Our 2027 LA Marathon training season officially kicked off on Saturday, September 12! 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 Robert and Jenny, our Pace Leaders for our 9:00 Minute Pace Group!
Your Name: Robert Machuca
Your Pace Group: 9:00
How long have you been a Pasadena Pacer? 1 year
How did you become a runner, and how did you find the Pasadena Pacers? I became a runner through fellowship in Pasadena run clubs: Wild Parrot, Friday Donut, and PRC. I found the Pasadena Pacers through the training program for 2026 LA Marathon – my first marathon!
Describe your pace-leading personality in three words: Intentional, Delusional, Solidarity
Every runner has one: What is your weirdest running habit, superstition, or non-negotiable? Early morning runs with mileage always rounded up.
You’re at Mile 20 of the LA Marathon and things are getting ugly. What are you telling your runners? Give in to the de lu lu and trust your training.
Choose your fighter: Hills, heat, rain, or 20 miles of flat pavement? 20 miles of flat pavement.
What’s playing in your head during a long run? “Lord of the Rings” battle tracks.
The aid station has magically stocked whatever you want. What are you grabbing? Citrus
What’s your favorite post-long run reward? Homestate tacos, cafecito, and a margarita.
Finish this sentence: “If you run with my pace group this season, I promise…” You will adopt the code of de lu lu and summit your body’s potential!
Your Name: Jenny Han
Your Pace Group: 9:00
How long have you been a Pasadena Pacer? First time!
How did you become a runner, and how did you find the Pasadena Pacers? Joined Pilates with treadmill. I’ve been running for 1.5 years, and then I joined some local run clubs. I heard about the Pacers through other run clubs.
Describe your pace-leading personality in three words: Fun. Caring. Safe.
Every runner has one: What is your weirdest running habit, superstition, or non-negotiable? Must round up to the next mile!
You’re at Mile 20 of the LA Marathon and things are getting ugly. What are you telling your runners? Take a shot, because you need it!
Choose your fighter: Hills, heat, rain, or 20 miles of flat pavement? Hills
What’s playing in your head during a long run? Anything that’s EDM will keep me going 😀
The aid station has magically stocked whatever you want. What are you grabbing? Cold pickle juice!
What’s your favorite post-long run reward? Breakfast burrito with tequila shots!
Finish this sentence: “If you run with my pace group this season, I promise…” The race day will feel like a party, and the taper will feel like a hostage negotiation.