In The Spotlight

We kick off the New Year and New Decade with our "In the Spotlight" member for January 2010. It's none other than Catherine Cameron. Although she is a rather reserved person with a soft voice, Catherine has been an important part of the IERC as a Pace Leader and dedicated member of our running family for years. We are honored to present her story for your reading pleasure.

Catherine was born in Cebu, Philippines. It is another island in the Philippines with beautiful beaches, and it is a popular tourist destination. The first five years of her life, she grew up in a small city.

Her dad was an Engineer while her mom taught high school. Then one day her mom decided that they could do better in America, especially for the children. "It took a lot of encouraging from my mom for my dad to finally agree to moving. So when I was five years old, my mom, older brother, and two younger sisters came to America. My dad went ahead of us a year earlier to find a job and home."

Catherine's first memories of coming to the United States were the amazing lights of the city. "It was a very long flight, so when the plane landed at night all I could see were the city lights. Being on a plane and seeing all the lights, I was excited about my new life in America." Their new school, new house, and new neighbors took some adjusting, but there was no going back. As young children, Catherine, her sisters and brother adjusted and moved forward.

So until she got married, she grew up in West Los Angeles. Growing up, Catherine attended Palms Elementary, went on to Palms Jr. High and then on to Hamilton High School all in West L.A. "Finally, I went to Cal State L.A. to get my B.A. in Child Development."

Before Catherine got married, she says she was like most carefree college students. "I was working part-time at a daycare while going to school. My life was about school, work, family and friends." It was while working at the daycare, Catherine decided she wanted to pursue a teaching career. "I liked working with kids! So I finally declared a major and went on to get my teaching credential."

"My husband Don and I have been married for 20 years. We have known each other for about 25 years. I met him in college during my junior year. He is my best friend and best cheer leader. He was the one to encourage me to be a teacher when I was not sure I wanted to pursue a career in education." Not only is he her best friend, but her worst critic as well. He is always the first to point out Catherine's strengths and weaknesses. "With the weaknesses, he will tell me to do something about it. If I feel I can't do it, he is always there to say you can if you try."

Both instill this philosophy with their two kids. Their son Christian is a senior at Chino Hills High School, and their daughter Claire is an eighth grader at Townsend Jr. High. "We also have two dogs named Scout ( a cocker spaniel mix) and Biscuit (a miniature poodle)." According to Catherine, it is not a quiet home. Although Catherine's husband is not a runner (yet), he supports her running totally. He loves cycling, and sometimes Catherine cross trains with him on the bike.

However, both of their kids run. "It is something I have always encouraged them to do ever since I started running. I always remind them it is a great way to relieve stress, stay fit, and to think. You can run any where, anytime, and at any age. All you need is a good pair of running shoes." Her son has run cross country and track at his school for a few years now.

Her daughter also runs. She runs with a youth running club called Chino Hills Flash. Her running skills have helped her in soccer and plays for Freedom Futbol Club in Chino Hills. "I believe because she is a strong runner, she plays forward and midfield."

When Catherine is not running, she is a full time mom. Making meals, doing laundry, cleaning up, shuttling kids to and from soccer and running practice. Like many busy wives and moms, Catherine doesn't really have a hobby outside of running. Although, she does enjoy reading and watching Food Network shows. "I am fascinated with cooking shows. The joy of creating something that gives pleasure to the senses is quite interesting."

Catherine has been teaching for 20 years at Vine Elementary in West Covina and is currently teaching third grade. "I love teaching this grade level. They are curious, fun, and for the most part independent workers. For the past eight years, I have combined my joy of running and working with kids to form an after school running program."

Every January through April, Catherine conducts track practice after school twice a week to lead up to the Mt. Sac Youth Relays in April. The program started out with 30 kids eight years ago, now she has 100 plus students signed up.

They have to sign a contract to practice an hour twice a week, have a positive attitude, and always do their best. They also have to commit to finishing the program by being at the Mt. Sac Youth Relay. "I am always reminding the students that it is not how fast you are, it is finishing a task even when it gets difficult. They probably get tired of me telling them about my marathon stories. Hopefully, I have planted a seed that they will carry throughout their life."

Catherine does her best to lead by example. "My students know I am a runner. I know how they feel when it is the last lap or mile and they feel they can't do any more. That's when I say, "Yes, you can! Keep moving forward." I get excited when students improve." Many start out barely running a lap (400 meter) before stopping. By the end, they can run four laps without stopping. It sounds like they have an excellent coach in Mrs. Cameron.

Catherine started to run consistently after her second child was born. This was 13 years ago. Before then, she would occasionally run when she felt like it. After having her second child, she found it difficult to lose weight. So she started running more consistently. "Back then, Chino Hills was quite rural. It was nice running on the quiet road. Now there are more homes and cars, but it still has its rural charm. Because of running, I have seen my neighborhood develop. I was really excited when a Starbuck opened up, and saddened when it closed down. When you start running, you become more observant of your neighborhood and community."

"My husband encouraged me to run and still does. Now, however, I have friends that inspire me to run. Cris, Tresa, Cindy, and Rachel are such strong (in mind, spirit, and body) ladies that I can't help feeling that I can run just like them."

Catherine has run eight marathons (all L.A.), eight half-marathons, four 5ks, two 10ks, two 12ks, and one Mud Run. As for her training routine, in the beginning she would run as many miles in a week that she could (about 35-40 miles a week). Now, she runs 3-4 days a week. Three days of easy run, and one day for a long run. "I try to fit in cross training by swimming or cycling, but I just have don't have the time."

Catherine's most memorable race was Surf City 2009 with her friends Cris and Tresa. It was a celebration run. "I just finished my radiation treatment for breast cancer. The girls were there for me from the beginning (from my initial diagnosis, surgery, to radiation treatment). I was only running once or twice a week during my treatment. Running helped me keep things in perspective. It allowed me to think and be grateful for all the joys in my life. Also, I think running kept my cancer at a minimum. Maybe my diagnosis would've been worse if I wasn't a runner. That is just my opinion. "So when treatment was over, the girls and I decided we would celebrate by doing a half marathon. We didn't worry about time or personal records. We just ran to be together and have fun. It was great! They are my "Sole Sistas!"

The strangest race Catherine says she's ever run was the Bay to Breakers in San Francisco. "Even before the race starts, tortillas are flying everywhere. You see people in costumes and sometimes nothing at all. There were tiki bars and centipedes running. It was fun and strange experience!"

As for a particular race she would like to run. "I would like to run the Nike Women's Marathon for a fun weekend with my "sole sistas" and for the Tiffany medal." I asked Catherine who she most likes to run with. "Before I joined a running club eight years ago, I thought I was a happy lone runner. Now that I have been running with friends, I can't imagine running long miles without them. Time and distance seems to go by quickly when you are talking to friends during a run. Problems are solved, ideas are created, recipes are shared, and woes are listened to during runs with friends."

Similar to a lot of people we've written stories on, half marathons are Catherine's favorite race distance. "I like marathons, but my favorite race distance is half marathons. The training is not as intense and the distance is respectable." Before a race, Catherine doesn't eat anything new. She has her protein, carbohydrates, and drink lots of water. "I have some kind of whole grain pasta the night before a race. The morning of a race, I'll have whole grain bagel with peanut butter, a banana, and a small cup of coffee. It depends on the distance of the race." Here favorite post race meal is a bean and cheese burrito followed by a long nap.

Gear is at the heart of most running topics. Right now her favorite running shoes are Gel-Kayano by Asics. "They give me great support without feeling too heavy. However, I've tried Saucony, Nike, and Brooks. I liked all of them. It just depends on fit and the kind of training I do."

Runners find different sources from where they draw their inspiration to continue in the sport. Catherine runs to stay fit and healthy. But she mostly runs to serve as a role model to her two kids and her students. "I want them to understand that staying active and fit is part of their lifestyle routine. It is not an option!" As for pet peeves, "I really don't have a pet peeve in a race. We are all out there to finish a race. I make no judgment on how one finishes a race."

"When I am running by myself, I listen to all kinds of music. I have heavy rock, punk, oldies, and country. I choose music for their lyrics and tempo. If it has an upbeat tempo and inspirational lyrics, I will listen to it."

Why did Catherine join a running club? "I joined a running club because it was difficult to do the long runs on my own. It is hard to stay focus when you don't have others to motivate and commiserate with. Ten years ago, I did a marathon without a running club support. I trained on my own. For the long runs (18-20 miles), I would run on the treadmill. It was long and very, very boring. After that first marathon, I searched for a running club close to home, but nothing was close. I didn't want to travel too far. I didn't find one close to me, so I did another marathon without a running club. Finally, a running club was available in Chino Hills! And it was only a few minutes from my house."

Catherine enjoys the easy going atmosphere of the club. "I like the fact that everyone has there own goals and reasons for running. Also, there are different levels of runners. You can move from one pace group to another depending on your mood, goals, and fitness level. When I feel like pushing myself, I'll try the 9:30 group."

She likes the fact that a runner can move from one group to another without feeling like they're intruding. Every group gives off a welcoming and friendly vibe. "I am also grateful for the life long friendships I have made. Through the running club, she has discovered that "a successful journey becomes your destination and where your real accomplishment lies" (Coach John Wooden). Yes, she wants to be a faster and stronger runner, but it is not her priority. "Being healthy, fit, and strong and able to run with friends is a great gift."

Over the next five years Catherine would love to do another marathon other than Los Angeles. "I would like to do it outside of California so I make it into a mini vacation for my family. Also, I would like to do more races with my friends."

Here is some of Catherine's top-notch advice for runners just starting out: "Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone runner is different. I use to have a perception of what I thought a runner looked like. That all changed when I did my first marathon. A runner comes in all shapes, sizes, and ages. Also, run your own pace. I use to think I have to keep up with fast runners to run. Run the pace that is comfortable for you! Everyone has their own path and journey."

Favorite Inspirational quotes: "Right now, I am reading a book about John Wooden. He was a champion basketball coach for UCLA. I am inspired by his strength of character. Here are a few that I will be sharing with my students:"

"Make each day your masterpiece."

"Don't permit fear of failure to prevent effort. We are all imperfect and will fail on occasions, but fear of failure is the greatest failure of all."

"Acquire peace of mind by making the effort to become the best of which you are capable."

Catherine's Special Message: In my opinion runners are unique special people. I have tremendous respect for people being out there running in the blazing heat, torrential storm, facing whipping wind, and frigid air. We are out there in the pre dawn hours, and we out there after dusk. We are out there doing what is good for our mind, body, and spirit.

Catherine, in every human being is an inspiring story. There is something in everyone which can leave a lasting impression on others. I've always felt there is something in you that we all can learn from. Your triumphs, wisdom and warmth have made you an inspiration to us all. We value your dedication, presence and are truly grateful for your friendship. Thank you for accepting the long over-due invitation to be our In The Spotlight Runner!

Greg Serrato