Interview with Kim

Hi. I have wanted to do an interview with my Ohio running friend Kim for a while. She graced us with a few answers. She is a connector. I have paced her at the Umstead 100 miler a couple of times. She is determined and positive. Good traits for running and life.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am 43 years old; married, no children, 3 dogs, live in east central Ohio. I am a pharmacist

2.When and why did you start running?
I started running when walking was not giving me enough of a benefit. To back up a step, I once weighed over 225 lbs. I began WW and walking, and the weight started coming off. I would walk almost every day, on a gravel road behind our house. At one point, I decided to jog the distance. I can still remember the feeling of triumph as I was able to jog that entire distance, without stopping!
I then signed up for a 2 mile run in the local town. I had started the "Couch to 5K" program somewhere in the middle. I was so surprised to see other fit people literally "pop" out of the woodwork for this race. (Ohio has a high rate of obesity and sedentary lifestyle.)

3. What motivates you to train?
 I usually have a goal race in the future to train for.

4. What are your favorite shoes?
I wear Saucony Road Shoes, the Trigon Ride. For trails, I wear Mizuno Wave Ascends. I also like my Italian Scarpa "Raptors".

5. Do you train with friends or alone?
I train alone, mainly because the other runners who live around here run too fast for me.

6. What is your favorite training route?
 I have trails at Salt Fork State Park, which is a 15 minute drive for me, which are now my favorite. For roads, which are NOT my favorite, I have a nice 11 mile loop with lots of hills and great views from the tops. I live in Amish country, and it's very beautiful here.

7. What was your first race?
The Cleveland Browns 5k. I was so pleased I finished!

8. How many marathons and ultras have you attempted?
I don't keep track. Not really. Do you count FA's ? (FatAsses?)
I've run ultras in Ohio, PA, WV,VA, NC, IN. I've run marathons in Ohio and Las Vegas.
I've completed the Umstead 100 Mile Race 3 times. I have attempted and DNF Mohican 100 3x, Rocky Raccoon once, Burning River once, Oil Creek once. I did DNF the Mountain Masochist 50 mile run.

9. Do you have any running gear to recommend?
Nathan Hydration Vest. Handheld running bottles. Atalanta running skirt. Petzl running light.

10. Could you give us some tips for beginners?
Go slow. Build up miles. Don't feel you need to run a marathon the first year you start running IF Ever! If you don't like to run long distances, don't. Running should be about having fun. If you are dreading your runs, then do something else until you enjoy them again.
Also, don't wait for someone to run with. Go out there and do it!!!!