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 DJ and Adrian, our Pace Leaders for our 10 Minute Pace Group!
Name: Daniel John “DJ” Melgar
Which group do you run with? Pacers Team 10 and ORC!
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? Almost 7 yrs.
How many marathons have you run? 4 full marathons.
Why do you run? It makes me feel alive.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Anything delicious!
Running Mantra: Run like lightning & crash like thunder.
Occupation: Self-Employed
Hometown: SGV Baby!
What do you do for fun? Hang with my son, toys, video games…being a big kid.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): I can comfortably flip my eye lids!
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? Running only gets harder when you stop, never stop training unless you’re resting.
Name: Adrian Aviles
Which group do you run with? Team 10
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? 6 years
How many marathons have you run? 7
Why do you run? I really like the structure, discipline and commitment that training for a marathon provides. I enjoy seeing the improvement and experiencing the same journey with other like minded people. During the off season, I run to keep in shape.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Orange juice, bagels and slurpees.
Running Mantra: Don’t think about the upcoming run/distance/pace, just get to the starting point and start running!
Occupation: Athletic Club Flower Shop www.acflowershop.com @acflowershop
Hometown: Los Angeles, born and raised.
What do you do for fun? Other than trying to bug my wife, travel whenever possible, independent/foreign films, craft beer
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): I can make pretty nice flower arrangements in a jiffy.
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? I am looking forward to taking this journey of training for the marathon with you all! Cheers!