Hometown

Columbus, Ohio

Current P.R.

3:48:41

Where were you born?

Barberton, Ohio

Number of marathons

27

Birthday

St. Patrick’s Day

Favorite marathon

Any marathon where I can get away for the weekend.

Typical pace

9:30 – 11:27 min miles

Favorite running music

Live Bands

Occupation

Marketing Manager

Favorite running food

Chocolate GU

Any hobbies?

Spending time with my kids, shopping, and reading

Who do you train with?

Neighbors and High Octane Fitness

Favorite book, what are you reading now?

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

A quotation you like…

Desserts is stressed spelled backward. J

Personal goals

To run in all 50 states, run 100 marathons and to qualify for Boston

Why do you run?

I run for stress relief, happiness, to maintain sanity in this crazy world, so that I can stay in shape, to enjoy the beautiful earth and many other reasons.

Describe your best marathon memory.

My best marathon memory was running the Martian Marathon in 2004. My longest training run was 16 miles, but I had done a lot of track work prior to the race. I had an awesome race and felt great the entire time. It was my first time breaking 4 hours, and I not only broke 4 hours, but I smashed it! In addition, a few days later I found out I was pregnant. J

Why do you pace?

I pace because I truly enjoy helping marathoners (and half marathoners) reach goals and do so in a way that makes them want to do it again and again. In addition, I have met so many wonderful people (friends) that have run in my group. Spending 5 hours with someone in a marathon is a special experience. 

Tell us your best pacing experience.

I’ve been pacing since Fall 2006, and I just keep getting better each time I pace. Air Force 2009 was probably my most consistent job regarding mile splits, and I also received a lot of feedback from runners telling me I helped them break 2:10 in the half marathon!

Why should someone run in your pace group?

When you run with me, you will be enjoying yourself so much that before you know it the race will be over. I’m outgoing, talkative, but not over the top. J I have a special technique for getting up hills, and I ensure that everyone in my group gets involved as part of the pace group. I also carry a little pouch with extra goodies to share with my runners in case someone needs something (i.e. blister block, tampons, hair band, extra gels, safety pins, etc.) You can count on Pacer Kristen!! P.S. I have never been over my time goal. 

Any tips for runners about to join your group?

Don’t panic the first mile. It’s better to be safe and stay together the first mile then try to dodge people just to maintain exact pace for that first mile. If you have to go to the port-o-potty, take your time catching back up to the group. Hydrate even if you aren’t thirsty. Thank the volunteers. Have fun!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Look me up on Facebook at the MarathonPacing.com page!