Kara's Bio

I began running in the spring of 2007, with the help of a state-wide program called "Women Can Run"  that teaches women how to complete their first 5K. I ran thru the summer, when I was plagued with a back injury that kept me off of my feet until the spring of 2008. This is when I began competing in RRAC events.

Jonesboro is blessed to have RRAC, the Ridge Rider Athletic Club, that promotes health, fitness, and competition in Northeast Arkansas. I am a competitive person and need to set goals to have something to accomplish. After playing volleyball, basketball, and tennis in high school, my thirst for competition was fulfilled with women's rugby at ASU. Once out of college, I needed yet another sport to fuel my competitive drive, and I found running.

I always thought that running was a talent that one was born with, not something that an average individual could step onto the road and accomplish easily. Running was boring and hard, and I found it hard to focus when my thoughts seemed to take over my body while I was trying to simply put one foot in front of the other. As it turns out, I think running is as much of a mental sport as it is physical. Some good music on my ipod, and good friends by my side always makes it easier.

You see, I run with a group called the "Sole Sisters." I'll never forget the day I mentioned to Paula Panneck (our "ring-leader") that I was interested in running a half marathon (a goal at this time that I thought was unattainable). Well as soon as she got home, she sent out an email that I was part of the group. I knew at that point that there was no backing out now!

Joining the Sole Sisters was the best thing that has ever happened to my running career. It's much easier to run when you have a set schedule and a group of women to keep you accountable. They are friends that have turned into family and have been there thru thick and thin.

At this point, I have completed around twenty-five 5K (3.1 miles) races and four half marathons (13.1 miles). This does not include the hours and miles leading up to events... It takes days, weeks, and months to prepare for half marathons... Which lead me to training for my first marathon, which was scheduled for December 4th. As it turns out, I didn't exactly make it... I got severe tendonitis in my left foot on October 31st, as a result of my first 18 mile training run. So instead of running beside my fellow Sole Sisters, I was forced to wear a boot (fun!) for 8 weeks, and rest two weeks before running again at the beginning of 2011.

So, here we are... I completed 10 miles on Saturday and have my first half-marathon (since returning) in just two weeks. Miles and miles to go training for this marathon on May 28th!
26.2, here we come!