Running with Kara Goucher

You know when you see video clips of an N’Sync, Jonas Brothers or Beatles concert and you see

Meeting my running idol and female
role model Kara Goucher!!!

all the screaming girls, who are crying and jumping and shaking with excitement by merely seeing their idols in person? The ridiculousness of freaking out by simply sharing the same air space as another human being? The silliness of practically fainting by the presence of someone famous? Yep, that was me when I met Kara Goucher this week. 

At least that’s how it felt inside of my head :)

When Kara (yes, I know I should reference her by her last name, but that seems so formal and she was such a super chill, friendly person, that I’d prefer to call her by her first name) announced that she would attend the Boulder Running Company weekly Wednesday night run this week, there was no question I’d be there.

I love running. It’s part of what defines me. While I’ll never be a pro runner, I enjoy watching pro running events. From short distance track events to marathons, I tune in to watch talented people complete amazing feats on the track and on the road. Kara has always been an inspiration to me. Maybe it’s her Midwest upbringing in Minnesota (I’m from Iowa) or her humbleness as a pro athlete or the success she’s achieved as a female athlete. I count her, Shalane Flanagan and Lauren Fleshman as the quintessential strong, smart, sassy and successful woman athlete.

I was standing outside, in the rain (a somewhat rare occurrence for Colorado on a casual Wednesday night) when Kara jogged up to the store with her son. She enthusiastically called out to the store employees and put down her gear. Wow, I immediately thought to myself, how many professional athletes would arrive in that way to an event? Unfortunately I think we see too many pompous jerks in “real world” settings (sorry male athletes, but it’s mostly you).

Kara Goucher making time for a second
photo so that we could include Jason!

She made her way into the store; I made my way to my husband to tell him with giddy delight that she was really here. In the meantime, I had met another runner, Donna, who is the definition of a hard-working, successful, amateur runner. She has run Boston four times, run New York, run practically everywhere cool (maybe the same places as Kara and other pros) and she took the time to chat with me and tell me her story. We were chatting as Kara blended into the scene. Eventually we saw a herd of people gravitating towards the center of the store. We followed. 

We stood in line, only briefly, to be greeted by Kara herself. I handed my phone to Jason, asking him to capture my gigantic smile standing next to one of the truly great female runners, someone we look at now and someone the future generations will look at as a female running legend. 

First though, I had a couple of things to tell her. I approached Kara, who was all smiles and said I have three things to tell you. She said okay with a serious, yet delighted look on her face. I started – 1. Thank you for being an inspiration to me as a runner and obviously to all the people here and pretty much every runner everywhere. 2. Thank you being a great female role model. I know you are to me and I very much appreciate what you represent for all women. And 3. Thank you for signing with Oiselle. We’re all going to look back 10 years from now and pinpoint this as a defining moment in changing the way professional running works. Thank you for that.

Kara Goucher looked at me and said “thank you.” She continued, “that means a lot and you’re giving me goosebumps,” as she leaned in and gave me a hug.

What a humble, kind and super cool person. I’m just one of many fans; one of many people who share their thoughts with her; one of the many who take up her time in her already crazy busy day.  And yet she had the heart to really listen to what I said and reciprocate an honest answer back.

No, at no point during that interaction, nor prior to or after did I scream, cry, jump or shake with excitement (like you see at those boy band concerts). That’s the cool thing about meeting another human being. They’re just a human being.Yes, I was very excited (okay, I’m STILL very excited!) but she’s just another person like you or I, and while she gets worldwide attention, she’s still humble enough to treat others with kindness and respect. I admire her even more.

I was fortunate enough to meet two
inspiring runners - pro Kara Goucher and
a new amateur friend Donna (white hat).

Many, many people stood in line to meet Kara and she spoke with every last one. She posed for pictures, with a fresh, natural smile for everyone. I admire someone who can maintain their composure and enthusiastically greet everyone with the same demeanor. I can’t do that and I meet new people like once every few months! :)

There was a great turnout for the event, I’m sure fueled by passionate weekend warriors like me who want the opportunity to meet a legend and be inspired to continue strong in our own journeys. Finally the organizers sent us on our way for a five mile loop around the Boulder community.

I love running in Boulder. The scenery is spectacular; the trails well maintained winding and undulating through town. We’ve run many times in Boulder, but of course this run took special meaning since a couple minutes into it Kara casually jogged towards our group.

She maintained pace with my new running friend Donna, her friend, Jason and myself for awhile. We started asking her questions – Did she like her Sketchers shoes? Was she going to watch the Boulder Ironman in a few weeks? How was recovery and training going? 

Kara answered everything. Not with a generic or annoyed quip, but a witty, forthcoming authenticity that I just didn’t believe someone “famous” or “pro” would talk like with the general public. She talked about her admiration for the shoe she was wearing, but her desire for a thicker flat and how Sketchers had already visited her a couple of times to work out ideas for a new shoe. She talked about her goals of running either the Chicago or New York marathons this fall. She admitted that she was only supposed to run a couple of miles outdoors (the rest for her special indoor treadmill she uses during recovery). It was like catching up with an old friend. Eventually, Kara moved forward in her run, picking up the pace and moving onto other conversations with enthusiastic runners.

I can say that I actually got to run with Kara Goucher. I can also say without a doubt, she’s one of the friendliest and funniest people I’ve ever met. 

Looking up to someone gives us encouragement, motivation and a sense of hope for achieving great things. Yes, I look up to Kara as a runner but also as an empowered woman. I want to do something meaningful with my life. Seeing someone who does get the national spotlight, someone who could easily stay home and avoid all the questions and the requests and the pictures and hubbub and still earn a decent pay check come out and say hello and thank you and interact like you would with anyone else off the street - that makes me want to do bigger things and give back more at the same time.

Thanks Kara for showing everyone what a hard-working, hilarious and humbling person can be – you’ve given me inspiration that will last a lifetime!

Miss FitGab