Summary: Deena Kastor has put together a professional running career spanning nearly two decades setting American records in every distance from 5K to the marathon and now world masters records as a masters runner. Considered the top female distance runner in U.S. history, her American half marathon record of 1:07:34 and her American marathon record of 2:19:36 still stand today. She has notched victories in the Chicago Marathon, the London Marathon, and was a medalist in the 2004 Olympic Marathon in Athens and at one time was ranked the #1 marathoner in the world. As a masters athlete, she just recently claimed world masters records in the 10-mile (52:41), 15K (49:03) and 20K (1:05:52) en-route to a new women’s masters half marathon world record of 1:09:36 at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon in September 2014. She is also the president of the Mammoth Track Club along with her husband Andrew who serves as head coach, which is a famed group that trains elite runners, up and coming runners and everyday runners alike at altitude in Mammoth Lakes, CA where she has resided and trained since 2001. She’s been having great success in 2014 but prefers to look ahead rather than in the past with her current sights set on a great showing in the NYC marathon in just a few weeks. In this episode, Deena shares much from her career and experiences including: How her failed attempts at soccer, softball and ice skating led her to the track Staying motivated after a period of slowed progression in collegiate running Believing in herself enough to convince a renowned coach to take her on after college Her progression of going from 40 miles per week in college to 75 MPW and then 100+ MPW as an elite How she adjusted her training after spending time training in Kenya Adapting her diet with a full travel schedule and when in foreign countries The staples in her daily diet How she deals with weather conditions she would prefer not to run in Training and having success at a variety of distances from 5K to the Marathon Building speed without losing endurance, and not letting endurance rob speed Tying together different training and races throughout the year to achieve your major goals Coming back from injury, setbacks and disappointing race performances How she "digs deep" when races get difficult - what that really means How even with 30 years of running and racing, she is still learning An insight to her thoughts on the start line, and decisions she makes while in the race itself Running before and after the birth of her daughter Piper How she avoids burn out year after year of training and life events that many would consider retiring A recount of her Bronze Medal win in Athens and first marathon victory in Chicago Quick Tip Actionable strategies to regain and maintain confidence if you lose it ahead of your goal race. Links Mentioned in the Show Spirit of the Marathon - Recommended movie for all marathoners featuring Deena Kastor Mastering the Taper - Runner Academy Episode 6
