Member Highlight – Kaeleigh Reynolds

This month’s member highlight is for our newest board member, Kaeleigh Reynolds. Enjoy the interview and introduction from one of the people who’s known her for as long as she’s been in Tahoe.

From Tara:
This picture says it all! I’ve known Kaeleigh for something like 11 years now, and if I had to choose one way to describe her, it would be “consistently joyful.” She’s up for anything and willing to join you for any adventure, usually with a grin. She’s refreshingly (and sometimes maddeningly) honest, which earns her a lot of respect from her peers—and maybe a little bit of fear! Best of all, Kaeleigh is picky about where she spends her energy, which means that when she cares about something, it really shows, whether it’s her job, her friends, or her dog. When it comes to running, Kaeleigh attacks each race with her usual attitude of goofy enthusiasm, and I think she surprises herself every time she crosses that finish line—even though the rest of us know she wouldn’t settle for anything less.

Where are you from and where do you live now?
I grew up in Sonoma County, my mom and best friends still live there, so it’s a real treat to go home. I live in Truckee now, and have lived in Truckee/North Tahoe for the past ten years; it’s incredibly hard to imagine living anywhere else! 

When did you begin running and/or long-distance running, if that applies? Why?
I began running in high school. I had been a competitive gymnast as a kid and really learned to love suffering, and am pretty bad at all ball-related sports, so running felt like a natural thing to do! I started running longer distances when I moved up here after college because you can just go and go and go and it never gets boring! 

Do you race? Does racing motivate you? If not racing, what motivates you?
I ran my first race last year! Broken Arrow 18k mainly because my fave running buddy, Gianna Zapp, forced me to do it with her. And I was like WHAT A VIBE THIS IS! Racing doesn’t motivate me to run faster in the moment, but I love training (maybe a gymnastics holdover?), so going on a long run with a purpose feels extra fun to me. 

Do you have any dream races (either hoping to qualify for or get selected for)?
Isn’t every race a dream?? But really, no. The best part of running for me is that it’s free, accessible, and doesn’t require much more than shoes and water. I have some dream runs I’d like to do around the world! But preferably without the crowds of a race day! 

What was the best running advice you’ve received?
Strength train, strength train, strength train. 

Do you have a favorite on-trail food or nutrition strategy and favorite post-run meal or beverage?
I pretty much exclusively eat Fig Bars on long runs. And the energy chews that Gianna hands me mid-run. I am a freak for the chili mango LMNT flavor – I chug a liter of it before any run over 10 miles! Post-run, I will eat and drink anything! 

Do you have a favorite recipe to share?
I am obsessed with making salads. I have a salad for every occasion. It’s the only thing anyone ever asks me to bring to a dinner party. Here’s the best salad dressing recipe (I don’t know quantities, just go with your gut): olive oil, lemon juice (fresh), stone ground mustard, nutritional yeast, grated garlic, maple syrup. Put it on any salad!! 

What was your favorite recent running experience?
I timed Sidewinder in Euer Valley perfectly with the mule’s ear bloom just the other week, thanks to the recommendation of local wildflower enthusiast and DPMR member, Heidi Hendrickson. MAGICAL!! 

What was your most challenging/ character-building running experience?
Not running after knee surgery in Spring 2023! Realizing I didn’t have a single seated hobby was eye-opening. I still don’t have many seated hobbies, so I guess it didn’t build my character too much. 

What are your upcoming racing/adventure plans?
I couldn’t tell you what I’m doing next week, ha! But I do know I’m signed up for the Mammoth 26k! A top three reason to live in Truckee is that you don’t ever have to plan an adventure, they just happen! 

What do you do for a living? Is it hard to fit in time for training?
I work for Sierra Business Council, a nonprofit based in Truckee but serving the full Sierra Nevada region through political advocacy, economic development, and climate planning. I mostly work on the climate planning side of things, helping local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to living with climate change impacts (hello, wildfire season). Lucky for me, SBC makes it extremely easy to train and live an adventurous life! It’s a lot easier to care about climate change and work on a depressing, underfunded, mega-issue when you get to see firsthand, every day, how incredible our planet is! 

What led you to join DPMR?
Gianna really forces me to do a lot of things 😉 

What has been your favorite DPMR experience so far?
I love Newbies! It’s just so fun to see everyone and get back on trail and be a part of the early season trail hype!

Favorite local trail?
The Castle Peak/Basin loop when the wildflowers are POPPING OFF!!! 

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 happy to be here” on repeat over and over. 

Do you listen to audio while you run and if so, what have you been enjoying lately?
I used to be a big-time podcast/audiobook listener while running, and recently I’ve just been running sans audio, and it’s amazing?? Would never have guessed that. When I run by myself, I get back to the trailhead, and it’s like I just blacked out. I have zero idea what I’ve been thinking about for the last few hours. It’s incredible. More than a brain break, it’s like my brain just had an everything shower. Highly recommend. 

Recovery technique(s) that you swear by?
DESSERT!!! Like going overboard with it. Otherwise, I wake up in the middle of the night and have to house a minimum of three cookies.

Do you have a favorite piece of running gear (hydration system, shoe, clothing layer, sock, etc.)?
I got a pair of Feetures socks in a Newbies run raffle in 2024, and every time they are clean on a long run day, I’m so stoked! I’m also an Altra Timp (full size up) loyalist, but only with inserts, the Superfeet Run Cushion Medium Arch.

What other outdoor or indoor interests do you have?
I love to ski!!! To me, skiing is purely fun; I don’t even care how the snow is, I just want to slide around on two sticks! 

Any interesting facts about yourself you would like to share?
I manage a local climate collaborative, Climate Transformation Alliance, that is working towards carbon neutrality in Truckee North Tahoe. If you work in the climate space or just want to know more about climate action happening right here, lemme know! Our next meeting is July 11th, and I’d love to send you the deets!