Profile: Desa Mandario

Intro
Mother's Day, 2008

Desa Mandarino - Who is she? The San Marcos Girl's softball coach? Actually, my first encounter with Desa was through the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table, where Desa appeared at many a Monday luncheon to talk about her San Marcos Girl's team and introduce her players. She always demonstrated an amazing amount of enthusiasm for her team and her players, regardless of their performance in any given week.

Next, there is Desa the teacher - technically teacher of GATE English at San Marcos High School. I also had an opportunity to see a performance by Desa the teacher - specifically at the San Marcos High School open house for incoming 9th graders. No surprise she demonstrated the same enthusiasm when speaking to prospective 9th graders and their parents. (One can only imagine how she harnesses that energy in the classroom every day.)

Finally, we have Desa the athlete - high school star athlete, and relatively new triathlete and runner. In her inaugural performance in the Grand Prix last year, Desa was quite impressive. She raced in a total of 17 (that's right, 17!) G.P. races, nailing top G.P. age group performance in 11 of the races and taking first place overall in her women 35-39 G.P. division. She is off to a great start in 2008, racing with and against several friends in a very competitive age group.

My guess is that SBAA members will experience and enjoy Desa and her enthusiasm for many years to come. Read on to learn more about Desa, her family and what makes her yet another unique member of our running community.

Name: Desa Marie Mandarino
Age: 37
Nicknames: Bunny, Daisy, D$, Dee Marie

Hometown: Valencia (Santa Clarita Valley- by Magic Mountain)
Favorite Foods: Mexican (esp. salsa, cilantro, guacamole, steak burritos), Specialty Salads, Sushi, leg of lamb, Orange Roughy fish
Favorite Movies: Grease, Pay it Forward, Shawshank Redemption, Love Actually
Employment: High School English Teacher, Travel Agent (JoyJaunt.com)

Family: Husband Billy (married 1994), Daughter Gianna Marie (born Aug. 22, 2006), Italians- Billy's five siblings, Dad, Mom, Nana (89 years old!) and Yugoslavs/Portugeese (My Mom Marcia, Dad Rick, Brother Alex, Jedo and Babas)

Other sports, hobbies, interests, etc.: Triathlon, tennis, basketball, softball, hiking, camping, bowling, golf, reading, writing, traveling, cruises, people, Santa Barbara Mission, education, charitable causes, sunshine, movies, philosophical discussions, Wednesday "Nite Groovers"...

My friends describe me as: "optimistic" "inspirational" "athletic"
My trademark expression is: "Live, love, and laugh!"
If money were not a consideration, I would love to: sponsor others' dreams, goals, and education like Oprah and Tiger do, then, buy a brand new Corvette convertible with cash
In the next 5 years, I hope to: continue to LOVE teaching and running as much as I do today!
In the next 10 years, I hope to: see my husband create FAM BAM (organization to Feed America's Masses, Billy Anthony Mandarino), and see our daughter Gianna running/racing all the SBAA events with glee!

Accomplishments: Published book for teachers (Amazon.com and BuyBooksontheWeb.com), Masters Degree, "Teacher of the Month," "Coach of the Year" (softball), Inspiring/teaching teenagers to be scholars and athletes!

Favorite Distance and PR: When I am running 5K, 5K is my favorite. When I am running 10k, same. Ditto, 15K, 10 miler, and half marathons.
Best Race and Why: 2008 Peabody School 10K Grand Prix because I have never completed a 10k under 43 minutes, let alone, 41:35. Also, to actually see Marianne Thomas in my scope was totally motivating and exciting- made me run MY best!
Worst Race and Why: My second LA Marathon (1993) Hot conditions and slower time than my first marathon.
Average Weekly Mileage (last 12 months): 20-35
Favorite Local Race: Roses to La Playa
Most Memorable Running Experience: SB Half Marathon (2007)
Favorite Place to Run: Anywhere with Nite Groovers in Santa Barbara!
Glory Days PR: Goleta Education 4 Miler 26:49 First woman overall, Roses 5K 20:03, SB Half 1:37

Realistic Running Goals for this Year: Grand Prix contender, break 20 minute 5K
Wildly Optimistic Running Goals for this year: break 19 minute 5K
Lifetime Running Goals: Stay healthy, Qualify for Boston Marathon, inspire non-runners to love running (what a blessing!)
Local Running Heroes & Why: Teage - lightning fast, glides when he runs, effortlessly, smile all the while; Shawna Burger - went from hardly being able to finish the Chardonay 10 Mile Race five years ago to one of the best female now; Ricky Ho - talk to him about running and you will know why!; Andrea Stouffer - encouraging and inspiring to ALL runners; Larry Reynolds - saved me from myself trying to get back in shape after our baby

Personal Training Tips: Variety of length, speed, terrain, Run (and celebrate running) with the Wednesday Nite Grooves (dinner afterwards too), Ocean "ice baths" after rigorous work-outs, Take rest/eat days, Push a baby stroller!, Talk to successful runners and apply their gold nuggets! Run with people who are faster than you!!!

Why I Run: The Natural High, the energy it creates, the friendships that come along with it, to stay fit... RACES!

I especially love runners who: feel as excited as I do for races and push me to be better/faster!
I don't care for runners who: ?
Suggestions for local races: I love them all!
Suggestions for SBAA: You motivate me!

My views on: Life - "sleep is for the grave."
Add Anything: What a blessing from God to be ABLE to run! Also, I am thankful that most race fees go to helping education and those in need.
Favorite Quote: Read Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem titled "Success" (every line)

SBAA Member since: This is my second year