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Welcome to The Rundown!
We are so happy that you're a member of the
Pensacola Runners Association. We hope that you find this newsletter both informative and motivating. As a PRA member, you can expect to receive our newsletters every month. The newsletters provide training tools, insider race discounts, advice from the pros, and a race calendar. Don't see something? Shoot us a line at
[email protected], and we will make sure it gets considered.
About the Pensacola Runners Association
PRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to running advocacy in Florida's Northern Gulf Coast. Since 1973, PRA has grown into a organization that supports runners across the region. We help runners run better, faster, and stronger, by providing training, social, outreach and advocacy while also promoting friendships and goal achievement.
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Meet Rebecca Yasunaga
"I used to be a crossfitter that runs and now I'm a runner that does CrossFit."
- RebeccaYasunaga
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Rebecca with her medal after qualifying for Boston at a Washington Marathon earlier this year.
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Rebecca Yasunaga is a recent arrival to the Pensacola running scene. She moved to Pensacola last year when her Air Force husband, Joey, was transferred here from Colorado Springs. They settled into the community along with their two daughters, Ella (age six) and Olivia (age four). In addition to being a wife and mother, she is also a psychologist with a busy schedule that keeps her very busy when she's not traveling for her job.
Rebecca joined PRA April 2018. If you have seen Rebecca run, you immediately believe she has been a life long runner. However, she only began running avidly about a year ago. Prior to 2018, she ran just one half marathon. She never ran in high school or college, and states, "I couldn't even run around the block!"
I asked about what motivated her to run? Her response was "Initially, to be honest, I was going to CrossFit because I had gained a little more weight than I needed when I moved to Pensacola." After Rebecca began cross fit, she "started running to lose maybe an extra pound a week. I ran by myself." She registered for local half marathons. She then discovered that "each time I shaved down a little time. Last year, each one [half] I ran, [I ran] a little better." These included Big Beach, and was first in age group at the Rock and Fly." She said "I became a little competitive in my age group" which motivated her to keep going!
She went to see Lynne Virant, a PT and running coach located at Running Wild (RW). Rebecca said she worked with Lynn for evaluation of her running. and Lynne invited her to Phat Girlz (women's running group at RW, Pensacola). Rebecca was hesitant. "I didn't want others to be frustrated with me or have to wait for me." But she went for it, and ran with them this past Spring. Rebecca found she really liked it!
Rebecca ran her first marathon, The Donna in Jacksonville in February 2018 with a time of just over 4 hours. She also ran the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon and received a BQ but felt she wasn't quite close enough to register. On her third marathon this year in July, she ran the Jack & Jill Downhill Marathon near Seattle, Washington and earned a solid BQ time of 3:38:17 dropping about 6 minutes off her PR and earning her a spot in the 2019 Boston Marathon! (The BQ qualifier for 40-45 females is 3:45.)
The half marathon remains Rebecca's favorite distance. In the past year she has ran 9 for 10 total half marathons completed.
Q & A with Rebecca
Marinda
: What has been the toughest thing you have had to deal with?
Rebecca:
Five hours after the Jack & Jill Marathon I was on a plane to Germany for work. I was exhausted (and of course, a long flight isn't the best way to recover from marathon!)
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Pensacola runner and UWF Professor Barbara White with Rebecca at a marathon in Washington
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Marinda: What do you think about when you run?
Rebecca: I listen to music a lot. I have things I like to listen to on the radio. I don't know - counting the miles, calculating paces and distances. When I've done a half or a third.
Marinda
: What is your favorite pre-race fuel?
Rebecca:
Little bars from Singlefin Café, 'Totally Nuts' bars. No preservatives. Seeds, nuts and dates. Early morning you don't want to cook anything, but you need something quick to eat.
Marinda: What is a typical meal like?
Rebecca: Oh gosh, I'm a bad example there. Either I eat everything I see or virtually nothing.
Marinda
: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or definitely a meat eater?
Rebecca: Before I moved here I was vegetarian. Then after I moved here, I started eating a lot of fish. Vegetarian 80% of the time. Not strict. But mostly vegetarian.
Marinda: What your training regimen like?
Rebecca: Gabby Garza has me strictly adhering to RW (Running Wild) marathon training program. Hit those paces and distances during the week. Run at least six days a week. CrossFit 5 days a week. After the run. I used to be a crossfitter that runs and now I'm a runner that does CrossFit.
Marinda: Do you prefer running with a group or solo?
Rebecca: Group now. Definitely. Pretty obsessed with my running tribe and running community. Major case of FOMO. If someone is out there I want to be with them running.
Marinda: What your advice to a new or non-runner that would like to begin running?
Rebecca: Getting started is always the hardest part. The first mile is almost always the hardest. The most challenging. She mentioned the "Runners high". "Don't be intimidated to run with people. Enjoy the ride."
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Sign up for the
Pensacola Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday,
November 11, 2018 - registration is still open! Barbara White will hit the 100 Marathon milestone at the Pensacola Marathon! Be there to participate, or cheer on other runners who will appreciate the encouragement as they realize their achievements!
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Get Involved in PRA's Upcoming Events
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November 3, 2018
Benefiting Sacred Heart Cathedral School, this Fall favorite begins at the corner of 12th Avenue and Moreno Streets, winding through scenic East Hill for 3.1 fun miles. Participants will enjoy a combination of long flat stretches with some hills on all paved roads. View period historic and period homes and lush landscapes as you make your way through historic Old East Hill. The run takes place, rain or shine!
Pumpkin Run shirts are very popular and we frequently run out before race day. The first 1000 registrants will receive a shirt.
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St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the USA. You will do much more than a race. You will live an unforgettable experience.
PRA members recieve a 15% discount using code PENSACOLARUNNERS2018
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5:00pm
The
Christmas Parade Dash 1 Mile, hosted by the Pensacola Runners Association, is a holiday tradition for the whole family! Bring the family out, for a fun, fast 1 mile through Downtown Pensacola to kick off the Downtown Pensacola Christmas Parade!
Just a few of the many reasons to run are:
- A fast and flat 1 mile course through Downtown Pensacola completely lined with spectators
- Signature Christmas Dash SWAG to the first 300 registered
- The chance to kick off the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade!
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December 9 & 10, 2018
Attention PRA Members!
We have a deal for you!
In support of races along the Gulf Coast, we would like to invite you to run the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is offering all PRA Members a discounted rate to their race! Please use this promo code PRAGROUP15 at checkout!
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon is a Coastal Running Fest, and celebrates the local flare and beauty of running along the scenic beaches from Pass Christian to Biloxi. Races include a marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K (3.1 miles) and kids marathon race program (a 1.2 mile fun run).
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January 12, 2019
The Pensacola Beach Run, a Pensacola Runners Association Event, is one of the premier destination road races in the Southeast and the perfect way to kick off your New Year Resolution. The original half marathon on Pensacola Beach, the event features a half marathon and a "pick your distance" 10k/5k, meaning runners do not have to decide whether to run the 10k or the 5k until they are out on the course!
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Back to Back Challenge: Pensacola Beach Half and Mobile Marathon
Run the Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon on
Saturday, January 12, 2019 and the ServisFirst Bank Mobile Marathon (Full or Half Marathon) on
Sunday, January 13, for a Back-2-Back Weekend Challenge.
Participants in both events will receive a special hand-made commemorative plaque.
Register online with
here
Marathon Guide and choose the Back-2-Back Challenge option. (A service fee will apply.) PRA members receive a 20% discount with code
Pra 2019.
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January 27, 2019
Boasting a flat and fast Boston Qualifier course, the marathon reveals beautiful scenery as it runs through the paved trail system of Gulf State Park before crossing the Beach Blvd pedestrian bridge and finishing the last 1.2 miles on Beach Blvd with great views of the Gulf of Mexico at the finish.
Choose from a flat, fast and fun half or a full tailor-made to BQ! Not up for that much running? Get 3 friends and do the marathon relay.
PRA Members receive 10% registration with discount code
PRA18
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PRA GEAR IS HERE!
Order newly released PRA singlets and hats
HERE.
PRA Hats: $15
PRA Singlets: $25 (mens and womens sizes)
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ll current PRA members are invited to the University of West Florida Track at 6:00 PM each Monday evening for a FREE interval workout led by UWF Cross Country Coach Caleb Carmichael!
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Run with us very
Thursday evening at 6pm at the Gulf Coast Brewery
for a 5K fun run and get your
first beer
on the house! Yes, that's right! Printed
maps
will be available at the brewery. After the run, each runner gets a free beer of choice and can play a variety of complimentary games such as Cornhole, Ping Pong, Checkers, and other ancillary games right there where the beer brewing and production takes place! To satisfy your hunger, there is also a food truck serving some delicious food for purchase! All runners, walkers, families or pet are welcome.
Gulf Coast Brewery is a micro brewery located in downtown Pensacola, FL. Come have a drink of local beer brewed on site!
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The PRA Needs You!
The PRA is an all-v
olunteer, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to promote, support and develop running, walking and racing along Florida's North
ern Gulf Coast. Our goal is to enhance the experience of being a runner or walker in Northwest Florida.
The events and programs we produce would not be possible without the support of the Pensacola area's active and involved community of runners and w
alkers. That said, we are always looking for new members and volunteers to get involved and help take us to the next level.
If you'd like more information about how to get involved please send your your inquiry and contact information to the PRA at:
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The Pensacola Runners Association brings together runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts to promote, support and develop running and racing along the Northern Gulf Coast. Our objective is to provide information, education, training, social and sporting events for competitive and noncompetitive runners and walkers of all ages, races, genders and abilities.
Benefits:
- Discounted entry rates on the full calendar of PRA Races/Events, including FREE entry to our Membership Run
- The chance to eat, drink and socialize with fellow runners at our free, members only social events
- Access to our action packed monthly newsletter: "the Rundown"
- Eligibility for the Lou Gregory, Jim Harrington and Volunteer of the Year Awards
- Access to free, members only weekly interval workouts overseen by a professional Coach
- The opportunity to do your part to promote, support and develop running and racing along the Northern Gulf Coast
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Thanks to our Organizational Sponsors!
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Pensacola Runners Association offers "The Rundown" as an informational service to its members. Any articles, opinions or recommendations are owned by the respective authors, and are not necessarily opinions adopted by the Pensacola Runners Association. The Pensacola Runners Association recommends you consult your physician prior to engaging in any physical activity.
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