Endurance Turtle A journey through this turtles triathlon adventures

Interviewer: Hi Kristen, how are you today?

Me: I am good, it’s really a really beautiful day here in L.A….how can I not be good [smiles]

Interviewer: So Kristen, I understand that you are running the Nike Human Race today.

Me: Yes I am, I am really excited about it. I have never run a race that I have never been SO unprepared for.

Interviewer: Now, I understand the race starts at 12 midnight.

Me: Yes, it does. I am not sure if L.A. has ever had a race at this time of night before, but it should be interesting. You see, since graduating college so many years ago, I really have not stayed up that late. I usually start wanting to fall asleep at 9:30PM, so I am really excited that instead of getting a peaceful nights rest, that I will be running in the middle of the ghetto at 12AM. I am also supposed to be doing the 10k, which means that it will take at least an hour and fifteen minutes and by the time I get home we are talking 2AM. I really can’t wait to feel that level of exhaustion.

Interviewer: I also understand that you participated in the Nike Human Race 10k last year.

Me: Yes, I did…that one started a lot earlier and I think was larger than the one tonight. You see, Nike actually invested money in that race, so we had a really cool thing that they call timing chips. This year they told everyone to wear their Nike + sensors and to track their time that way. I really like how they have gone all out this year even though it is a smaller race. I even think there will be a wonderful start line for us, the website said “meet by the big flame at the coliseum”.

Interviewer: Wow, that sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun. What has your training plan for this race been?

Me: I have had a very extensive training plan set up for this race. It mainly consisted of passing my bike on a daily basis, but not actually riding it. My running plan has been a 2 mile run 2 weeks ago. I have especially focused on my nutritional plan. This has ranged from sake bombs, pizza (lots of pizza), york peppermint patties, beer, french toast, churro’s, and of course…more pizza.

Interviewer: That is quite impressive, I wish I had that level of discipline to have that kind of diet.

Me: Well, it is hard to keep up…but I find a way to manage.

Interviewer: I also understand that you are doing this race with your fiancé.

Me: Yes, he at first did not want to do it. He pointed out that it was a late race that was not very well put together. I eventually convinced him to do it, so yes, he is doing it with me. Although, I am thinking I should have listened to him in the beginning and passed on this race…even if it was only for $25.

Interviewer: Well, it sounds like you two should have a lot of fun. Good luck to you both and we will see you at the finish.

Me: I really hope to be at the finish, I might just run to my car and go home after the first mile.

[Transition to paralympics coverage]