Kristen Ostrega, Westfield, NJ, 29,Graduate School for Speech-Language Pathology
Fitz, Kristen and her Mom
What inspired you to start doing races?
I saw that you could run in Walt Disney World. I am a huge Disney fan, so that was a dream come true to me. I signed up to run the WDW Half Marathon in either 2011 or 2012 (I can’t remember). I was almost done with my training, when I broke my foot during parent teacher conferences (I used to teach second grade) in November. The first thing that I asked the podiatrist, as he was fitting me for my cast, is if I would be able to run the half marathon in January. He laughed and told me that I wouldn’t be able to run for a year! That was a tough year to get through. I decided to sign up for the WDW 5k in 2013 with my mom. I had so much fun, and have never looked back.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I am a run/walker. I am a believer in the Galloway Run-Walk-Run method. I also cross train with the elliptical, bicycle, and, of course, strength train with The Hottie Body Fitzness Challenge.
What distances do you do?
I have done 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and my first full marathon this past January.
How many have you done?
I probably should keep track, but I honestly have no idea! I have two medal racks full of race medals, so probably in the range of 12-15 races.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
Completing the WDW Marathon this past January is definitely up there. I felt great until mile 24, when my feet started to hurt. I had to dig down deep to finish the last 2.2 miles. I was also lucky to find a bunch of friends at that time, and we finished the race together.
Favorite race and why?
The Disneyland Half Marathon is probably my favorite. I have only done it once so far, but have it on my calendar for this year again. I feel like it’s a hybrid of local races and Disney races, because the whole town of Anaheim comes out to help cheer you on! I also get to see a lot of my running team, The Mickey Milers, because you can walk everywhere, including the parks and the expo. I love the miles of classic cars, and running through Angels Stadium. Seeing myself on the Jumbo Tron was amazing, and a memory I will never forget. I also got to run the race with my mom, and we had a great time.
Do you travel for races?
I don’t really travel too much. I mostly do Disney races now, so I travel to Florida and California. I haven’t traveled anywhere else for a race, yet.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
I used to spend more on races when I was working. However, I am currently a poor graduate student, so I have cut down significantly on races for the past two years.
Must-have gear on race day:
My Asics Gel-Nimbus and my running orthotics!! They are a must-have. I have high arches, and can get plantar fasciitis very easily. I used to use a different pair of shoes, and ended up hurting my plantar fascia during the WDW Marathon this year. Since I have switched to my Asics, I am a happy runner and I feel like I could make almost anything else work, but if I didn’t have those two items, I would probably skip the race.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
Oh jeez! This probably isn’t that weird of a place, but my bum got especially chafed during a long run in the hot, humid NJ weather. I now take precautions to make sure that it doesn’t happen again.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
I love warm weather in general, but for running … I prefer it be between 50 and 60 degrees.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
I always have the same thing: a cup of black coffee; Crispix cereal, and orange juice. I am a morning runner, so I have my breakfast and get out the door.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
It technically isn’t a weird/funny thing. Towards the end of the marathon, there was a guy who had finished the race and was standing on a flowerpot holding his medal out and cheering us on to finish the race. His excitement made me laugh, but also picked me up right when I needed it. He could have just gone home after finishing the race, but instead chose to cheer others on. I definitely appreciated it! I also have seen a ton of funny signs during races.
Worst experience during a race:
During my first Disneyland Half Marathon, I signed up for the Dumbo Double Dare (10k and 13.1 on consecutive days). I actually went into the race suffering from an extreme case of plantar fasciitis, but I decided to ignore the problem. I was doing things to relieve the pain, but I probably should have been resting instead, and I ran the races anyway. The 10k made my foot sore, but nothing too bad. Three miles into the half marathon the next day, I had a horrible pain in the bottom of my foot. It felt like I was being stabbed with a knife every time I took a step. My mom was very concerned and told me that I could stop anytime that I wanted. I’m probably too stubborn for my own good. I knew that I hadn’t broken anything, so I could continue if I wanted. I decided to have a big cry for about ten minutes, and then dig down and finish the race. I was lucky that I was running a Disney race, as there was a lot to see to distract me. I finished the race with my mom. The second I crossed the finish line, I started crying again because I didn’t know how I was going to walk back to the hotel. My mom kept me moving until we got to the medical tent, where they wrapped my foot in ice. I’m excited to go back to the race this year injury-free so that I can enjoy it even more!
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
Anytime that I get to run with someone I know is an awesome moment. I got to run with a bunch of friends during this year’s marathon. It definitely makes the time go by!
Your favorite part of participating in races:
Honestly, my teammates. They are the best! I love you, Mickey Milers.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
I am not a costume person. One time, I wore a pair of Mickey Ears during a 10k, and instantly regretted it. My outfit go-to is a skirt, compression socks, and either a singlet or t-shirt.
How important are awesome medals to you?
They are not as important as the experience of running the race, but they are awesome! I carried my marathon medal around in my purse for a month to show people whenever they asked about the marathon. I also would take it out and look at it when I was having a bad day to prove how tough I am. I would say to myself, “if you can run a marathon, you can do anything!”
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
The 2016 WDW Marathon Medal.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
For training runs, I prefer to run alone. I like the quiet time to think, and zone out. For races, I prefer to run with friends and family.
Favorite song on your playlist:
These are not exactly good for running, but I love anything on Adele’s new album.
Who is your race hero and why?
My mom is definitely my race hero. She ran her first marathon when she turned 60. She is proof that it is never too late to do something new, and change your life for the better.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
I am really excited for the Star Wars Dark Side Half Marathon in April. I would also like to run the Princess Half Marathon eventually.
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
The best side of training for the marathon was that I lost 40 pounds and counting. I feel better physically and emotionally, and it has improved my running.
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
I had never run a race before the 2013 5k. I would say that you couldn’t go wrong with Disney races. Most people who are there are running their very first race. Crossing the finish line of your very first race is an amazing accomplishment that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. My first thought after finishing the 5k was “I want to go again!” I knew that I was hooked for life. I would also tell you to train for your race so that you make sure that you finish. There are many great programs out there. I am a huge fan of Jeff Galloway, and even hired him to coach me for the marathon. Find something that works for you. There is really no wrong way to run a race, just find a way that makes you happy!
