U.S. All-Time Great Distance Runner Deena Kastor Isn’t Done Running

“One of my goals – if training goes well – is I’m going to give it my best to qualify for the Olympic Trials just because it gets me out there to push those limits, get in the rest and the good nutrition. It keeps me at my best. Whether I reach that goal or not, I still feel like the best version of me shows up each day in order to pursue it. It’s why I put pie-in-the-sky things out there over the years because it does allow me to be my best self not just physically but mentally. I know I’m going to get flabby and saggy as the years go on. I say that because I just turned 49 and 50 is not that far off – 360 days away but who is counting? Because of that, I don’t ever want my optimism to go away. Running is how I keep it there. I get to that place of suffering and I get a really big grin on my face like ‘This is my moment to shine.’ I can either find a tool to get me through this or find an entirely new one this late in the game to get me through. That always keeps me going. I want to show up for myself in a good way and for those around me every single day.”

Deena Kastor is one of the greatest American distance runners of all-time. Up until recently, she was the American record holder in the marathon with a personal best of 2:19:36 from 2006. It withstood the test of time until Keira D’Amato broke it in Houston in January. Deena has held American records from 5K to the marathon. She is the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon She is a two-time world cross country championship silver medalist. She has won the London Marathon and Chicago Marathon. The best part is that she’s not done.

Deena Kastor’s Career Personal Bests

3000m: 8:42.59

5000m: 14:51.62

10000m: 30:50.32

Half Marathon: 67:34

Marathon: 2:19:36

In this episode, you’ll hear a bit more about her plans for the year, what excites her about the sport as a fan, coach, athlete, fan and commentator and what she makes of everyone running so dang fast. It was a blast to record this episode with Deena at the Running USA Conference in Orlando, Florida.

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Chris Chavez

Chris Chavez launched CITIUS MAG in 2016 as a passion project while working full-time for Sports Illustrated. He covered the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and grew his humble blog into a multi-pronged media company. He completed all six World Marathon Majors and is an aspiring sub-five-minute miler.