Over the Next Hill Fitness

S3 Ep3 Dedication and Dreams: Petra Kilian's Boston Marathon Pursuit

• Carla Coffey

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0:00 | 29:10

Balancing Life as a Running Mom

Speaker 1

Hello and welcome back to Over the Next Hill Fitness Podcast. I'm Carla Coffey, your coach and host for today's program. The program is brought to you by CoffeeCrewCoachingcom. If you need a running or fitness coach, I could be your coach for you. We'll have some fun. I'll put you through some running skills and drills and pain and I'm just kidding Maybe a little pain. Anyways, look me up at coffeecrewcoachingcom. Also, the episode is sponsored by Hydropatch. There's a link in the show notes for 20% off, so check those out and all the other discounts that are in there too, please.

Speaker 1

If you haven't rated the show, please go to the show notes and there's five stars in there. Please pick all five. Give me five star rating. Share the episode. If you want to be on the podcast, please look me up. There's a little button in there. You can push and you can be on the podcast too. Today I'm talking to Petra Killian. She is so fantastic. You guys are going to love her interview. She's got a lot of energy and she's a pretty dynamic woman, so I hope you enjoy it and we'll listen to the end. Welcome to the show, Petra. It's so great to have you here.

Speaker 2

Well, thank you so much, Carla. I'm so delighted to be here.

Speaker 1

Well, let's talk running. So how did you get into running? Yeah, how did you get into running. And how long have you been running? How?

Speaker 2

did I get into running? I love doing these podcasts when you don't do a lot of prep work and they are really organic, right? No, I have a son. Actually that is 21 years old and he runs for UC Boulder, so he is no longer in Madison, where I am located.

Speaker 2

I really that's when the moment hit me to start running and to compete for my first 5K and 10Ks, and then I went to half marathons and marathons. I just loved to go back when I started. I loved the feeling of like, okay, I need something active and I need to be out of the house and I need to do something in nature and something that inspires me and something that fuels me and something that gets my head cleared. So, yeah, I just started with like 20 minute runs, walk runs, minute runs, walk runs, um, and while my, my son, was napping and uh, or when, uh, you know, my husband came home and he was with him, so that I just like started running bits and pieces, but more frequently, so that I could just like, um, yeah, refresh myself and be outside and clear my head. And that's when I started running.

Speaker 1

Okay, now how? So you said, your son is 21?.

Speaker 2

Yeah, 21 years old.

Speaker 1

So you've been running 21 years or longer. Yes, okay.

Speaker 2

Yeah, I actually never ran before, so I was what? 29 when, no 30 when, when he was born, and so I, I, I really started when he was born and before that I never really, it never really occurred to me to run, but I have not stopped since.

Speaker 1

And that's great. And you run right up until you can't take one more step right.

Speaker 2

Exactly, and running is such a consistent way of staying active and it's something that is, I feel, inexpensive and also, um, it doesn't, it's, it's not a lot of hustle, right, you put on your shoes which is really hard to do to put on the shoes, that's the hardest part and then you go out and then you see what happens. Um, and that's what I like about running. You just go out the door, you see what happens, and that's what I like about running. You just go out the door, you lace your shoes and you are out the door and you are already doing the sport, versus packing your equipment, going somewhere, starting something. And so it's time. It's not as time consuming as other sports.

Speaker 1

Yeah, for sure it can be if you go on long runs all the time. But you know.

Speaker 2

Right, but even a long run right. It's like two or three hours versus some other sports like cycling or even swimming, when you have to drive somewhere to the pool and do the workout and do the shower. I think, as moms or busy professionals, I think running is one of the things that is one of the hardest things but also one of the easiest things to to yeah, to like to do versus driving somewhere preparing a lot of equipment.

Speaker 1

And having the skill Running doesn't really take a lot of skill.

Speaker 2

We've been doing it since we were kids, so yeah, yeah, but I really do recommend, if you are a runner that is starting out to, the first visit you should be doing is to get a professional to look at what shoes are the best for you. I agree Because oftentimes people say, okay, I want to start running and I am going to just like, oh, what tennies do I have? I'm just going to wear these and I'm starting running. And then after a few weeks or a couple months in, they have already their first injury and oftentimes it is because they're started running with the wrong shoe.

Speaker 1

Absolutely For sure. So what is your favorite distance to run?

Speaker 2

My favorite distance, I would think, is the half marathon.

Speaker 1

Yeah, so have you competed in a lot of them.

Speaker 2

Yeah.

Speaker 1

I have.

Speaker 2

I like half marathons because it's a really big challenge. I like half marathons because it's a really big challenge, but I can push myself to get a lot of personal bests versus. The marathon is also one of my favorites because it's such a challenge, distance wise, but it takes a lot of commitment and a lot of time to get faster over time?

Speaker 1

Yeah, indeed, but I do see you have a Boston jacket on, so tell me about your trip to Boston. How, how was qualifying for that?

Speaker 2

That was hard, Um, but I'm glad that, um, that I have this experience, because it is such a great experience to to first accomplish the qualification and then get admitted, apply for the race and then get admitted to the race. It was really cool to to run with the best runners in the world, but that really made me humble and I felt like so proud to come home and to wear this jacket or other jackets that I have from the Boston Marathon. I just love that prestigious race, but qualifying for this race and the journey to get there was just as amazing. It took a few races in order to figure out, okay, how do I race a marathon in a best way that I can qualify for the Boston Marathon and then also get admitted? Because oftentimes when you qualify for the Boston Marathon, the time is just not fast enough in order to get admitted, and that is so heartbreaking because the first time that I qualified but didn't get admitted, I'm like this is is so wrong.

Speaker 2

Everybody that qualifies should get into the best boston marathon, but that's not how it is, because there are so many runners out in the whole world that want to get and compete in a boston marathon, so once you qualify in your age bracket. Only a certain amount of people racersers are admitted into the Boston marathon of that age bracket, and only the um, so the the slowest of that age bracket of these qualification runners, uh, admitted into the race and so I was one of the lowest. I only had like a minute or a minute and a half um buffer of qualification times and I didn't make it so the next time I trained. So I had at least five minutes better than my qualification time, and that is so hard because it gets just even to run five seconds faster a mile. That's a lot of training in a marathon, as you know, because you have done Boston yourself.

Speaker 1

I hear yes, I have indeed. So, along your journey, other than qualifying for Boston, what was one of the hardest things that you had to like overcome? Did you have any injuries or things like that Any?

Speaker 2

I think everybody battles with some injuries or some nicks that hurt. But I think the biggest thing to overcome is, as moms and professionals, uh, the work and the family, uh world, and then in between we are athletes. I think what really was the most challenging over the years is figuring out how can I stay true to like, how do how can I be a good mom and a good member of my own family and also do my job and earn money but then also stay the athlete and train enough that I can be competitive. So that's like this balance is a constant riding, the wave of how to manage that balance, and I think that for me has been always been the most challenging. But Once you figure it out, you know, like childcare and work hours and training hours, when do I fit my runs in?

Speaker 2

I'm a big morning runner, so I like to run at 6 am or 5.30 in the morning, so I'm done with my part and then I can dedicate the rest of my day to being a mom or a family member, or I have dogs and I have a work schedule, so then it doesn't fall off at the end of the day when I'm like, okay, now I'm tired, I really don't want to go out there and run, so the run is done and run, so the run is done. So just figuring out a balance that works for you or that worked for me was the hardest challenge while training. And if you're injured then of course you have to figure it out. But I definitely recommend everybody that is in the sport to really take good care of your body so that they can keep training Like I am. I love yoga and functional training and I have um, a foam roller, and so I do at least 45 minutes a day that takes care of my body to support my training, if that makes sense.

Speaker 1

Oh, absolutely. That's great. So what was it like for you learning how to fuel as you got into the longer distances? Was that a learning curve for you, or did you already just know?

Speaker 2

Yeah, of course I think it's a learning curve for everybody that comes into the sports and runs is what do I like while I'm running and how do I fuel my body? But I'm a big believer in true foods. I don't really use a lot or any supplements, and so when I run, I usually run with water or I like some electrolyte supplement that I like to run with in the hotter months. And then how to fuel? I like just like simple glucose, like a sport dense, dense gummies, so to speak. Um, I don't, I'm not a huge gel person, but I like to use the um, uh, the sports gummies and like electrolytes. So that's purely what I run in, run with.

Nutrition, Training, and Racing Insights

Speaker 2

And then to fuel, I just like keep my diet very simple. I love to, um, do like simple toast and and and, uh, simple sugars, like jam or honey and bagel and honey, uh, banana, something like very, uh simple. And then after a run or after my workouts, I fuel with lean proteins and vegetables and then I'm done with carbs. So I do carbs before a run, keep it simple, keep my stomach pretty lean, I would think. And then so don't, don't overthink it and definitely don't complicate it. And then I sometimes, when I have then a recovery day and a day that I don't run, then I splurge on or I um reward myself with something more than lean protein. Like once a month I have like a nice steak to to, to just to splurge, or I have a yummy pasta dish or something. But usually my diet is pretty simple and that works for me.

Speaker 1

In terms of pre-fueling and post-fueling, my runs so what do you carry with you on the run? The gummies or the gels?

Speaker 2

Yeah, I mix it up. There are some sport beans that I like that are gummies that I like, even something super inexpensive I have tried and been really successful with it's like Swedish fish or just any fruit snacks that are organic, that are out there Sometimes are just good enough for some longer runs, up to two hours. And then I get into the more specific sport, let's say a denser nutrition gummies that have more supplements in there, more electrolytes, um. But yeah, I just uh carry one pack of that and then the rest of the um. I have like a handheld water bottle and I just have water, or I have an electrolyte drink in there that I just put in as a tap form and let it dissolve in water. And then whenever I run in the medicine area that's where I'm from I just refuel with water at a gas station or at coffee shops if it's in the winter or we are very fortunate in this community we have these so-called water bubblers and they're public and so I just fill up my water bottles with that.

Speaker 1

Very cool. So, other than Boston, um, is there a favorite marathon or other race that, just if someone asks you, you know where? Where do you like to run the most? What's your favorite race? What is the first thing that pops in your head?

Speaker 2

My biggest like. Well, I've been very successful with the Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, which I love and I can only recommend it. It's my most successful and I feel like my luckiest course because every time I race that course I qualified for Boston and I love because it's very similar to the point where they bus you out to the start line and you just have to run home and that's what I love about the marathon in Duluth. But my absolute favorite ever was Philadelphia Marathon and it was my fastest ever and also a Boston qualifier.

Speaker 2

But it rained buckets that day and it was so windy they had to take the finisher line off. They had this beautiful Rocky Balboa finish line arc that they had to take off because it was so rainy and so windy and it was an out and back course and I just remembered, I just put down my head and I was so determined to run this and it was one of my best moments ever, even though it was one of the worst conditions that I ever ran in. So, yeah, philadelphia is definitely one of my biggest memories, for sure. But my luckiest course is, uh, the grandmas and I really love that course. The support is great, the scenery is beautiful the Lake Superior. You run along it and definitely for everybody that wants to run a marathon, that's a great first time marathon. You should try, yeah.

Speaker 1

I ran Grandma's. I don't remember what year it was and it was so foggy it was I don't remember seeing the lake it was, I don't remember yes, seeing the lake. Yeah, I don't remember seeing the lake at all. I'm sure it was there. Yes, it, it is for sure there, yeah so what else can you tell us about your running journey that you've learned along the way, you've enjoyed along the way?

Speaker 2

yeah, things that I've mentioned you know, like fuel, I I keep it pretty simple. Uh, I choose a training regimen that you really can be successful as well, like rally, a couple of uh runners that you like, that um that you can identify with, with pacing and uh what your goals are. It's it's it's nice to have a friend or two that you can uh, that waits for you and that um that you can make plans with so you can be successful. Yeah, it's just establish a training regimen that you can follow and that is always the same, or mostly the same, so you can be very successful in your daily training, because it is a daily thing, commitment, and if it's all over the place or you don't really have a plan it's oftentimes not you cannot be successful.

Speaker 2

So, a simple diet, making sure you have a plan that you can follow, establish a consistency, establish a routine, stick with the routine, no matter what, and try to um, yeah, try to keep it simple. Like, uh, I oftentimes just go out the door and I run the same course or the run the same training runs over and over, but I know I can be successful of it and then, if the weather is different, especially in the Midwest, have a plan the night before. Okay, what am I going to do tomorrow? There is a, it's only five degrees, or there is a ice storm, or a rainstorm or a snowstorm, or it's too windy. How am I going to get my run in?

Speaker 2

And so, be proactive is what I mean with um, with your planning. And, yeah, have a good support system right, have your family know what you're training for and have them rally for you. And, uh, when you say, oh, my gosh, I think I cannot do it, this is so hard, make them, um, make them rally in your corner and say, no, you can do this, let's go. And so, yeah, simple diet, consistency in training, a good support system and sleep Sleep is really important and relaxation of your body making sure that you support your body in a way that it can sustain the training volume, meaning cross training and taking care of your body with a good nutrition and good rest.

Speaker 1

Yeah, for sure. So you mentioned that your son runs. Have you guys been able to run any races together?

Speaker 2

No, Well, yeah, we actually have done like a couple of 5K on Thanksgiving, but he is a sprinter and I'm an endurance athlete, so sometimes when I go on the long runs and I come home, he said, oh my gosh, I could never do it. But then when I go on to the track with him and he does the 200 repeats um, in a time that I cannot even dream of running them in um, then I'm like, oh my gosh, this is so crazy. So it's a total different, but yet we have a lot of things in common that we share, which I love.

Speaker 1

Yeah, Do you steal the? Um, you know the. It's because of me that he's running. Do you like put that on you, that he learned that?

Speaker 2

No, I actually don't know, like I, uh, but he, I do love that. He says that um, when you come to my competitions, mom, you understand what I'm going through when I am not having the result that I dream or that I work for, Because I always tell them you can be working so hard and as runners know that, but your finish or a great finish is never guaranteed and it's in fact more rare than it is to have a okay finish or not a great day. So the great days are more most likely than having an actually successful, real great day. So that's why I like this Philadelphia marathon right. It's so precious to me because it was so unpredictable that I was doing so great on that day with these conditions.

Speaker 2

So the unique days in our careers that are so successful, I think, are more rare. But really what I love, what my son sometimes says, is back to the grind, mom, back to the grind, to the grind, mom, back to the grind. This grinding is mostly the days that really make us successful on this one unique day that we really make it qualify for Boston or win a race or have our personal best or finish with a smile. These days are not the days that are most likely happening all the time. So, when they happen, cherish them, because it's more rare than you think.

Speaker 1

Absolutely yeah, but those bad days really give us strength to do anything.

Speaker 2

Yes, the day-to-day grinding, the consistency, the yes, I don't want to, I don't feel like it, and still doing it. That makes it all part of the success story.

Speaker 1

Indeed, indeed. What other words of wisdom would you like to share with the audience about your running and your journey? What?

Speaker 2

other words of wisdom would you like to share with the audience about your running and your journey? Yeah, I think I don't want to be a broken record, but consistency and sticking with it in the long run really makes your success. Not just a few runs, it's the daily grinding and doing it when it's not glamorous or when you really don't want to do it, or when it's not the best condition. Those runs make to the result. But you can only get to the result with consistency and a lot of hard work, because nothing is accomplished without that.

Speaker 1

Absolutely for sure, and it's interesting that you say that, because a lot of people think they want to maybe qualify for Boston or run a marathon or whatever, but they really don't want to put the hard work in, and that's the difference.

Speaker 2

But it's not happening without it and even with hard work. I always share that with my son because he has these goals in his head right in his college years to come that he wants to accomplish. But I tell him, even with a lot of talent that he has and a lot of hard work that he puts in, you're not guaranteed anything, even though you put all this thing in. But you have a shot at it.

Speaker 1

Yeah for sure. Is there anything that you know now that you wish you knew 21 years ago when you first started running? About running, you think, oh, I wish I had known that a long time ago.

Speaker 2

I wish I had known that a long time ago. Yeah, I think I would have done more like specific speed work earlier when I was younger, to get to certain goals that I don't think I can still accomplish, that I don't think I can still accomplish. So, yeah, base work and speed work to make sure that you, in order to get faster, you also have to run faster. So I would have liked to do more specific work towards that earlier in my career. Yeah, same.

Speaker 1

I like that answer too.

Speaker 2

Then we have something here in common For sure, all right.

Speaker 1

Well, do you have any last words for the audience? Well, thank you so much for having me.

Speaker 2

This was like so great, I love talking about this. You make me very welcome here on your podcast. Thank you so much again for having me and to audience if you have any questions, always reach out First Time. 5k is my podcast and I'm going to reverse and have you on my show here soon, okay, so, um, thank you so much, but my last word is like yeah, keep on dreaming and keep on working hard, and maybe the star align and you'll reach the goals that you work so hard for for sure.

Speaker 1

Yeah, maybe the stars will align well, thank you. Thank you so much, petra, for being here, and I will look forward to being on your show soon.

Speaker 2

Yes, we are making plans for that very soon.

Speaker 1

All right, thank you, have a great day.

Speaker 2

You too.

Speaker 1

All right. Well, thanks for listening to the episode. I hope you enjoyed it. Please continue to follow, share and rate the program. If you're needing that coach, reach out to me. There's a button in the show notes that you can contact me directly. Share it with a friend. If you think their story needs to be on the podcast, I'd love to hear from them. So thanks again and have a great day.

Contributor

Carla Coffey

Host