Pamela Frost, Northford, CT, 43, Web Design Consultant
What inspired you to start doing races?Before I turned 40, I went for a walk while on vacation and then jogged a little. It felt good so I did it again the next day, and then continued it when I came home from vacation. I enjoyed it so much I decided that I wanted to do a 5K race before I turned 40, and have been racing 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and full marathons ever since!
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I use the Jeff Galloway run/walk/run method. It was the only way I was able to increase my running distance, and it was how I was able to train for my first half which then put the carrot in front of me to go try a full marathon; which I knew had to be Disney as my first!
What distances do you do?
I do all distances.
How many have you done?
I have done numerous 5Ks and 10Ks, around 20 half marathons, and seven full marathons which includes two Dopey Challenges (5k, 10k, half and full marathons on consecutive days) at Walt Disney World.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
Completing my first Dopey Challenge is what I am most proud of. I always thought that was a race/challenge that the cools kids did. I never thought I had what it takes to do that.
Favorite race and why?
I recently felt that my favorite race has been the Dopey Challenge. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment to know that you did four races in four days; which includes a back to back half marathon and full marathon.
Do you travel for races?
Yes.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
At times it does. I sell Jamberry wraps as supplemental income, I use frequent flier miles, I stay off property to reduce costs for lodging, and I have a corporate discount for rental cars.
Must-have gear on race day:
My sneakers and sunglasses
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
My boobs. The sports bra I wore was too tight!
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
Cold weather
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
Hot tea and cinnamon toast. Nibbling on frosted flakes while waiting in the corrals has also been a great tip from Tara Gidus Collingwood.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
During my first Dopey challenge … during the full marathon we were running up the ramp to the overpass that leads us to the road to Magic Kingdom. A girl was off the road and just dropped her pants right there in front of 25,000 runners to go to the bathroom!
Worst experience during a race:
The Marine Corps Marathon was my hardest marathon. It rained and then it was hot. I wasn’t trained as well as I should have, and I took Tylenol at mile 16 or so. I almost vomited up that Tylenol three times as I was pushing myself so hard to get to the bridge before they opened it back up to traffic. If I didn’t make it to the bridge I would have been swept.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
Beating that bridge during the Marine Corps marathon. I dug deep and gave it everything I had to get there with just seconds before they reopened the road (little did I know that they were extending that time by 15 minutes because of the delay in the start of the race). But I had to beat it. In my heart I couldn’t have a DNF (Did Not Finish) for that race.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
Being with friends and making new friends! I have learned so much with these races that you become part of a community. I am a member of several groups on social media, so if I have a race coming up in any state, I know there will be someone I can meet up with there and will never have to run alone if I don’t want to.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
I wear mild costumes. My favorite so far was the one both my mom and I wore for her first runDisney 5K. It was fun to pick out matching outfits and we could wear the top again while visiting the parks!
How important are awesome medals to you?
I love awesome medals!
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
I have two favorites. My first Walt Disney World Marathon medal. Because it was my first marathon, and it was the 20th anniversary, and it was an incredible medal with a spinner. The Marine Corps Marathon medal is also special to me because there is a lot of hard work that went into finishing that race, and it is a reminder to me that you must respect the distance and train.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
I prefer to train alone because it is my alone time out on the roads to relieve stress from the day and to recharge myself. I prefer to run races with friends.
Favorite song on your playlist:
Hall of Fame by the Script
Who is your race hero and why?
Jeff Galloway. He is 70 years old and he still loves his sport. He is an Olympic athlete; yet he has zero ego and is always so gracious and kind to help others get into the sport. He is so encouraging and positive.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
NYC Marathon
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race: Go for it! You WILL meet people and they may up becoming some of your closest new friends!
