This is the thirty-third edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where I get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.
Intro
Today’s guest was a former intern at Mammoth Track Club in California, ran for UMD while in college (our paths even crossed during this time, see picture at the bottom for a blast from the past), and sports a blistering full-marathon time!
She currently lives in the Twin Cities, works at The Lakes Running Company, and is a certified running coach…today’s guest is Savannah Kent!
Interview
Why is running important to you?
Running is important to me because it’s the only constant thing I have. It’s always something I can turn to when things aren’t going well or I need to just have some time to myself and just think or zone out for a while.
It’s also the only thing that gives me if you call it a high or euphoric feeling or whatever. I’ve biked, swam etc. but nothing ever comes close to running.
What are the top two or three things that you do to prevent injury? Have you been susceptible to certain injuries in the past?
My main thing I use to prevent injury is incorporating strength training into my run training. I’ll do 2 heavier lifting/strength session a week with 1 yoga strength.The second thing I do is foam rolling and massage therapy. I try to do this at least 2 times a week if not more if I am in a bigger build up.
Lastly I try to stretch daily. The only issue I’ve had with injuries is plantar fasciitis, which flares up every now and then, but I’ve been pretty lucky with only having a few BIG injuries that have taken me out for a significant amount of time.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
I try to remember the feeling I get when I am done. The satisfaction of actually getting out the door and finishing up something I really didn’t want to do. I also try to think of how I’ll feel if I don’t reach my goal, because not heading out the door might actually hinder that.
Who is in your running support group (training partners, people to bounce ideas off of, etc.)?
I am pretty solo. I’ll run with people every now and then. I am trying to be more of a social runner and run with people more often. But 95%+ of the time I am flying solo.
As for training ideas and plans that’s another thing I have a hard time with because of my background it’s hard for me to go to someone and ask for advice when I usually like to go research it for myself. Sometimes I’ll ask my network of coaches and other runners I trust with experience to help me.
When/what is your next race?
My next race hummmmm haha as for 2020 I have California International Marathon in December. But realistically thinking I don’t think we will be racing until 2021. I have contemplated training for a track 5k and going to “race” against my own time, but we will see. My motivation hasn’t been super high to do anything super fast and hard at the moment.
Do you prefer roads or trails and why?
Pavement pusher. Too much thought process in running on trails to watch your step, and you slow down so much. I don’t a lot of patience for trails, especially living in the Twin Cities I have to drive to a place with trails. I don’t like that.
What do you think about while your run?
Ha depends on what’s going on that day. Sometimes I think about more science things and how it relates to training. Sometimes I go over discussions scenarios about the what if’s stuff like that. If I am zoned out (race mode) I don’t think of anything, just my next move in the race.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
3:05 marathon. Worked my ass off for. next step is to break 3 obviously.
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
2016. Boston.
A month out I got a stress fracture and I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to run it. I did and it was AWFUL. It was 85 degrees, no clouds, and all Minnesotans had trained in nothing over 45 degrees. Longest race of my life.
Then to back that up I signed up for Grandma’s 2016 too. (I needed the Lift Bridge Medal to commemorate my time lived in Duluth, since I was moving to CA that September.) 2016 was the black flag year and it was over 90 degrees. I finished but ended up in the med tent. I still don’t do well in heat from those experiences. I’ll take -35 over 90 and humid.
What is something non-running related you would like to share with readers?
I love paddle boarding on my lake up North. I got my own as a graduation gift to myself when I graduated grad school. I love being on the lake, there’s something so peaceful about it. Paddling is a quiet way to get out on the lake but still get in some sort of a workout.
Closing
Many thanks to Savannah for agreeing to stop by The Duluth Runner and share some of her knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!
