Casey Kinnan, Lees Summit, Missouri, 40, Senior Internal Auditor (In the Gaming Industry)
What inspired you to start doing races?
In a house full of boys this gave me something to do with my girlfriends. My first race was in the spring of 2012, and was called the Diva Dash 5K. There were a handful of us girls that signed up for it. Once I crossed that finish line I was hooked to racing and have been ever since.
Do you walk, run or run/walk, swim, cycle, do obstacles?
I run, spin, strength train, try to swim, and have done one obstacle race, the Warrior Dash, in the past.
What distances do you do?
Distances I have completed include multiple 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and one full marathon.
How many have you done?
Several 5-10Ks, at least a dozen half marathons and one full marathon.
What do you feel is your greatest race accomplishment?
Completing the Chicago Marathon 2015. It was the longest distance I had completed to date, and when I crossed the finish line I kept saying to myself, ”I did it! I did it! Now when can I sign up for the next marathon?”
Favorite race and why?
My first runDisney Challenge Series the Inaugural Princess weekend 2014. That was the first time I had traveled to a running event, and met people who loved Disney and running as much as I did.
Do you travel for races?
Yes, but only when my three boys’ sports schedules allow it.
Does your race schedule become expensive? How do you afford to make it happen?
How I afford to make it happen is by running locally. They are generally cheaper and so it allows me to participate in more travel events (i.e. Disney and Chicago). Plus, the travel races I have completed were in conjunction with my fundraising efforts, so it makes me feel like the expense is worth the cost of it all.
Must-have gear on race day:
My “must-have” gear on race day is my fuel and hydration belt. Without either I would be lost.
Weirdest place you’ve ever chafed:
I think all of the places I have chaffed are weird. However, chaffing on the lower back is so painful, so I always ensure I put on enough Body Glide to avoid that pain.
Do you prefer to run in warm weather or cold weather?
I prefer to run in the colder weather. Fall is my favorite running season. All of the hard work and training through the summer helps, so when the weather gets cooler, I feel so much faster.
Favorite pre-race meal/snack:
Toast with peanut butter and a banana for shorter distances. Longer distances, I will have some Leggo waffles and a banana while sipping on a little bit of Gatorade.
Weirdest/funniest thing you’ve ever experienced at a race:
During a half marathon, I ran past a person who was running and juggling at the same time. I did a double take when I saw it. I am definitely not that coordinated.
Worst experience during a race:
During a half marathon event, I decided to save my watered down Gatorade and chose to pick a cup of it up at a water station. Worst thing I did because the mixture was not right, it immediately made me feel sick to my stomach for the next mile.
Most awesome moment you’ve ever had at a race:
Crossing the finish line at the Chicago marathon, because I had just conquered my longest distance!
Your favorite part of participating in races:
Running in all of these races allows for some girl time with my friends. I have four boys in my house, and yes my husband is included in that. I don’t get a lot of girl time, so I really cherish the time with my friends.
Do you wear costumes? If so, what’s been your favorite?
I have never worn a costume, but would love to if I could find the right one for me.
How important are awesome medals to you? 
I love all the medals I receive, but honestly the time out on the race course with friends is more important than the medals themselves.
Best medal you’ve earned so far:
Chicago Marathon.
Do you prefer to run alone or with a buddy?
I can do either. Sometimes with my busy schedule of kids and work, I am forced to run alone and I don’t mind that. But I always love it when someone can join me.
Favorite song on your playlist:
Hey Mama (featuring Nicki Minaj). That song has the right beat to it and when it comes on I feel like I can fly.
Who is your race hero and why?
I don’t have one particular hero. I have a lot which are all of my local running friends, and those from the Mickey Milers and WDW Radio Running team. They are the best! They are there whenever you need help no questions asked.
What is the top race on your bucket list?
I would love one day to be able to run in the Big Sur marathon!
What has been the best physical side effect of your participation in races?
Two in particular: losing 60 pounds of baby weight, and having more energy to do activities with my three sons. I am trying to show them the benefits of making the right choices. I tell them all of the time that I run so I can be healthy and live longer for them. I also want to be that 80+ year old person running the marathon with my boys saying, “There goes mom again”.
Your advice for others who might be intimidated by signing up for a race:
The hardest part will be stepping up to the starting line. But once you cross it you will be amazed by the experience and you will want to do it again. We have all been through it.
