Kristen MacWilliams, 52, Nashua, NH, IT Project Manager
What inspired you to start doing races?
I wanted to get more out of running. The motivation and excitement of a race, the reward of completing a challenge, and more recently … the chance to do something I love with friends.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I’m a runner, plain and simple.
What distances do you do?
My favorite distance is the half marathon, but I’ll do any distance up to a full marathon. I did the 2016 WDW Marathon this year, which was my second marathon – the first one was more than 15 years prior! I’ve got at least one more on my calendar for this year (and maybe two — we’ll see!).
How many have you done?
How many races have I done? Are you kidding? I have no idea! I finally started keeping track of them using an app about 2 years ago. In 2015 I did 44 races, ranging from one mile to half marathon, and 16 of them were half marathons, but there were lots of races before that!
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
I have two. In my first marathon, I had a time goal in mind. At around mile 20, I found myself running with one of my training partners, who was really struggling. I slowed down to stay with her and to make sure she finished. I missed my time goal by 3 minutes, but running with her to give us both our first marathon means so much more to me. Secondly, I had a rough patch late last year where every run was a struggle. I learned later that it was due to some medication I was taking, but I didn’t know it at the time and I was really discouraged. I had some personal worst experiences during a good six-week stretch. Then, in December, I ran a race (a half) and everything came together for me. It was a beautiful day and pushing the pace felt good. It was my best race experience, both mentally and physically, in a long time.
Favorite race and why?
My favorite race SO FAR is the New Hampshire Half Marathon. I ran it this past year in October. It runs along Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH during peak foliage season. The weather is generally perfect for running, and the views are spectacular.
Do you travel for races?
Yes, I have traveled and I will travel! It’s challenging logistically for me as a single parent, but it’s what keeps Mama happy!
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
Certainly. When you are running at least one race almost every weekend, it can get expensive. My employer has a fitness benefit where they will reimburse a portion of certain fitness related expenses. That certainly helps, but more importantly, I prioritize racing over other things, such as eating out or other forms of entertainment.
Must-have gear on race day:
I would be miserable without my sunglasses and lip balm!
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
I don’t know if it’s the weirdest place, but the most painful place was the inside of my upper arms from my sleeves. They were bleeding by the time I finished that race!
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
Give me cold weather over hot to run in any time! Of course, after I run you can heat back up again.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
I love a toasted English Muffin with an egg (hard-boiled or scrambled) and avocado.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
I saw a man running while playing a tuba during a half marathon – he passed me and I never saw him again!
Worst experience during a race:
The worst thing I experienced was severe leg cramps that caused pain with each step. Walking wasn’t much better. I had to walk most of the last few miles, and very slowly/gingerly at that. Not my best time.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
One of my most awesome moments was finishing the Expedition Everest Challenge in 2014 at Disney World with my daughter, who was 13 at the time.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
My favorite parts of races have evolved over the years. I’ve been fortunate in recent years to find my tribe, so to speak, so now no matter where I race, I am bound to see people I know. This has increased my enjoyment in immeasurable ways. While I don’t typically run a race with others, seeing friends before, and more importantly after, is what I love best.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
I’ll wear a costume or an “inspired by” outfit for certain races. Disney races for sure, and local ones if they have a theme (Halloween, Fourth of July, etc). The photo of me dressed as Donald Duck for the Walt Disney World Marathon in January is my favorite costume since it was cute, recognizable, and most importantly, comfortable.
How important are awesome medals to you?
I love a good medal! Medals aren’t deal breakers for me, but if I’m on the fence about doing a race, knowing they have a cool medal will push me in their direction.
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
The coolest medal is one I got from a local series called Wild Rover. On three successive weekends you run a three-mile, four-mile and five-mile race. The medals you get from each of those races fit together to form a giant medal once you have all three. Each year is a different design!
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
Usually, I prefer to run alone. It’s my recharge time. Sometimes I do long runs with my local running group, and those are fun too. The pace is generally slower than I would do on my own (since we’re talking), but we stop and take photos along the way and that’s always fun.
Favorite song on your playlist:
I usually listen to podcasts when I run, but if I’m trying for a goal time, I’ll use music. Two of my favorite songs are “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon, and “Brave” by Sara Bareilles.
Who is your race hero and why?
Only one? Joan Benoit Samuelson has to be a hero. A woman running when it wasn’t cool to be a woman runner, and she still gives back to the running community. I’m hoping to run her race in her home town this summer at the Beach to Beacon 10K in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. A close second is the runner we all know by just three letters – Meb! Just watch him finishing the 2015 Boston Marathon by taking the hand of a fellow finisher as they cross the finish line and you’ll know why. Instant tears for me!
What is the top race on your bucket list?
Again, it’s tough to pick just one! Maybe Big Sur. The top race on my list I’m actually registered for is the Bird in Hand Half Marathon this coming September.
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
Since I race so much, I am “always trained” for anything up to a half marathon. This is a surprisingly awesome benefit!
Runners are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people I’ve ever known. Lots of new runners are afraid of coming in last. Don’t be! Whatever the distance, you’re all covering the same route and it’s an accomplishment regardless of your time. Sign up with a friend so you have at least one friendly face and enjoy! It’s the only sport I know where us casual runners can compete in the same event as world-class athletes at the same time. Pretty cool!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I feel like I’ve given you my life story here, so I can’t think of anything to add on purpose. I sure do love talking about running and racing!
