MEMBER OF THE MONTH - October 2026
Julie Yang
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How did you hear about Pacifica Runners? I was looking for a run club to join as I began training for my first marathon. Pacifica Runners came up in my search and seemed to be the most active.How long have you been running, walking or hiking as a form or exercise? What motivates you to stay at it? I did track in middle school and have been recreationally running since. There were periods of time where I stopped running but always seemed to turn back to it. Running is something that I didn't need a gym membership or anything fancy to do and it was always a nice way to tune out and de-stress whenever I needed to. I enjoy hiking as well and running helped me stay in shape for that. How did you get into running, hiking or walking as a form of exercise? I think running and walking is the easiest form of exercise to just get your body moving. You can push yourself as hard as you want or need and take it as easy as you want or need. There's also a component of mental perseverance that comes into play with cardio and endurance exercises that I really appreciate.If you're a runner, do you have a favorite race? If walking or hiking are more your speed, where is the best place you've ever taken a walk or hike? I consider myself a runner even though I've only ever ran one marathon so I don't have a favorite race. I do really enjoy walking/running around Disney parks, if that counts. Two of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes I've done would be Mt. Fuji, Japan in 2017 and Mt. Olympus, Greece in 2025.What are your favorite running/walking/hiking trails/routes? I enjoy running Lake Merced, and have recently really started enjoying running along Pacifica Pier due to this group. During marathon training, some of my favorite runs included up and down Sunset Dunes and towards Golden Gate Bridge just for the views, not the hills. What are your future running or fitness goals? Someone from run club has planted the seed of the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim challenge which is very appealing to me. I would also be open to a fun international half or full marathon. I think the main goal is to stay mobile, stay active, and enjoy every moment of it!What do you enjoy most about Pacifica Runners? Hands down, it's the people! Everyone is super impressive, inspirational, friendly, and supportive. I was nervous to join a run club worried that it would be too intense or intimidating but everyone made me feel welcome and was generous with their advice, pacing, and coaching. It's also hard as an adult to make new friends but Pacifica Runners is a great place for that!Any other cool info about you? I grew up in San Francisco, moved away for college, then went overseas for work, before moving back to the bay. In all that time, I never really explored much of or around Pacifica so this group has been a lot of fun -- not just getting to know the people but also the area. |