Karen Landers

Team Running Free Markham

Age: 46

Member Since: 2017

Occupation: Receptionist at an animal hospital

Home: Oshawa

About Me: All I ever wanted to do was run a 5K! That was in 2011. Since then I've completed countless 5K and 10K races, 12 half marathons, two 30K races, three marathons, and two 50K trail ultras. In 2013 I had some medical issues that nearly put a stop to my running; specialists suspected I either had a tumour or heart disease, but after much testing and finding the right doctors they finally determined it was Graves' Disease causing me to be hyperthyroid. I was very lucky and appreciate being able to run even more now that I am healthy and recovered. I may not be the fastest runner - in fact I am a proud middle-of-the-packer - but I am a passionate and supportive runner who loves nothing more than to set goals and to achieve them, preferably with friends!

Sports: Running, trail running, cycling

Athletic Goals: 2020 Goals: 1 - to get my nutrition on track 2 - to continue building strength and lean muscle through cross training and weight lifting 3 - to complete my first 50 miler

My most catastrophic racing experience was: Iron Girl Canada 2015, my third attempt at a sprint tri and the first time on a road bike with clips. The day was going amazingly well - the weather had affected the lake temperature overnight so they had to cancel the swim (I literally jumped up and down at the news as I am not a strong swimmer). The 2K run that replaced the swim was great - a nice little warmup before my 20K bike ride. Transition went well and I was cycling like a champ, feeling like a superstar - until I hit a nail and got a flat rear tire. I was prepared - I had everything I needed to change the tube. Everything except the knowledge of HOW to change the tube. Luckily a man out for his Sunday morning ride stopped and lent me a hand; he showed me how to fix the tire and then sent me on my way. I still managed to PB the course, though!

My most memorable racing experience was: Crossing the finish line at my first marathon, Mississauga Marathon 2016 with my best running friend and my hubby who paced and supported me from start to finish

Favourite Racing Gear: Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta hydration vest. Oh, and Buffs - LOVE my Buffs!

Favourite Race Food: Cream of Wheat hot cereal with blueberries and maple syrup pre-long run, bacon, eggs, and Nuun post-long run; Tailwind, bacon and Endurance Tap during long runs

Athlete Website/Blog: www.klanders.isagenix.com