Pagoda Pacers News

Meet the Candidates: Pagoda Pacers 2026 Club Election

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

This year’s club election will take place online from November 2 to November 12.

On November 2, an email will be sent to all current club members with instructions for how to vote. Members may then vote anytime until 5p.m. on November 12.

The results of the election will be announced at the November 12 Monthly Membership Meeting.

Below is a list of candidates running for Club President and Board of Directors.

Club president (select one)

After serving as Vice President of the Pagoda Pacers for five years, Lisa is ready to take the helm, and hopefully keep everyone running in the right direction. She has also been Race Director for the club’s Kris Kringle race for seven years, served on the board for four years, and volunteered at more club events than she can probably count.

As the owner of Fabric Mart, Lisa brings valuable business and management experience to the role, along with a wealth of knowledge about the club, its many wonderful events and their inner workings.

As President, Lisa wants to build on everything that makes the Pagoda Pacers such a great club while finding new ways to keep it growing, evolving, and thriving. She hopes to bring fresh energy to the club’s online presence by improving the website and making it an even better resource for members and prospective members alike. She also wants to strengthen the connection between the board and the general membership, making sure the great ideas and conversations happening behind the scenes translate into meaningful engagement and involvement throughout the club.

Above all, Lisa wants to keep the club welcoming, active, and fun, the kind of place where people come for the running but stay for the friendships, volunteering, and post-run socializing. She’s excited to build on the club’s strong foundation, encourage new ideas, and help make the Pagoda Pacers even better in the years ahead. After all, there’s always room to improve a good thing.

Board of directors (4 candidates, 5 positions)

I joined the Pagoda Pacers shortly after moving to Reading 10ish years ago. Running was a part of my life before then, but the Pacers were the first time I really had a running community. I’m so happy I joined and consider so many of you friends today. As a board member, I will work to preserve the Pacer legacy and continue drawing in new runners or runners new to the area, just like I was years ago.

Cody is running to remain on the board of directors because he wants to continue to give back to the organization that has given so much to him. He has been running for more than 20 years, and he joined the Pacers 8 years ago. During that time, the club and its members have helped him grow as a runner and a person, and he wants to return the favor. He looks forward to helping increase the club’s visibility in the community and work on activities and events that add value for existing members. He humbly asks for your support and vote for the board of directors.

I’ve been a member for over 15 years. I try to get to most of the events, Wednesday runs, races, and meetings. I was elected to the board a few years back and have been an active member.
I took the position of race director for Run for the Ages in 2021 and have been actively involved in that event since.
As a runner, I competed in track and cross country for West Scranton High School, and stayed active in the sport on and off since then, and have been consistent since 2007.
My wife Karen and I live in Mohnton, and have hosted Wednesday night runs for the last few years. I’m employed by Sechan Electronics in Lancaster doing Quality Assurance work on electronics for the military. I have Engineering and Business degrees from Lehigh University.
I think the Pacers need to expand our social activities to keep our members engaged. I would like us to consider events such as a pickleball night, a golf outing, or perhaps an indoor golf outing to provide our members with more opportunities to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. As President, I would look to develop events like these for our club.

I’ve been a Pacer since my first run in 2009, when I showed up for a run 6 months pregnant, and someone waited at every turn to make sure I wouldn’t be left behind. I’ve found a wonderful community here that I’m proud to be a part of, being encouraged to try new distances/formats, and getting to volunteer for so many different events. I have met so many cool people here over the years. When my boys were younger, I didn’t have as much time to volunteer with the club. Over the last year, I’ve been able to be more involved, now that my boys are older. I’m looking forward to continuing to work to make the Pacers a welcome place for athletes of all abilities.

Join the Pagoda Pathfinders Email List

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

Provided by the Pagoda Pacers for new and beginning runners

Goals of the Pathfinders program:

This free program provides a community that helps eliminate the economic barrier to improving health and wellness. Participants have the opportunity to learn more about fitness and wellness while engaging with others in an environment that fosters their identity, feelings of capability, and motivation.

Andrea Thrush is creating an email list for the Pagoda Pathfinders Program for the spring for anyone who is interested in updates. She anticipates that the next session will be in April and May of next year. Anyone who wants to be added to the list can email her at pagodapathfinders@gmail.com.

Wellness Corner: Stress 101—Health Risks of Unmanaged Chronic Stress

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

by Andrea Thrush

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and this information is for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this article does not create a coach-client relationship, and you have full personal responsibility for your health and wellness. Please seek professional medical or psychological help if you have any concerns or issues.

Knowing the health effects of chronic stress can be an important first step in the process of managing it. There are many additional factors that can lead to the health issues listed here (nutrition, exercise, type A personality, etc.), but being aware of the role stress plays can be helpful. It is important to note that stress alone does not cause these health problems; it is just a small piece of the puzzle, but one that we can manage in order to help improve our health.

Ongoing chronic stress that is not managed can increase the risk of:

Cholesterol (LDL, also known as the “bad” cholesterol) levels can increase, leading to increased risk of heart disease or stroke because the cholesterol sticks to the walls of the blood vessels and can block blood flow (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3). This is from stress hormones that unlock fats and triglycerides, while chronic low-grade inflammation is elevated (Harvard Health, 2024). Even something so “simple” as a football team losing the Super Bowl was found to influence the increased rates of death from heart attacks and heart disease (Greenberg, 2025).
Hypertension (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3). This is partly a result of when the body releases vasopressin and oxytocin as a part of the stress response (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 2). These two hormones together can result in higher blood pressure. In addition, relaxation techniques can help increase nitric oxide levels in our bodies, which can help reduce blood pressure and help improve our mood (Harvard Health, 2024).
Stroke due to higher cholesterol levels affecting the blood vessels blocking blood flow to the brain (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Coronary Heart Disease from higher cholesterol levels affecting the blood flow to the heart (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3). Heart disease programs that include stress management have been found to decrease death rates, reduced hospitalization rates (for heart problems), and improved heart function (Harvard Health, 2024).
Ulcers (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3) and irritable bowel syndrome (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 2). One theory about stress’s role in ulcers is that the bacteria known to cause the majority of ulcers (Helicobacter pylori) irritate the lining of the stomach and may also increase the acid in the stomach, leading to ulcers (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Migraine headaches because of increased blood flow to the head during times of stress, although lifestyle as a whole should be addressed for this condition (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Tension headaches due to muscle tension when stressed (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3)
Cancer: While research in this area is ongoing and there are several causes of cancer, T-lymphocytes help fight cancer cells, and they decrease in number during stress (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3). Simply put, chronic stress can hurt our immune systems, which can hurt our bodies’ abilities to respond to cancer cells (Harvard Health, 2024).
Allergies, asthma, and hay fever: T-lymphocytes also help deal with the antigens that enter the body that kick allergies and asthma in, and due to their reduction in times of stress, the body’s ability to handle these antigens declines (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Flare-ups often seem to come after stressful times (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Decreased immune system function, due to the fact that stress can decrease your white blood cells, which your body needs to help fight viruses (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3). Several studies have found lower levels of antibodies during stressful times (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3). This affects everything from our chances of catching a common cold to the influence of developing cancer (Greenberg, 2025).
Backaches are common due to muscle tension from stress or muscle weakness (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Sports injuries are also more likely to occur after stressful times (Greenberg, 2025, chapter 3).
Diabetes: It has been found that diabetes is not caused by stress, though stress can make it more difficult to handle this condition (Harvard Health, 2024).

There is a light at the end of the tunnel—remember that stress is only one piece of the puzzle in these health conditions. Next month we will get into methods of coping and managing stress in order to help improve our moods and health outcomes!

References

Greenberg, J. S. (2025). Comprehensive stress management (2025 Release). McGraw Hill.

Harvard Health. (2024). Stress Management—Special Health Report. Harvard University.

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2027 Pagoda Pacer Scholarships!

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

Applications are now being accepted for two different cross-country scholarships being offered by the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club (PPAC). High school seniors are encouraged to apply for a scholarship as a cross-country runner or as the child of a PPAC member who is in good standing with the club. Two of each scholarship type will be awarded. Please refer to the PPAC Scholarship page for details which can be found at: https://www.pagodapacers.com/Scholarships/About.aspx

All applications must be postmarked by February 28, 2027. For more information, please email scholarshipcoordinator@pagodapacers.com

Shiver Shirt Pre-Order Deadline: 11/13/26

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

The SHIVER by the RIVER 5K & 10K is NOW. The first one is Dec 13^th, at Jim Dietrich Park, in Muhlenberg Twp. Registration opens at 8:30; both races start at 10:00. If you can’t run all 4 races, run 3, run 2, or run 1. The dates for the other races are Jan 10^th, Feb 14^th, and March 14^th.

The Shiver is unique in that at the end of a 5K loop, runners can decide if they want to go through the chute and finish the 5K or continue and do the loop a 2^nd time, completing a 10K. Runners can run different distances each month or the same distance each month. So come out and join us for motivation to run through the winter. See old friends, meet new friends, and see how your time compares month to month! Snacks and hot soup after each race. Series awards will be given at a banquet, after the March race. Runners must complete at least 3 races to be eligible for a series award. The banquet is free to all who have run at least 3 races, with a nominal charge for all others.

Registration: Runners can register online at Pretzel City Sports or by mailing the registration form and a check. We did not mail applications; however, the app can be printed from the Pacer website or picked up at any race that is timed by Pretel City Sports. We will have race day registration. The pre-registration deadline is 11/13.

Swag: This series we have a long-sleeve tech shirt with a new logo. New this year, THE SHIRT MUST BE PRE-ORDERED!!! There will be no extra shirts available on race day. Runners who want a shirt but do not plan to pre-register for the series must still pre-order either online or by mailing a registration form. Pre-ordered shirts will be available for pickup at any of the races. The deadline to order a shirt is Nov 13^th.

If you choose not to run the race, please consider volunteering. We need volunteers before the race for parking and registration; during the race—on the road, at the finish line, and in the farmhouse; and after the race—for cleanup. If you can help prior to the race, please plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:15. If you can help with the race itself, please arrive no later than 9:30. Look for one of the race directors somewhere around the farmhouse. Thank you in advance for your support!

Hope to see you there!!!

Sue Jackson, Georgine McCool, Tiffany Pantoja

17th Annual Berks County Junior High Cross Country Fall “Run Off” Invitational Recap

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

by Phil Lechner

On Saturday, October 24th, the Pagoda Pacers held the 17th annual Berks County middle school cross country “Run Off.” It was held at the very frosty Berks County Fairgrounds. Runners from 15 Berks County schools attended and were treated to a full championship experience.

There was a well-marked 2-mile course, a DJ, the singing of the national anthem (by 2 Wilson students), and a PIAA official starter. The blast from Coach Tim Hetrich’s cannon started each race.

The boys’ race involved 86 7th and 8th graders. The first mile was flat, but the second mile tested their resolve with several challenging hills. In the end, the winner of the race was 8th grader Nolan Houck of Daniel Boone. Overall the top 3 boys’ teams were Exeter, Wyomissing, and Wilson.

The girls’ race went off soon after with 58 participants. The winner of the race (by a large margin) was 8th grader Teagan Fox of Schuylkill Valley. Twin Valley, Wilson, and Exeter were the top three teams.

This year we also had our first 6th grade race (.9 mile), and we had 14 finishers (11 boys and 3 girls).

The race’s success was largely because of a wide variety of people who excelled in their roles. The Pagoda Pacers hosted the race and had over a dozen “professional” volunteers who made every detail look perfect.

Ron Horn and his Pretzel City crew did an outstanding job with the results. Fleet Feet (led by Jason Corby) created and handed out finisher medals to all 7th and 8th grade finishers (a race 1st). Saucony donated swag bags to the 1st 10 male and female finishers, and Redner’s donated bananas for all the runners to enjoy. Lastly, I cannot thank enough the Fairgrounds crew who did a great job keeping the course mowed and the plentiful bathrooms spotless.

The hundreds of parents, runners, coaches, and crew all seemed to have a great time. Hopefully the club will continue to build upon this amazing event.

Thank you.

Phil Lechner

Girls on the Run Fall Celebration 5k on 11/7/26!

October 31, 2026 by pagodapacers

The countdown is on! Girls on the Run Berks County is gearing up for our Fall Celebration 5K on Saturday, November 7, at the Berks Heritage Center, and we’d love your support!

There’s still time to join us as a community runner or volunteer. Community runner registration closes Wednesday, November 4, so don’t wait to sign up! Day-of registration will also be available on November 7 for those who decide to join us at the last minute.

We’re also looking for volunteers to help make race day a memorable experience for our girls, their families, and our community. Your time and enthusiasm help create a joyful celebration of confidence, connection, and accomplishment for every participant.

For more information on how to register or volunteer, go to https://www.gotrberks.org/5k!

Join Our Board!

Girls on the Run Berks County is also looking for enthusiastic, passionate individuals to join our Board of Directors! If you believe in empowering girls to build confidence, develop healthy habits, and recognize their limitless potential, we’d love to connect with you.

Board members play an important role in supporting our mission and helping us reach even more girls throughout Berks County and beyond. If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to Amanda at aford@gotrberks.org.

Thank you, Pagoda Pacers, for continuing to support Girls on the Run and help our community thrive. We hope to see you at the starting line on November 7!