I have yet to meet Kristina but have have gotten to know here a little through the interview as my contact with Kristina came via her becoming an SFuels Ambassador, for whom I run and ride as well. Enjoy getting to know another runner that you may or may not have heard of as there are lots of them out there. Tell us a little about yourself not necessarily related to running: age, where born, education, area you live in, etc…..
I am 35, from Tacoma Washington but currently live in Lincoln Nebraska and am 35. I have a BS in Psych & Criminal Justice from Northeastern University in Boston Massachusetts.
What is your profession?
Massage therapy, specializing in Endurance athletes. I love working with clients to help them feel great as well as teaching them about injury prevention and rehab.
How did you start running and what prompted you to do so?
Always ran but after Boston2013 decided I wanted more.
How long have you been running?
I ran track in middle school. Then here and there always found peace in it. It wasn’t until about 4-5 years ago that I jumped into the endurance side of running.
Did you participate in any other sports over the years?
I played basketball and football in school. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, Stand-up Paddle Boarding and Triathlons
Did you run in grade school, High School or College?
Just in middle school (Jr. High) for one year
So we get an idea of where you have been with running can you share your PR’s for: 5K, 10K marathon and any other distance you may have run in the past.
- 5K: 20:11
- 10K: 48:13 – Only run one 10K
- ½ Marathon: 1:34
- Marathon: 3:34
- 100M: 26 Hours
- Barkly Fall Classic: 11:29
- 70.3 Tri: 5:36
You just ran the Barkley Classic in Frozenhead State Park TN – how did that go?
It was pretty brutal but amazing! I knew there would be a lot of climbing, but I was in no way prepared for just how much climbing there was. The race started going up and pretty much just kept going up. The downhills were steep and shredded the quads but they were a blast after all the uphill.
I was fortunate to meet so many amazing athletes on the journey as well. Anyone that knows anything about BFC, always asks – “What was Ratjaw Like?” - While very difficult, it was magically enticing. After about 40 minutes, the briars dragging across and sinking into my flesh it no longer triggered my pain receptors. It took me approximately 1:15 to complete the section that included Ratjaw. Climbing out of Ratjaw, offered such incredible feelings of accomplishment that I had the first real runners high of the race.
Running the whole next section to get my punch from Laz, to continue on the final climbs toward the “50K” finish. I say 50K in quotes because it’s “Laz Miles.” Some suggest it is actually more like 44-45 miles vs the typical 31 miles for 50K but no one will ever know for sure since GPS is not allowed. About 1 mile in to the final climbing section my quads said they had enough and I found myself struggling to keep my mental grit intact. I battled with myself thinking there was no way I could continue climbing. I thought of many excuses I could make, for why I didn’t finish. I had previously fallen hard on some rocks and was pretty sure I had broken a rib – at the very least, bruised it badly. I had been stung/bitten by evil yellow jackets – 5 at one time! 3 all in the same calf that I had to beat off my leg with a stick. Then my urine was getting dark, hello again Rnhabdomylosis (I had this 4 years ago during a 100 mile run & ended up in the hospital for 5 days)! All of the excuses bounced around in my head. I wanted to Quit! But I kept moving forward, although it was at a turtle pace, it was still forward.
I had miscalculated how much of the race was left and started doubting that I would make the cut-off. I wanted to quit and why not if it won’t count anyways!? After having a small pity party inside my head, I came across another runner that informed me that I was way off on the mileage that was remaining. Where I thought it was another 7-9 miles, it was in fact just 3-4 left. I caught my second wind and an overwhelming joy came over me. I was going to finish the Barkley Fall Classic and I would be at least 1.5 hours ahead of cut-off. Running down the final mile was pretty amazing. All the emotions that come with running an ultra, were enveloping me. I moved my legs as fast as they would carry me and crossed the finish with a huge smile on my face. It had by far, been the most difficult run I had done, to date.
Do you have any aspirations of running The Barkley Marathons?
Yes I do. I am actually planning out my next 3 years to hopefully run the Barkley Marathons in 2021. Using the Tahoe 200 in 2019 and Bigfoot 200 in 2020 to prep for it.
What is your most memorable race or races?
- Pumpkin Holler 100 – First 100 and whole family was there.
- Worlds – Team USA for the Long Course Triathlon
Do you have a favorite workout you do?
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| RatJaw |
How about a favorite route you like to run?
I love running at Schramm Park in Gretna, NE. I will run the Dizzy Goat Loop – 3, 6, 12 hour race in June. It was my first ultra so it holds a special place in my heart.
What is your favorite distance to run and race?
Tri = 70.3 – it’s long enough to push you and not be redlined the entire time. For running, I don’t think I have found my favorite yet.
What shoes do you run in and what do you like about them?
I go back and forth between Xero Prios and Altra Escalante. I love minimalist shoes and have been running in zero drop since 2010
You are an ambassador for a number of companies is there anything you want to share about any of them.
Orange Mud – You need to check out their hydration packs and handhelds! I was not a fan of packs before making the switch to OM. They are real game changer! The handheld is also amazing. I ran 28 miles in pouring rain and the handheld stayed put and no chaffing on my hand either. For BFC I used the Endurance 20 Pack.
XOSkin – This gear is the most comfortable gear I’ve ever worn and to top it off it stays “fresh” even when you are sweaty. The XOToes kept me from getting any blisters during my training for BFC. My feet got wet several times at BFC too! No smell after!! Use XOSKINFIREBALL for 20% off.
Being an Ambassador for SFUELS, as I am, how are you liking the product?
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| At the infamous Yellow Gate |
What is your normal eating routine and how do you differ it, if at all when racing?
I generally fast in the mornings, aside from my coffee. I do my runs early, before I’ve taken in anything. Then will eat protein and fat w/small amount of carbs about 12PM. Usually around 5-7PM I’ll have a large serving of protein and fat again with a small amount of carbs. This is what I do for racing as well, except on race day, I will take in a little more carbs after about 2-3 hours into the race.
Do you have any long-range plans?
My long range plans are to continue living a LCHF lifestyle. My whole body feels better this way and I can certainly tell it has offered benefits in my training.
What do you like best about living and running where you live?
That’s a tough one. I would much rather travel to CO, AZ or UT for training. However, that’s not always possible. Nebraska is pretty flat, where I live. So I have to get creative. I do love that there are several beautiful trails I can choose from here tough I love being in the woods.
What do you struggle with most with regards to running?
Time, this is the most difficult part of being an endurance athlete and getting my workouts in. I have to be on the trails no later than 5AM, sometimes I have to be there earlier. In winter it can be pretty brutal.What do you see as a trend in running?
I think there is a a large amount of growth in the popularity in running Ultra’s. Specifically, the new “100” is the 200 miler. And I love it! People are pushing themselves beyond what was considered above normal and it is fantastic.
If you had one, well maybe two or three, things to say those that are running to encourage them what would it be?
To keep pushing forward and that it’s OK to feel like you want to quit and give up. Just remind yourself that no one ever achieved greatness inside their comfort zone. The hardest part is getting out the door to start!!
Do you have a website or other social media site you would like to share?
You can follow my running and eating adventures on Instagram (@Fireballrunner). Like my massage page on Facebook (Fireball Health and Wellness). Facebook is lacking in posts right now, but I’ll be adding helpful tid-bits on running/training and self care soon.
Any closing comments?
Run if you can, walk is you have to and crawl if you must, just never stop moving forward!!
Awesome story about the Barkley Fall Classic! Small world, I grew up in Gretna :)
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