Todays Friday Featured Runner is featuring Katie at Getting My Healthy On

Katie’s Running Journey

I had never considered myself a runner until my senior year in college. My roommate and I randomly decided to sign up for a half marathon, though neither of us had ever done a race before. I was always involved in sports growing up, but I had never put too much of a focus on running. When we signed up for that half marathon, everything changed.

Running those 13.1 miles was so much harder than I ever thought it could be. Receiving that medal taught me that I was capable of doing so much more than I thought. As horrible as I felt during the race, it was the most rewarding experience. After that I gained a sort of mental strength that kept pushing me to run farther. Two years after my half marathon, I ran my first full marathon, which I never in a million years thought I would do.

It’s pretty amazing to see what you can accomplish when you keep pushing yourself and set crazy goals. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!

What is your favorite go to fuel during long runs?

I am a fan of Honey Stinger products like energy chews and gels.

What race is on your bucket list?

I would absolutely love to run the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco!

What running shoe brand do you prefer?

I am all about Asics! They were my first pair of serious running shoes, and I have stuck with the brand ever since.

Your favorite race medal?

My Surf City Marathon medal! It could have been a boring, cheap medal, and it would still be my favorite because it reflects all the hard work I put into that race.

What is your best advice you’d give to a new beginner just starting their running journey?

My favorite piece of advice for new runners is to go slow. It sounds weird, but I did not fully appreciate the sport of running until I took my time and truly enjoyed the feeling. When you are worrying about speed, the simplicity of the sport is taken away, and it does not exactly feel the most pleasant. That’s why I tell new runners to take it slow and worry about speed later when they develop a love for running.