Our 2025 LA Marathon training season officially kicked off on Saturday, September 14! 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 Silvia and Sally, our Pace Leaders for our 12 Minute Pace Group!
Name: Silvia Collins
Which group do you run with? Team 12
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? About 12 years.
How many marathons have you run? 28
Why do you run? To fundraise to end cancer and to help others get across the finish line.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Anything Vegan!
Running Mantra: I think I can.
Occupation: School Principal
Hometown: LA
What do you do for fun? Vacation.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): Hmmm. Can’t think of a secret talent…
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? Believe in yourself, believe in the process, and have fun!
Name: Sally Veres
Which group do you run with? I run with Team 12!
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? This will be my third year with the Pasadena Pacers! My fourth marathon training cycle.
How many marathons have you run? I have run in three LA Marathons, and 2025 will be number four.
Why do you run? I run because I can, because at one point in my life I couldn’t. I spent about ten years battling an autoimmune disorder called Myasthenia Gravis which gave me muscle weakness and affected my breathing. Very long story short, I found the right treatment that made me feel normal again. I’ve always been athletic, so when I started feeling better, I joined a gym and knew the exercise was making me feel better. I met a trainer at the gym who said he was going to get me to run. Strapped into the treadmill because I was so weak, I started running. Then I signed up for a local Turkey Trot 5K. I was disappointed in my performance, and I was determined to do better. Haven’t stopped since then about six years ago. That time of weakness made me even stronger than I have ever been, and running brought that strength.
Favorite post run snack/meal? Bagels with cream cheese.
Running Mantra: You are unstoppable! and Mind over Matter!
Occupation: Accounting Consultant
Hometown: La Crescenta, CA
What do you do for fun? I play pickleball! I also enjoy doing triathlons during the summer. I love music, going to concerts and the Dodgers.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): Well, I am pretty good at throwing axes!
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? After my first run with the Pacers, I knew this club was the bomb! With Keith handing out water and snacks on the route, to the friendly camaraderie and all the support of the pace groups. The friends I have made here are so incredible!