacer Chaser lead, party planner, Vice President, pace leader) and is always ready to jump in to help the Club. Carol is always down for a good chat, a run, and Muscle Milk (read below to see why).
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? I started as a Pre-Conditioner in September 2013.
Why did you join our amazing club? Warren (my husband) and I moved from New Jersey to Pasadena in September 2012. We wanted to meet people in the area and thought joining a running club was a good way to do just that. I joined Pre-Conditioners in late August 2013. My Pre-Conditioner coaches and fellow runners held me accountable for showing up for mid-weeks and Saturday long runs.
Why do you run? I started to run because I wanted to be more social and meet people—I didn’t think I’d ever become a “runner.” Well, in addition to finding the Pacers and making a lot of new friends, I actually realized that I could run and that I liked to run. I trained for half marathons and then continued onto running marathons because I love the feeling of accomplishment. I also enjoy running with and encouraging others like me (not the fastest runner) to keep running and never give up.
What makes you want to do long runs? I’m not sure if I always “want” to do long runs. It’s the feeling of satisfaction after a long run that I love. So knowing how good I feel after a run, motivates me to run long distances. (Since my first marathon in February 2016, I have run seven more marathons.)
Favorite post-run snack/meal? After a long run, I like to have protein. I eat cheese or drink chocolate low-fat Mus
cle Milk (20 grams of protein with only 100 calories). I even proudly brought Muscle Milks to an after-Marathon party, despite the laughs it got.
What do you do for fun? Hang out (mostly with other runners), explore new places and things in the Pasadena/SoCal area (e.g., restaurants, hikes, shopping, museums, historical sites/architecture) and travel.
Do you have a secret talent? I can throw pizza dough into the air.
What do you think is the best thing about the Pacers? The people are the best thing about the Pacers.
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? Running faster and/or further takes time and effort—it’s not easy, otherwise everyone would be doing it. Kara Goucher, world-class distance runner says, “Don’t try to rush progress. Remember—a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Keep believing.” And a favorite expression of mine is “a 13-minute mile is the same distance as an eight-minute mile.”
Speed Round
Longest distance: 26.7 miles.
Average pace: Marathon pace is around a 13 -14 minute mile.
Hometown: From Livingston, NJ—25 miles west of New York City.
Family: Warren Meislin, husband — he’s also a Pacer.
Occupation: Human Resources (HR) Consultant/Project Manager. I manage large HR projects and/or implement new or improved HR systems, processes, procedures, change management, compensation plans, benefits, etc. (Run with me some time and I’ll explain what I do in more detail.)
Horoscope: Cancer.
Running mantra: I’m not very original; maybe “you can do it!” Or, I think about running for those who can’t run.
Michael Ramos, Pasadena Pacer Vice President
Previously our Race Coordinator, Michael starts his Vice President tenure having photographed almost ever Pacer who has run a race in the last two years. He shows up early to all Pacer races to offer support to our runners, a genuine gesture that is beyond appreciated. Learn more about Michael below and feel free to join him as a volunteer at any of our races.
How long have you been a Pacer? This is my sixth year with the Pacers.
Why did you join our amazing club? I ran alone for a number of years and would see the Pacers at a lot of local races. In 2013 I saw the Pacers at Rock N Roll Pasadena. They were just having too much fun and I wanted to be part of the fun. My next step was to start following the Pacers on Facebook. While following them online I was scared to join for several months. Then the Boston Marathon bombing happened and the Pacers hosted a unity run at the Rose Bowl. While at the run, I met several Pasadena Pacers. They were so welcoming that my fear left me and I’ve rarely missed a long run since.
Why do you run? Running is my form of moving meditation. It’s my time during each day to really get away from it all and be with my thoughts. Running is the one activity that’s physically exhausting, but mentally and emotionally recharging. Every run presents a new challenge, a new opportunity to push myself, and a new time to reflect on everything else going on. Simply put, running is my sanity.
What makes you want to do long runs? Over the years I’ve had some of the clearest thoughts while on my long runs. Every now and then I need a good spiritual moment. So I go out and run a 16-miler and it never fails.
Favorite post-run snack/meal? I like fresh fruit, mango being my favorite.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy gardening, watching team sports, and history.
Do you have a secret talent? I can flick a soccer ball with one of my feet on to my head and stall it on my face like a seal.
What do you think is the best thing about the Pacers? The best thing about the Pacers is the people. When I first came to the Pacers I just wanted to run. But what I found was so much more than that. I found great community leadership. I’ve formed relationships with some great people. While running with them a lot of times we’ll chat about things I typically wouldn’t even think about. As a result of this I feel like I’ve become a more well-rounded person.
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? I like cats.
Speed Round
Longest distance: 26.2.
Average pace: 8:00.
Hometown: Azusa, California.
Family: I only have a father and he’s my biggest supporter.
Occupation: Property Management.
Horoscope: Taurus.
Running mantra: Go out and enjoy it.