“The cost of participating in the Running Wild training groups is a small price to pay for the benefits that I have received.”
Kim Walden has been a key part of our Running Wild running family for nearly THREE YEARS and we hope she’s here to stay.
She has lived most of her life in Pensacola, FL. and spent 36 years working in the education field. For 30 of the 36 years she has been a part of the Escambia County School District where she currently serves as the district science specialist. With a June retirement date right around the corner, Kim decided it was time to get back to her best life!
Why did you start running?
“I was always very active but long work hours caused me to forgo many of the activities I truly enjoyed. As a result I had packed on the pounds. Now that retirement is approaching I decided it was time to get back into shape so I would be able to approach retirement with a smile on my face and a song in my heart!”
How has Running Wild helped you reach your goals?
“I joined the My First 5 K training group for the Firecracker Run in April of 2013 and haven’t looked back since. I continue to train on days that the groups don’t run. I have lost over 30 pounds and my race times continue to decrease!”
What is your favorite thing about training with Running Wild?
“I have meet some wonderful people along the way which I now consider to be my friends and are really more like my running family. In particular, Cliff Reid has truly been my accountability buddy. We meet to run on days when the group does not have a training run. The fact that I know that he will be there makes me go even on days when I was tired and just didn’t want to run.”
What is your favorite/greatest athletic accomplishment to date?
Now that I turned 60 at the end of November I am actually competitive in my age group.
I really got a kick out of winning the senior grand master female at this year’s Ho Ho Hustle 5K, since it was totally unexpected.
Most Important Products from Running Wild to Help You Achieve Success?
1. Brooks Ghost– The absolute best product from Running Wild that I can not live without are my shoes. My feet love them and they fit perfectly which has helped keep me healthy and injury free.
2. Trigger Point Therapy rollers- They hurt but they definitely work.
3. Asics 3-Pack Socks- I will only run in these socks. They keep your feet dry and blister free!
4. Brooks Podium Short Sleeve Shirts– I have a large number of these shirts which are extremely comfortable to run in.
What is Your Next Athletic Goal and How Do You Plan to Reach It?
My next athletic goal is to run the Rock and Fly Half Marathon in March. There are quite a few of us from the training groups signed up to compete and I think we will have a great time!
“I truly enjoy meeting my running family on Saturday mornings to compete in a race or just to go for a jog. I would have to say that my Running Wild experience has changed my life and I can not wait for retirement to get here so I can get back to the best years of my life!”
