Runner Spotlight - October 2022

Vicki Kavanaugh

Meet Vicki Kavanaugh! Vicki started running with Run Muskegon in the summer of 2016. She works with Arbor Circle in the Prevention and Advocacy Division, where she helps to implement the Total Trek Quest program, a running and substance abuse prevention program for 3rd-5th boys. She lives in Zeeland with her family, who she continually tries to get to run with her and two rescue cats.
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As a part of our Runner Spotlight, we also asked Vicki to answer a few fun questions:
1. How long have you been running?
I have been running since my freshman year in college—which was 39 years in August
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?
I do race  though I have only run in the past decade or so. My most memorable race was the Grand Rapids half I ran in 2008 to raise money for the DeVos Institute after my sister had died at 38 from cancer.
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?
Yes—I am on the board of the Holland Free Health Clinic and every year we have our Run for Your Life the Saturday closest to Halloween. I have been Tinkerbell several times, a witch and a “runner” fairy too. The race is on 10/29 this year https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Holland/RunForYourLife5k2022
4. Only running shoes for me are... 
I am not picky—after working at Gazelle Sports in Holland from 2007-2014, I know that there are many great shoes out there!!
5. What is your worst running-related injury?
I have struggled with sciatica for over a decade. I feel GREAT when I’m running and then am in pain afterwards when I’m not standing up. Chiropractic care has helped the most, but it never goes totally away.
6. Hot or cold weather runner? 
If I had to pick-hot—nothing better than just throwing on your running shorts and a shirt and heading outside!
7. What is your motivation for running?
I always feel better after a run –no matter what!! It has made me a better person both mentally and physically—I don’t know what my life would be without it!
8. If I didn't run, I...
would have to find something else that made me feel as good as running does.
9. I can't run without...
a good running bra!
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time? 
I did the Riverbank 25K one year—it was NOT pretty!! Half marathons are more my thing!

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