Kristen Jensen, 26, Lakewood, CA, Geology Tech
What inspired you to start doing races?
It was a combination of things. First, my brother was into running at the time. I had been curious about running so I did some research and ran across The Marathon Show podcast with Joe Taricani. His passion for the sport triggered something in me. I have him to thank for a lot of my passion for running.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I use the Galloway run-walk-run method.
What distances do you do?
I’ve done 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and full marathons.
How many have you done?
I have run about 20 half marathons and two, going on three full marathons.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
It wasn’t a PR race for sure, but crossing the finish line at the Long Beach Marathon last year was my greatest accomplishment. I thought about quitting so many times because of the extreme heat. I am really sensitive to heat even without running. My running partner and I kept pushing each other just to make it to the finish line and we did.
Favorite race and why?
My favorite race is Long Beach. I’ve ran both the half and full courses and it is by far my favorite. Running over the bridges and down the beach is a great experience.
Do you travel for races?
I haven’t really traveled for any races yet. I am all registered to run Rock n Roll Vegas with my Mickey Miler friends though!
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
Running is an expensive sport. I try to limit my races to a few that I really want to do. I used to run more Disney races, but I can’t rationalize spending that much on one single race.
Must-have gear on race day:
My Fitletic belt is my favorite piece of running equipment. I’ve tried so many other ways to hold stuff and the Fitletic belt works perfectly. It doesn’t bounce or move around and I hardly know it is there.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
I think the weirdest place that I’ve ever chafed was on the top of my foot. I think it was because I had stepped in a puddle and my shoe was soaked for 10 miles.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
Cold weather is the best to run in. I do not handle heat well at all.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
I really can’t eat too much before a run. I try to force myself to eat a few crackers and a banana.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
We were on a long run and we passed by a group of about 20 ladies that were laughing hysterically. Then they started laughing at different pitches and speeds. Then I realized it was a laughter therapy class, but jeez did they have us confused.
Worst experience during a race:
I was running the Surf City half a few years ago and someone cut me off. He clearly started late and was trying to weave his way around people. I fell so hard and slammed by head into the ground. I was already having IT band issues. I pretty much sobbed the rest of the race to the finish line. The silver lining here was that I was lifted up almost instantly by a bunch of runners who were all checking to make sure I was ok.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
My favorite race moment was crossing the finish line of my first half marathon with my brother.
Your favorite part of participating in races:
I love to push myself. I also love the bling!
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?:
I’ve worn a couple of costumes. My favorite was when I dressed up as Captain America for the first Avengers Half.
How important are awesome medals to you?
I love the bling. I won’t not run a race if the medal isn’t great, but it sure helps!
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
I love the 2014 Long Beach Marathon Medal! It was the 30th anniversary medal.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
I prefer to run with a buddy. Running alone is pretty hard for me.
Favorite song on your playlist:
Shut Up and Dance is a good song to listen to.
Who is your race hero and why?
I don’t have just one. Between my Long Beach Galloway group and Mickey Milers I have a lot of heroes. It’s inspiring to see everyone post about their great accomplishments.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
I would love to run New York and Boston some day.
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
My endurance is way up and my leg strength is amazing.
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
Don’t be intimidated at all! There are so many people that are just starting off too. Plus, the running community in general, is a great group of supportive people. Joining a running group really helps decrease the intimidation factor of running as well.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Cross training and getting your weekday runs in is crucial to training for a race. If you just do your long runs and skip the rest, you are going to have problems.
