Over the next few weeks, we will introduce the members of our awesome coaching team. Find out why they run and some fun facts that could spark a conversation during your next group run! This week, we meet our Trail Running Coach: Coach Nellie!
Name: My name is Nellie Rios-Parra.
Which group do you run with? I run with the Trail Runners group.
How long have you been with the Pasadena Pacers? I have been with the Pasadena Pacers since October 2012.
How many marathons have you run? I have run seven (eight if you count the Boston virtual) marathons; Los Angeles in 1996, 2012, 2013, Pacific Shoreline (now known as Surf City) 2004, Pasadena 2010, San Francisco 2013, and Long Beach 2021. I would love to count the virtual Boston Marathon 2021, however, I ran the virtual on the same day as the Long Beach marathon because it meant aid stations, running locally with fellow Pacers, and cheers across the miles. Therefore, I proudly own eight marathon medals.
Why do you run? I run for my health and I run because I can.
Favorite post run snack/meal? My favorite post-run snack is fruit, it can be a mandarin, watermelon, strawberries, grapes, banana, or cherries. A favorite post run meal includes anything with protein including chocolate milk.
Running Mantra: One of my running mantras is “one foot in front of the other,” another is “just show up,” and of course “run happy”.
Occupation: I serve as a Director of State Preschool.
Hometown: I am a native Angeleno.
What do you do for fun? For fun, I like to spend time with family, read, watch movies, dance, and take naps.
Do you have a secret talent? (Please share): It’s a secret. Don’t tell anyone. Neither will I.
Anything else you’d like your fellow Pacers to know? I would like fellow Pacers to know that all are welcome. Each one of us has an opportunity to spread our joy or raison d’etre for running/walking to our circle of family and friends so that they may be inspired to go outdoors, enjoy nature’s beauty, have an adrenaline rush, find mental clarity, and strengthen their heart.