Name: Julia Croteau
Where from: Northern, California
Current PR: 4:23:20 marathon
1:54:15 half marathon
Typical race pace: 9:30-10:55
Typical pace pace: 11:25-13:44
# marathons: 58
# half marathons:170
Occupation: retired deputy/medic
Fav marathon: Ave of the Giants
Hobbies: bodybuilding, dogs, paddleboarding, hiking
Fav run food: quesadillas/pizza
Reading now: Verge of collapse
Train with: myself
Personal goals: get faster, fitness competition and run the majors
A quote: “Failure is not an option”
Why I run: Health, stress and because I absolutely love it.
Best marathon memory: was when I was running an 8:30 pace for over 12 miles, I felt like I was flying. It was amazing.
Why I pace: I want everyone to enjoy running as much as I do. I love being out there to cheer them on, tell stories when times get tough, we know they do. Seeing my runners reach their goals is the absolute best and I love being able to be part of making that happen.
My pacing experience: I started pacing races in February of 2022 and haven’t looked back. I’ve paced over 40 marathons and 55 half marathons.
Why join my pace group: the number one reason is FUN, you don’t have to worry because I got you. I have the plan, the pace and we’ll execute it together. This gives the runner the ability to relax, not stress and actually enjoy the entire experience, even when it gets hard. I have poop stories to tell, jokes and games to keep runners minds off of what an amazing feat they are accomplishing.
Tips joining my pace group: know that I’ve got it handled and under control. I actually have runners sign up for races when they know or hear I’ll be pacing it. I develop friendships with my runners and it’s an amazing feeling. So I always tell runners to ask other runners what I’m like and the astounding answer is always “she’s awesome you’ll have so much fun with her as your pacer and she’ll make sure you get to the finish and reach your goals”.
Anything to add: I’m an avid runner, cyclist and bodybuilder who loves to keep pushing her limits. I’m ultra all the way. I am an RRCA certified running coach and I coach several runners on both trail and road. I have completed 100's of 5k's and 10k's, over 170 half marathons, 58 marathons, 80 plus 50k's and I have run a 50 miler and 100k. When I turned 50 years old I ran 50 50k's for my 50th birth year. The running community joined me in this undertaking and as a result, I was able to motivate and inspire so many runners new and old. I am very active in my running community and enjoy sharing my stories and knowledge.
I started running when I was 46 so about 9 years ago. This was of course for health reasons. When I was younger I was over 320 pounds, I lost over 180 pounds, the normal way and have kept it off for 27 years.
My parents passed of heart attack at 41 and 57 of heart attack and cancer, so I try and live a healthy life. I make a mistake now and then..... carrot cake, but it’s good for the soul and you know you need a happy soul.
Running is just my way of life, I love it, I love the way it makes me feel. It's not always easy, but its always worth it. I want everyone to love running like I do.
I love lifting and growing my muscles. I love being strong and fit and I know how important it is to keep going.
I have so many amazing friendships in our running community and I want to further the love of running with new people I meet. My friends say I have never met a stranger and its true. When I am out on the trails or road I am always forming new bonds with people and introducing them to the LOVE of running. It does not matter how fast or slow, when it's in your heart, YOU CAN DO IT.
Philanthropic activities: I volunteer to coach runners and lead running groups through our local running stores. I also enjoy and volunteer my time rescuing and helping animals in need.