If you’ve never had the pleasure of meeting or running with Karen I’d suggest you start with a Google search of her name and “Western States finish 2017”. Grab a stack of Kleenex and settle in for one of the most amazing final finishes on record and a testament to the amazing determination that this lady possesses. Both Karen and her husband Nattu are about as seasoned and humble as they come- read on to be inspired by this month’s DPMR member extraordinaire!
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I grew up in a small town called Covina, California where I developed my passion and love for adventure. We had miles and miles of rolling hills behind us, and I would crawl through the barbed wired fence to go explore the hills. I lived in Saratoga through my high school years and now I currently live in Auburn California, the Running Capital of the World, where the trails are near and far and go on for hundreds of miles.
When did you begin running and/or long-distance running if that applies? Why?
I started with a strong love and passion for bike riding. I became inspired to ride long distance rides ranging from 100 miles to 1200K, and I did this for about 5 years. Then I decided I should start running and signed up for my first marathon. The first mile in my training was the hardest and the toughest thing I ever did, and I truly disliked it. I decided right then and there I was going to run till I loved it. 2000 was my first marathon, in 2003 I qualified for Boston, 2006 I ran my first 50k, in 2008 I ran my first 50 miler, 2nd 50 miler and my first 100 mile run. Today I have run over 123 races with 38 of these 100-mile runs. I have completed about 10 Ironman races, and more.
Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?
I am not a fast runner or set out to race; I sign up for events for the adventure. Though in the Ironman world I want a slot to Kona; I am motivated by my energetic drive to accomplish as much as I can for as long as I can. I am amazed of how the body wants to survive and keep on going.
Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?
I would like to finish the Grand Slam by doing WS100, Old Dominion, Vermont 100 and Wasatch
What was the best running advice you’ve received?
Tim Twietmeyer getting in my ear at the 2017 WS 100 about a mile from the finish, saying to me “You Got This.”
Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?
I cut up a couple of sweet potatoes into cubes, dowse them in coconut oil and lots of salt, bake them in the oven and then divide it up between about 4-6 baggies for a 100-mile run.
Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
I love Sweet Potato Mash:
For Roasting
- Two good size sweet potatoes, peel and cube,
- 4-5 lg carrots peeled and cut up.
- Place in a large bowl and mix coconut oil and salt.
- Oven set to 425 degrees and cook until soft.
For the Mash
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Pinch freshly ground pepper.
- Splash unsweetened coconut milk (add enough until the mash is smooth)
What was your favorite recent running experience?
Running Javelina100 and then Rio Del Lago the weekend after. I needed to finish RDL to have enough time to shower, eat and go to my Granddaughter’s birthday party.
What was your most challenging/ character-building running experience?
It was my 2017 Western States finish and race. It brought me so much awareness of the potential of what our mind and body will do and the power of the body to withstand the challenges we put ourselves through. It showed me deeply the power of mental fitness and having a positive attitude and how this is so paramount to what I put myself through. I am intrigued with how far my body will go and for how long. I truly believe the body is all about survival.
What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
I plan to run Stagecoach 100 (September) as it is just a fun race, Running from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon. I signed up for my 13th Javelina 100 and will sign up for Rio Del Lago to complete my 5th back-to-back weekends of 100 mile runs.
What do you do for a living?
I am a Mental Fitness and Performance coach- I mentor leaders and amateur athletes to slay the mental demons that sabotage their performance and stop spiraling into the negative self-talk so they can create ease and flow, peace and joy and create their life on purpose.
Is it hard to fit in time for training?
No, as I set my own schedule and I have a great balance of training and coaching.
What led you to join DPMR?
I met your group when my husband Nattu started to run the Castle Peak 100k. Even though he claimed how tough it was and he would never do it again we came back year after year. This group of people are fun, loving, adventurous and a great running community. DPMR are the best, friendliest group of people, always giving back.
What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
Castle Peak 100k, coming and helping you all and crewing my husband. I loved hanging at the aid stations with all the good energy of volunteers.
Favorite local trail?
I love running the Canyons – Michigan Bluff to the Pump to Devils Thumb. The canyons are powerful, inviting, energizing and beautiful. The energy coming from far below- hearing the river roaring below and I cannot even see it.
Do you have a mental training technique, mantra, or similar that you rely on to combat the mentally trying times of a longer run?
I focus on my breath as I run. I create a rhythm with my running steps that really puts me in the present moment. With the tools I have with my coaching, I always keep a great positive attitude no matter what. For example, When I was running WS 100 in 2017 and I realized that I was not making it to Michigan Bluff before dark and I did not have a light on me, it did me no good to fret over my situation so I focused on my breathe and the power and beauty of the canyons and embraced the journey. The rest is history. 🙂
Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?
Never. I listen to nature and my breath. The music distracts me and I would rather dance while listening… It is hard to dance and run at the same time.
Recovery technique(s) that you swear by?
I do use Vespa (not sponsored or promoting but I do recover better). I also utilized Epsom salt baths, rest, stretch and eat.
Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (hydration system, shoe, clothing layer, sock, etc.)?
I love Darn Tough socks and Altras. when I finally fell into using this combo my feet were happier and no blisters.
What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?
I swim and bike. I love biking; I was a long-distance cyclist before I started running. I do full Ironman races and earlier this year I participated in the Ultraman AZ. I did not finish 2 of the 5 parts but it was still epic. This is where my positive attitude shined- the second day 172 mile bike ride started with a brutal head wind and horrible roads to ride. So it drastically slowed me down. As the day progressed and the ride was heading to the mountains, I was getting faster and faster and having a great time. Like running events, I had the sweeper following me and cheering me on. At about mile 150 I stopped and did a selfie with them as I did know I was getting close to the cutoff. I wanted to ride 5 more miles. They said they would not pull me as I had the happiest attitude and was getting faster as the ride went on. I was having a blast. It is not about the finish line it is all about the journey.
Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?
I raised three children on my own who are all grown and I now have 4 beautiful and fun grandchildren. My youngest child, who is in his late 30’s, is my athlete and he and I do triathlons together. My oldest is a girl, Lindsey, followed by 2 sons Taran and Kalen (ages 42, 40 and 39). Though I am still young! 😊
Bonus question: It appears that your favorite color is purple on the trail! Is there any significance to that?
Purple is part of who I am; I had my dad paint my very first Schwinn bike purple when I was a kid. It just resonates with me. It is warming, gives me good energy and puts a smile on my heart and face. I even painted my office 3 beautiful shades of purple which makes for a great place to work. It is very calming.
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