Karen Anderson Isn’t Letting Her Age Define Her Running

My guest on the show today is someone that has been listening to the show for quite some time and has been a member of the Facebook group for as long as I can remember.

In addition to being a runner, she is also a wife, mother, and a yogi.

I’m looking forward to going a few easy miles with Karen Anderson and learning a bit more about her today.

Karen Anderson

Mother Walker To Mother Runner

Karen Anderson didn’t begin her running journey until after she became a mother.

While growing up she never had any interest in sports.

She briefly debated joining the track team at her high school, but instead took a job which occupied all her extra time.

When Karen was pregnant with her first child, she consistently walked 2 miles every day up until she delivered.

Before her kids reached school age, Karen remained consistent with her daily walking.

Once her two youngest kids were in elementary school, Karen would walk with a friend prior to picking them up at the end of the day.

These walks eventually evolved over time into running.

She gradually worked her way up to running 2 continuous miles which was a big feat for her at that time.

Karen Anderson

Never Say Never

Karen stuck with running 2 miles for quite some time before she began to slowly bump up her mileage.

The uptick in mileage was because Karen had signed up for the Peachtree Roadrace 10k.

The feeling Karen had when she crossed that finish line was more than enough to motivate her to continue with the sport.

Currently, Karen has completed 6 marathons and 2 ultras along with numerous shorter distance races.

She learned from very early on to never say never.

After she finished her first half marathon, Karen said she would never run a marathon.

That all changed after Karen joined a local running group and went on to run at least one marathon per year.

Running races has uncovered a competitive side that Karen never knew she had.

Competing With Herself

Karen has learned a lot about training and how to run a smart race since her first marathon.

For her first race, she made a lot of typical mistakes which included following a one size fits all plan, weaving during the event, and going out too fast.

Since then she has used her experience to continually chip away at her times in every distance.

Each marathon she has done has been unique and taught her valuable lessons.

Karen has a goal to eventually run a Boston qualifier and currently, she is about 20 minutes from the time she needs.

Showing up and remaining consistent is how Karen explains her continued progress in the sport.

Karen Anderson

The Year Of No Races

This year has altered every runner’s plans in regards to racing.

Karen has adjusted by venturing out onto the trails more along with continuing to practice yoga.

Her fear of snakes has contributed to her sticking to roads more than trails but she is slowly trying to change that.

Trails have allowed Karen to explore a new and different side of running.

Yoga has been a consistent part of Karen’s daily routine since September of 2019.

She initially tried it while she was recovering from a running injury that sidelined her.

The benefits of yoga have been plentiful for both her mind and body.

Even with the future of racing unknown, Karen will continue to get out the door for her runs for as long as she is able.

Mentioned In This Episode:

• Publix Atlanta Marathon
• Peachtree Road Race
• Tortoise and the Hare Half Marathon & 10K
• Kiawah Island Marathon
• Marine Corps Marathon
• Soldier Marathon
• Yoga with Adriene

Stay connected with Karen Anderson by following her on Instagram.

Karen Anderson never imagined she would run at all, let alone marathons and beyond. She is proving that age doesn't have to define your running. Click To Tweet

As Always, I’d Love to Know What Stood Out to You From this Episode! Let Me Know Your Takeaway in the Comments Below!

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