Unlimited Women Tackle The Speed Project

Lissette (Liss) Pastor – Team Coach

Liss is a Mexican American and a creative director living and working in Los Angeles, Calif. She’s a leader in the Los Angeles running community, inspiring others through her drive and commitment to the sport. As the team’s coach, she’ll support her fellow athletes through some tough moments. “I try my best to sense what each runner is experiencing and ask how they would like to be supported,” Liss says. “I believe that a good laugh or good music can help distract us from all the hard moments. I’ll also remind them of how brave and strong they are, and to dig deeper and chase that better version that is behind that difficult moment.” It helps that Liss is a two-time veteran of TSP.

Liss’ Sweet Spot: Roads and heat.

Liss’ Favorite Shoes: “Hopefully I can fit three pairs in my bag. My fast shoe is the Nike Vaporfly, my trail shoe is Nike Pegasus Trail 3 and my comfy shoe is Nike Invincible 3.”

What Liss Listens To: Liss likes to pick a single song to listen to during a marathon, so we asked her what she’ll be tuning into. She’s mixing it up for TSP and enjoying everything from a single artist. “Do you know that research by Pour Moi found the artists you should be listening to if you want to improve your speed and mood when running? According to them, Beyoncé has the greatest effect on a runner's speed. That’s what I’ll be listening to.”

Chloe Ang

Chloe is a Filipino American and mother runner advocating for mental health for women and mothers by sharing how running helped her get through tough moments and saved her life. “I often reach out to women and moms to see how they’re doing because I want them to remember to check in with themselves also. It’s okay to do things for yourself too. They need to make sure that they’re prioritizing their needs so that they can be a better wife and mom for their loved ones,” she says. “I’m extremely honored that I get to be a part of this phenomenal and powerful team of women from different backgrounds.”

Chloe’s Sweet Spot: Trails.

How Chloe Approaches Tough Runs: “Running is not a pretty sport. It’s tough and raw, but that’s why I love it so much. It’s when I get to shut off my brain and focus on my breathing and my form, and it makes me feel alive. It’s my “me time” and form of self care. You can physically train for those difficult runs/races, but you need to put in the same effort mentally and emotionally. I learned to dig deep, I think of my son, and I remind myself of my ‘why’ and that helps me zone in and push through any limits. It makes me feel unlimited.”

Rosa Kwak

Like many people, Rosa incorporated running into her lifestyle during the pandemic, and has since accomplished some impressive feats. She placed second overall female at the Berkeley Half Marathon, Take the Bridge and the Rose Bowl Half Marathon. She placed first overall female at the Bimbo 10K and in her marathon debut at the Ventura Marathon. As a member of Unlimited Women she represents not only new runners but Asian athletes.

Rosa’s Sweet Spot: Roads.

Rosa’s Thoughts on Nerves: “It’s the gnawing anticipation of the unknown. This is when your body takes over because the training will speak for itself. I come back to the Alexi Pappas quote, ‘Nerves are cousin to excitement, and excitement is cousin to gratitude. Pay attention to your nerves: If you feel nervous, it’s a sign that a Very Big Thing is unfolding. Be nervous about how good that thing can be.’ Running 300+ miles non-stop is a huge endeavor. It truly takes a village and team to accomplish such a feat, so I would say I’m nervous but mostly excited for how adaptable we will be when push comes to shove and how our collective strengths and skills will take us to that next mile!”

Gabriella Villalobos

Gabriella is a Guatemalan and Mexican American representing the Latin community, as well as a working mom of two girls who’s setting an example for women and mothers. She uses running to de-stress and manage her mental health. “I use my running as teaching moments for my daughters, explaining to them the importance of hard work, determination and now with being on this team; teamwork,” she says. “With all these Unlimited Women who do amazing things, I am honored to be on a team with people who are so determined and driven to strive for more and better. I strive to be better and promote that women can achieve greatness.”

Gabriella’s Sweet Spot: Roads and cold.

Gabriella’s Post-run Recovery: “I try to get as many nutrients I can to replenish the energy and fluids I lost. I sometimes take ice baths and hot Epsom salt baths to help my body and muscles, and I rest as much as I can until I do it all over again.”

Pamela Price

Pamela represents Filipino Americans and women with high-powered careers as the senior executive producer of the Hollywood Beauty Awards, known as the “Oscars of Beauty.” She’s also a journalist and vice president of the daily-news site LATFusa.com. As an athlete living with permanent nerve damage as the result of Behçet's disease, Pamela doesn’t let that limit her. She’s a trained dancer turned distance runner, having placed first at several trail and obstacle-course races, and has even participated in American Ninja Warrior and Wipeout.

Pamela’s Sweet Spot: Trails and cold.

Pamela on Discipline with a Capital ‘D’: “Dance is extremely strict and I was trained by demanding instructors. They taught me the power to remain strong physically and mentally, no matter what. At times, my right arm or hand will go numb and I will feel extreme discomfort. However, with that discipline, I’m able to train my brain to push through the discomfort when I’m running. Then I break through into a zone that is meditative while running. Finishing 12 miles up and down a mountain on a day I didn't think I could twist a peanut butter jar open is pretty empowering.”

Pamela’s Special Talent: “Breakdancing. I don't think there's room in the Unlimited Women RV for coffee grinder dance moves, but maybe a split or two!”