February Runner of the Month | Kate Armstrong
When and why did you start running? My first attempt was in 2012 after my second daughter was born. I had gained a lot of weight while pregnant and was trying to get healthy. However, at the time I was also a raging alcoholic (for real, not exaggerating peeps) and quickly learned running and alcohol don’t mix well. I never saw any improvement and a 5k continued to feel like 100 miles of hell. I somehow managed to pull off a half marathon in 2013, but hated every second of it. Then I got pregnant with my youngest, stopped working out, and never thought I would return to running. My alcoholism grew progressively worse, and despite having an amazing husband and three beautiful girls, I was at the lowest point in my life. I couldn’t live with alcohol and I couldn’t live without it. Somehow in March 2017, and I decided enough was enough and got help. I stopped drinking on March 20, 2017, and quickly realized I needed a new hobby. I started walking daily with my dogs, and we quickly built up to 3 miles a day. If I felt the urge to drink, I would grab my dogs and head outside...they loved it, lol. I slowly started jogging and running longer distances and completed my second half marathon in September 2018. Since joining MRTT, I’ve learned so much, like walk breaks are ok and intervals make me faster! Running is completely different for me now; it truly has become my therapy. Even the worst runs make me feel like I’ve accomplished something. It sounds crazy but I actually look forward to waking up at 4:30am to catch a run with my awesome frunners, where before I dreaded even getting out of bed at all.
First race? Firefly 5k in 2012
Most recent race? 2019 Hot Chocolate 15k...it was my first time running this one and I loved it! So many frunners and I ran a personal best.
Favorite piece of gear? My Garmin Vivoactive
What shoes do you run in? I’ve run in Brooks Ghosts forever but just got a pair of HOKA Clifton’s that I love and am slowly transitioning too.
Favorite way to cross train? Camp Gladiator!!! I highly recommend CG for anyone looking for a new cross training program. The workouts are always different, trainers are amazing, and it’s such a great community...plus you’re pretty much guaranteed to see a Frunner any location you go, haha!
Best running memory? Running along the coast in Florida at sunrise.
Bucket list race? Sedona Marathon in Arizona. This is my most favorite place in the world! My husband and I took a trip here last year and did a ton of hiking and I loved every second of it.
The favorite race so far? I recently completed the McKinney Resolution Half and loved the course. I felt so strong the entire time so would have to say that is my favorite to date.
Do you have a favorite distance? 10k-15k....I feel like it takes me at least a few miles get into my zone, and after 10 I start questioning what the eff I was thinking for running a longer distance. 10k is my sweet spot for sure!
What is something that most people do not know about you? I am a dual citizen of the US and Germany and I speak German fluently. My dad is German 🇩🇪
Favorite tune to rock out to while running? I think I have musical ADHD. I am constantly changing up my playlist and can never decide what I like best. Currently I’m on a Lady Gaga kick!
Best part about running? 2 things: One, you can run pretty much anytime and anywhere, which is especially helpful for me as I travel a ton for work. Two, and most importantly, the amazing women I’ve been able to meet. When I first stopped drinking, I was so worried about how to interact with the world without a glass of wine in my hand. I now realize I really didn’t have much in common with most of the people I hung out with. I have met the most amazing people through running (many of whom drink...a lot, lol!) but our friendship is based on support and encouragement, and I feel like I can be the “real me” around them.
Who inspires you? Everyone I have met through MRTT has inspired me in someway, especially Stacey Palmertree who first introduced me to this awesome group. But I would have to say my husband inspires me on daily basis and provides more love and encouragement than I could ever hope for (and admittedly deserve). He lost his father unexpectedly right after we got married, and instead of using it as an excuse, he used that as motivation to get healthy. He has lost over 80lbs, voluntarily stopped drinking to support me, and is in the best shape of his life. His consistency and patience are truly inspiring.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? Maintaining work life balance and taking the time for me! I sometimes feel like I should be spending all my free time with my kids and husband when I’m not working....but I’ve realized it’s so important to take time for me.
Any words of advice? Take it a day at a time. I’m a very “all or nothing” person and often get carried away, over-planning snd committing to way too many things at once. I’m the girl that signs up for next years race after crossing the finish line this year. Often I get overwhelmed and shut down completely. I have learned to remind myself to stop fast forwarding so much in my head, and take the time to enjoy the present. Even a crappy run.