Name: Kristian M.
Age: 50s
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Occupation: Analyst/Facilitator
Time Running: Seven years
Reason for Running : Camaraderie. I have connected with so many people that I otherwise would not have met via the running community.
In 2014, I was going through some highs and lows. During that time period, I was scrolling through social media and saw an ad from my local running company (Columbus Running Company) for their free half marathon training plan. Not knowing how far that was, I decided it would be something to boost my self-esteem. While I had completed a few 5K races in prior years, January 2015 was the first time I decided to be a runner—and I started during sub-zero temps—yikes!
My running journey began with me wanting to run races and get medals. My first challenge was the 2015 Coughlin Chevrolet Championship race series—which consisted of running three 5Ks and one 10K (my first) which was a local favorite, the Columbus 10K. Not only did I get a medal for each of those races, but I also nabbed a free Adidas running jacket. I was hooked! I then made goals to move to “longer distances” and that was the Capital City Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles).
More From Runner's World
The more experienced runners in the group I ran with, Black Girls Run!, were called Marathon Maniacs or Half Fanatics. In October of 2015, I became a Half Fanatic by completing two half marathons in 16 days: the Queen Bee Half and Columbus Half Marathon.
As a runner, I represent people of color, curvy runners, and those of us at the “back of the pack.” I am a Black woman who is “overweight” or “obese” according to medical professionals and I run slower than others. When I initially started running and scrolling through social media, there was no one I could connect with. And I was embarrassed about my size and pace. As a recreational runner, I rarely see people who look like me or run at my pace. But that hasn’t stopped me.
Yes, there are folks who want to body or pace shame versus provide kudos to folks who are putting one foot in front of the other. We can’t all be fast, and the party is truly in the back. Back of the pack runners have a camaraderie you won’t find in many places because we are out there for the long haul and all we have is each other. We get the closed finished lines, no finish line food, or chocolate milk. But we still put in the work!
It’s a fact that African American women have the highest rate of being overweight or obese compared to other groups. And my hope is all Black women (and men) find a fitness routine that helps them stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A few weeks ago, I was staying at a hotel and went down for breakfast wearing a Hot Chocolate 15K/5K jacket. A Black female employee noticed my jacket and asked how far a 15K was. This led to us discussing her wanting to run but that she is “slow” and didn’t have a group to connect with. Our conversation allowed me to connect her with the local Black Girls Run! group and allowed her to then talk with the group about running questions and concerns she had. I’m so happy that she felt comfortable talking with me, and our encounter summarizes what I want my influence to be about.
I am currently training for the Selma to Montgomery 51-Mile Relay and the Flying Pig Marathon weekend. I run two days during the week (an endurance run and speedwork), strength or cross train one day during the week, and do my long run on Saturday. I am also in the midst of a run streak that began on October 2, 2020 with Des Linden’s Destober challenge. I have run/walked a minimum of one mile outdoors every day.
One of my proudest running moments was running in Alaska as part of Team Take Down (TTD). TTD is an African American running group organized by Heather King. Group members are from all over the United States and other countries, and it’s a group of marathoners and half marathoners that sets out to be the majority or the face of a race—and have fun while doing it. The Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon had 462 finishers in 2022, and 181 of them were from TTD.
My goal is to build consistency, strength and stamina to complete a half marathon in 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. So far, I have seven states, the District of Columbia, and two countries under my belt.
I thank running for the people and friendships I have cultivated. There is nothing like the running community. Running has also led to me traveling and seeing more of the world, because I love a good runcation.
Run for you and don’t worry about anyone else. This was (and still is) a hard lesson for me because I find that, at times, I still compare myself to others. However, letting that go removes doubt and anxiety from your body, and that’s when you’ll really begin to enjoy your movement so much more.
I have also created a title and position for myself called a voluncheerleader. I love to volunteer and cheer on runners because I know how much it encourages me, especially for those of us who are at the back of the pack and most cheer crews are gone.
I have been able to volunteer at three of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors (Boston, Chicago, and New York City). While many shoot for the six stars, my goal is to get six jackets by volunteering at all of those major marathons. London, Tokyo, and Berlin are just as difficult to get in as a volunteer as it is for runners, but if there is a will, there is a way!
These three tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Run your race
Comparison is the thief of joy. There will always be someone faster or stronger. Go out and be the best version of you and enjoy every moment.
2. Strength train and rest
Strength training prevents injury and helps you run faster. Taking a rest day (or two) helps to prevent overuse injuries and gives the body time to heal and repair.
3. Volunteer more often
Volunteer at a race at least once a year. Most local races need volunteers and it’s a great way to give back to the community.
Kristian’s Must-Have Gear
→ Balega Socks: Balega Ultraglide is my favorite sock for running. It is designed to minimize friction and hit spots on your feet for better blister protection.
→ Pro Compression Socks: The graduate compression helps with blood circulation and recovery. These are fashionable compression socks, too.
→ Noxgear Tracer360 Reflective Vest: I can’t say enough about this local company that makes being visible cool. I have this vest for high visibility, the 39G Bluetooth speaker to listen to music, and the Tracer Lamp (connects to the vest) to light my path!
→ Brooks Glycerin GTS: They are a supportive shoe with maximum cushioning.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
