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Member Highlight – Krissi Polentz

September 27, 2021 by Meggie Inouye Leave a Comment

Introduction by Meggie Inouye

When deciding on a Member Highlight this month, many on our board had amazing things to say about Krissi because this woman shows up! Krissi attended every Newbies Run this summer, she completed the Reno Running Co. Bingo challenge, and somehow was at two different aid stations at Castle Peak 100k…keep an eye out for a Krissi sighting because she is everywhere. You will know it’s her by her big sparkling smile.

Krissi moving along the Frog Lake overlook. Photo: Krissi Polentz

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I am originally from the Bay Area, born in San Mateo, and currently live in Truckee.

When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?

I began running casually in college, because I didn’t know what to do with myself athletically now that I didn’t have team sports anymore. I gradually found consistency over time, and eventually signed up for my first road half marathon in 2013. I realized that having a goal to work toward, whether it was training for a race or a fitness challenge put on by the school gym, was what I needed to have fitness consistency. 

After moving back to San Francisco full time, I joined the November Project. Through them I found the San Francisco Running Company and trail running. I ran my first trail race as part of a marathon relay team at The North Face Endurance Challenge California at the end of 2014, and my interest and time spent trail running just grew from there. Coming back from a  broken ankle in 2015, I switched almost exclusively to trail, and eventually mountain, running. I found more joy in what feels like the limitless exploration and growth process of trail running, and didn’t want to go back to the pursuit of the perfect pacing of pavement pounding.

Being a part of the San Francisco/Marin trail running community, it’s hard not to quickly find out about and witness ultras. I think early on into trail running, I knew I wanted to run a 50k, but played the long game to get there. I felt like trail running was so hard at the time, and I had so much strength and experience to gain first, that I wanted to be fully prepared before diving in.

Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?

I typically do a few races a year of varying distances. I personally find races and similar big goals helpful for maintaining motivation and consistent training. I like to have one or two ‘A’ goal races a year, usually ultras, and then fill in the gaps with a few other planned and last minute races more for fun or as a part of training.

Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?

The UTMB races OCC or CCC are definitely a bucket list item that I’ll keep entering the lottery for. I think I would really consider any international/destination races as dream races though. To be able to discover and run through beautiful places is such a gift.

Besides UTMB, I typically only think about what dream races I want to do in the next two years or so. Tarawera 100k has been on my radar since before Covid started, so I think that’s my 2023 dream race. (I studied abroad in New Zealand in college when I was running roads recreationally and didn’t know trail running existed. Back then trail races barely existed there anyways, so I’d love to explore the north island in a new way.)

Venturing up Castle Peak in the winter. Photo: Krissi Polentz

What was the best running advice you’ve received?

Honestly, I don’t know… but the best thing I did when I started training for road halfs was to research and read whatever I could. Being mostly plant-based before I started taking running seriously, I was really concerned with how I could fuel myself enough and took the opportunity to incorporate new foods and recipes into my repertoire. I try to continually learn about and work on the mechanics of running to always be improving myself. It’s often put me in a place to help give advice to newer runners, and I appreciate being able to bring more people into the fold and help them make fewer mistakes than the rest of us.

Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?

When running, I stick to Skratch electrolytes & chews, and Muir & Spring for gels. I prefer the ‘real food’ approach to trail nutrition, and haven’t been plagued with stomach issues yet. In a race, I may grab whatever stands out to me in the moment from an AS, such as potato chips and, most recently, Twix.

Post-run or race, I like to have a Vega recovery drink to start replenishing carbs while I wait for hunger to kick in. Then typically something like a breakfast sandwich, baked goods, fries, fruit, kombucha, or a good sour beer are all common. It’s really about what my body and brain are craving.

Do you have a favorite recipe to share?

Yes. I can share my vegan spiced chai banana bread below. 

I also love this unique summer salad.

And this is an excellent veggie chili for my no-meat friends out there.

What was your favorite running experience this past year?

Being able to race again! I didn’t think I would miss it much, because I will always run regardless of race goals, but I’m really starting to embrace pushing myself in races. Volcanic 50k was an incredible, scenic, & challenging first ultra back in person, and I was just so appreciative to be able to choose to race and suffer in a beautiful place in beautiful foggy, rainy weather.

Exploring Mount Rainier National Park. Photo: Krissi Polentz

What was your most challenging/ character-building experience this past year?

In terms of running, the uncertainty of if and when goal races would happen due to both Covid and smoke season. Every race has felt like a bit of a moving target, and I’ve had to take a different training approach a lot of the time as a result. I don’t like training too hard or with too much volume outside of specific training blocks for specific race dates usually. Without being able to plan, I’ve had to maintain a good base fitness and just be prepared to take advantage of any opportunity or smokeless day.

Personally, I finally made the move here full time and doing so during a pandemic hasn’t been without its challenges. It’s especially hard to try to build a new community during and after a long ‘stay-at-home’ period.

With most races being cancelled this year, do you have your own adventure or virtual race plans?

Before races started coming back in California, I did a virtual Chuckanut 50k in March. Since they’ve mostly returned, I’ve been able to do a few small regional races and did Volcanic 50k in Washington in August. I’ll be at Broken Arrow Skyrace again this year too. I was hoping to do my first 50 mile race this fall, but the smoke crushed my training momentum and fitness some, so now I’m totally playing it by ear. (Taking ideas for fall/winter races!!). Otherwise, I find October is a great time for peak bagging and some adventure runs, but don’t have anything big planned.

What led you to join DPMR?

I had been a part of some DPMR races in the past, and now that I live here I wanted to meet more of the community and get more involved.

What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?

I’ve done the Racing Gnome snowshoe race a couple times and love it. As someone who typically runs with spikes and not snowshoes in the winter, I think it’s such a fun & funny thing to try to race in snowshoes with limited experience. You can’t really take yourself too seriously when running feels so goofy and foreign, especially with the wild weather the past couple editions of the race.

Favorite local trail?

Hmm, that’s hard. The PCT from Donner Summit to Granite Chief is pretty incredible. The Marlette Lake area as well.

The DLRT and Castle Peak area are probably the trails I like to run most frequently. 

Deer Lakes, Mammoth Crest Trail
Deer Lakes, Mammoth Crest Trail. Photo: Krissi Polentz.

Do you have a mental training technique, mantra, or similar that you rely on to combat the mentally trying times of a longer run?

‘Just Keep Moving’

I also like to just stay in the moment, acknowledge it and work with it instead of against it.

Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?

I don’t, mostly I like to observe my surroundings, use the time to think through what’s on my mind, or focus in on the running itself.

Recovery technique(s) that you swear by?

I try to roll, use the Hypervolt, and put my legs up the wall before bed. But really, the biggest way I can always help myself recover is to stick to the basics: hydrate, eat, & sleep.

Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (hydration system, shoe, clothing layer, sock, etc.)?

The Naked Running Band and Altra Superior trail shoes

What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?

If I could spend all my time outside, I would. Dog walks, lake/river hangs, backpacking, skiing, off-roading, learning to longboard in the neighborhood, etc. I’m willing to do or try any new sport or outdoor activity if I have someone to do it with, especially if it’s in the mountains or by the ocean.

Other interests are cooking, baking, collecting & drinking all of the sour beer, spending time with my nieces and family in the Bay, and hopefully traveling abroad again soon.

Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?

mmm…

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
See race details

Connect in Person

Oct
3
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 3 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
5
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Oct 5 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels in Coldstream Canyon, Truckee. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an[...]
Oct
10
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Oct
12
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Oct 12 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin @ Coldstream Canyon Truckee
Join us for for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels in Coldstream Canyon, Truckee. Run starts at 6pm.  Workout will be about an hour and can be adjusted to your level. Keep an[...]
Oct
17
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Oct 17 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
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dpmrunners

Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plen Join @healdsburgrunningcompany for a run (and plenty of fun)!

📍 : @donnerskiranch 
⏰ : Saturday September 16th, 8am
🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ : Judah Loop and continue on the PCT.
Run the Judah loop for ~6 miles, continue to Anderson peak for ~13miles (or further on the PCT if you want to go longer)
🗺️ : https://www.strava.com/routes/3135724872218937730
🎉 : Rejoin at the Donner Ski Ranch Old 40 Bar & Grill after the run (and there may be some sweeeeet giveaways...).
🙋‍♀️ : The Judah Loop is a trail adopted and actively maintained by DPMR as part of @truckeetrails' Adopt a Trail program

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #lakesonoma #lakesonoma100k
Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOM Who's psyched for the Pt Mariah Trail Marathon TOMORROW?!! DPMR is so excited to bring you this second edition of the race that promises to be bigger and better than last year! RD Chris Cloyd and team have been working so hard all week with final prep. The course is in great shape with some beautiful fun flowy singletrack. He said he'd love a few more volunteers so checkout the signup genius on our volunteer page, but otherwise wants everyone to please come hang out, cheer, and join the party! 
Unique to this race is the 5 segment course that utilizes a central aid station and can be done as a 2 person or 5 person relay, in addition to challenging yourself to run the whole thing solo!
Registration is still OPEN in person until 6pm tonight with bib pick-up at @tahoemountainsports with reg remaining open online til 1159pm. Race day bib pickup available in the morning 6-730am. No Race Day Reg. 

Thanks to our amazing sponsors this year, every participant will be eligible for a prize giveaway and get a pair of @darntoughvermont socks and @drinklmnt hydration.

#unafraid #trailrunning #runningcommunity #runninglife #runningmotivation #donnerpartymountainrunners #tahoe #tahoerunners #mountainrunners #DPMR #TruckeeTahoeTrailRunning #WeRunTrails #ultrarunning #trailmarathon #trailrace #pointmariah #pointmariahtrailmarathon
Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in th Hey DPMRers!  We’ve got something special in the works.  We’ve been collaborating with Alibi Ale Works to release a co-branded beer (YES!).   Join us for a social run next Tuesday, where we'll have the pleasure of running alongside Alibi's head brewer, Matt Garcia! We'll hit the trails together, and afterward, we'll gather at Alibi to brainstorm the perfect brew that represents our club.  And since the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, we're adding some extra fun to the mix. We'll also be assembling course markings during the event. It's going to be an unforgettable night! Hope to see you there!
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Ent 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Calling All Running Enthusiasts! Join Us in Supporting the DPMR Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️
The Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a roaring success! 🌟 This incredible event brings together the running community and showcases the determination and passion of athletes from all walks of life. Now, we are seeking volunteers to be an essential part of this memorable experience!
📅 Event Date: August 5th
⏰ Volunteer Dates: Several different shifts available from August 2nd - August 6th
🤝 We firmly believe that it takes a village to organize events like these, and YOU can be a crucial part of this vibrant community effort! No prior experience is required—just bring your enthusiastic spirit, and we'll guide you every step of the way.
📍 Positions Available:
1️⃣ Course Marking: Help ensure that the runners stay on track and have a smooth route to follow.
2️⃣ Finish Line Support: Cheer on our amazing athletes as they cross the finish line and celebrate their achievements.
3️⃣ Course Marshals: Guide and assist participants at key points along the trail, offering encouragement and direction.
4️⃣ Timing Assistance: Play a vital role in accurately recording race times and ensuring accurate results.
... and more! There are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the success of the marathon.
🌟 Not only will you have a fantastic time being part of this incredible event, but you'll also have the chance to bond with fellow running enthusiasts, make new friends, and create lasting memories.
💪 Together, let's show the world the power of community and support in making this marathon an unforgettable experience for everyone involved!
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR!
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! Link in bio.
Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at Thanks to everyone who came out and volunteered at the Diamond Peak aid station this weekend at the Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs.  Everyone out on the course really appreciated all of the support!!! Stay tuned, we will be posting the Volunt(hero) leaderboard soon!  In the meantime, we're seeking more incredible volunteers to join our team at the upcoming Pt. Mariah trail marathon, and we promise it'll be an experience you won't forget! 😄
Sign up today! No experience needed. Link in bio.
The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going The heat is on! Our Volunt(hero) program is going strong with more than 60 volunteers out helping runners get through our various aid stations this year. What is the Volunt(hero) program? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. We will be posting our leaderboard soon but only a few hours separate those at the top.  Adding a shift can catapult you in to one of the coveted top 10 spots to be included in the raffle.  So come and join us THIS WEEKEND out at TRT! There are still openings overnight, morning clean up Sunday, and sweeps for TRT (Double points for morning clean up).
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥
Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻 Link in bio for more info!
Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane h Meet DPMR Board President, Diane Frederic! Diane has been a DPMR member since the inaugural year (2014).  She has been a board member for 5 years with the last 3 at the helm. Diane loves a good joke and believes life is a whole lot better if you don’t take things too seriously.  She also believes that trail time is best shared with dogs and friends. And friends with dogs.  Diane is a recovering graphic designer but will come out of retirement for a good race logo opportunity (thank the cosmic forces for that!). Diane will be out on the course for the TRT100 next weekend - so if you see her out there, give her a big hello and high-five! Good luck Diane! #unafraid #dpmr #girlboss #100miler #paincave #yougotthis
Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-runni Hey friends! DPMR is on the hunt for a trail-running-obsessed artist extraordinaire to transform our boring old 3D foam sign for Pt. Mariah into a mind-blowing piece of art. Picture this: foam sculpture meets artistic genius equals immortalizing Pt. Mariah in your artistry.  The project consists of 30” letters, which are 4” thick, and spell Pt. Mariah.  The letters can be picked up in Truckee after Jul 3rd and need to be complete by August 3rd. This is a commissioned project with a budget of $500. 

Are you ready to unleash your creative beast? Then don't hesitate! Slide into our DMs faster than a trail runner chasing a PR. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create something truly legendary.
The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here The Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs are almost here!!  Please consider volunteering with us.  We have many shifts available from Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th! 
All volunteers that work at least one 6 hour shift will be entered in to our lottery for a race entry in to the 2024 TRTER race. You get one entry for each 6 hour shift you work. Overnight shifts get a bonus with two entries! Winners of the lottery can choose the distance but 100 milers still must have a qualifying race.
And remember, volunteering for a full shift earns you Volunt(HERO) credit towards the drawing for a YEAR OF FREE RACING (up to $1000) from DPMR! 🔥🔥🔥

Sign up here for a volunteer shift today! 🙏🏻
Link in bio for more information. 

P.S. If you are racing, let us know so we can cheer you on!!
What are you waiting for? Register today to take p What are you waiting for? Register today to take part in a unique, fun, multi-loop style course with five segments that tour different parts of the Royal Gorge land. Race solo, with a partner, or as a 5-person team!  There is something for everyone! Register today! Link in bio.
Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutel Congratulations to Courtney Dauwalter on absolutely shattering the women’s course record at Western States 100 today! Such an inspiration to all. We know you are the GOAT but tell us the truth Courtney… is your secret weapon the DPMR pancakes?!?
Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western Huge congrats to Tom Evans for his win at Western States 100 just now. Incredible performance landing him the 4th fastest time in the history of the event!  Well done Tom!
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