Pacer Mary Ellen

Where are you from?

Ocoee, Florida

Current P.R.

3 hrs 58 min

Typical pace

4 hrs 15 min

Number of marathons

Occupation

Event DJ, puppeteer Universal Studios, Zumba and fitness instructor

Favorite marathon

Boston, Marathon du Médoc

Hobbies

Travelling to as many cool and exotic places as I can, visiting the theme parks in Orlando, gardening

Favorite Running Food

Coffee!

What are you reading now?

Nothing at the moment

Who do you train with?

I train alone

Personal goals

To qualify for the Boston Marathon again, to visit the Maldives and Tahiti, to speak conversational Spanish and Italian reasonably well

A quotation you like…

Sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. Mind over matter. Just do it!

Why do you run?

Because all I need are running shoes and a safe course, it makes me feel great physically and emotionally, it challenges me and gives me an enormous sense of accomplishment

Describe your best marathon memory.

Qualifying for Boston in 2006 at the San Antonio Marathon, thanks to the 3:45 pacer – I'll be forever grateful to him!

Why do you pace?

It's my way of giving back to the world and expressing my gratitude not only for my excellent health and ability to run marathons, but also to continue to celebrate that pacer who helped me qualify for Boston. If it had not have been for his encouragement and faith in me that I could do it, I don't believe I would have had done it on my own. Being a pacer is a true honor for me.

Tell us your best pacing experience.

After having that incredible experience of crossing the finish line and qualifying for Boston with my 3:45 pacer at the San Antonio Marathon in 2006, I was given the opportunity to become a pacer myself at the 2007 San Antonio Marathon. I crossed the finish line right on my assigned time of 4:15, with a participant who was very grateful to have finished with me. I will never forget our happiness, and that special moment we shared crossing the finish line together.

Why should someone run in your pace group?

Because I will do my absolute best to make sure we finish exactly on time. And I would hope that my positive energy and faith in them would encourage them to reach their goal.

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Believe in yourself and go for it, but most importantly have a good time and enjoy the journey.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I hope to run with you!

What philanthropic activities do you have?

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society charity runner.