Member Spotlight: Rachel P.

Hi All! LRR here. I am excited to talk to you guys as the as the Marketing/Social Media Chair.  MRTT Louisville’s ability to bring together a diverse group is a gift that we have given each other. Some of us know each other well, others not so much. I introduced myself to a woman I thought was Rachel at last year’s Great Pumpkin 10K. It wasn’t Rachel. She was kind enough to let me know her name and that she would also be at the Urban Bourbon. Since then I haven’t gone up to any strangers thinking they are part of the group. To avoid these mishaps, our Chapter Leaders have shined the spotlight so our members are more easily identifiable. It’s probably not the reason but it certainly helps!  I now know who to keep in mind when the big mile training runs are scheduled and there are donuts involved. I did finally meet Rachel at a run at Seneca park. She was warm and open. I don't see her often but social media has given us a chance to get to know each other. I now think of her as a friend. I thought she was pretty badass when we met but this post confirms all that. See for yourself!

Name: Rachel P.

Hometown: Baldwin Park, CA

Family: I am married with two children.

Why do you Run?

I started running again March 2016, after a 6 year break following a knee injury. During that time I gained some weight, suffered from depression and battled with high cholesterol. In August of 2015, my doctor told me if I didn't lose weight and lower my cholesterol I'd have to go on a lifetime of meds. So, my weight loss journey started. By March 2016, I'd lost some weight and was ready to get my life back. Initially, my goal was to be able to pass the physical fitness test at work, which included a 1.5 mile run. A co-worker introduced me to MRTT in April of 2016. So, I joined in on group runs. To my surprise in October of 2016, I ran my first half marathon, Queen Bee, in 6 years, with the support of our MRTT mommas. Since then I've completed several half marathons, 1 full marathon, an 8-hour endurance run (I ran 32 miles). My motivation for running has changed a bit. I now run with my 15 year old daughter. Running has strengthened our bond.

Favorite non-running workout: T25, Shift Shop, Yoga, and Body Beast workouts.

Favorite Training Plan: Hason’s Marathon Method

Where is your favorite place to run and why?

Seneca- Cherokee Park. I like the variety of hills, trails, and paved trails. I find running Cherokee has made me a better runner.

What is the one thing you absolutely need to run? 

My phone 📱 🎼 Listening to music 🎶 allows my mind to wander as my feet fall in cadence with the beat.

What’s your opinion of perfect running weather? Cool and overcast

What is your favorite post-run indulgence? Donuts

Favorite running song that gives you strength? Lose Yourself

What was your favorite race and why? 

Queen Bee. The expo and race were amazing experience. The race was 13.1 mile concert and variety show. The MRTT mommas that ran it with me added to my race experience.

What is your bucket list race and why?

Los Angeles marathon. As an LA girl, to me returning home to run a marathon will signify how much I have accomplished in my life. I left home at 18 as an underdog destined to fail. Twenty years later, I am a proud military veteran, police officer, wife, mother of two and a college graduate

At what point did you start to call yourself a “runner”? 

I just recently started referring to myself as a runner. There wasn't a defining moment for me. I just feel like a runner mom.

What do you tell yourself to keep going during a tough run? 

I remind myself that the longer I go the stronger I'll be. Also, I think about the sacrifices fallen officers and soldiers given so that I can simply live. I'm reminded that my pain is only temporary. Their sacrifice is forever. The least I could do is honor their sacrifices by pushing through the pain.

What have you struggled with during your running journey and did you find a solution? Finding the time to run. I squeeze my training runs whenever possible, often splitting my run before and after work, or running on the treadmill.

What three things do you most want to accomplish (running or non-running related)?

• I'd like to get involved in working with immigrant children in a mentor-type role
• I'd to become a certified Beachbody trainer
• I'd like to organize a run from Louisville to Frankfort in support of the Concerns Of Police Survivors (COPS) organization.