dailymiler of the week, Jackie K.!

Every week we pick one inspiring dailymiler to be featured on the blog. This gives you a chance to learn the stories of members of the dailymile community. Check out past dailymiler’s of the week. Do you know someone that would is a great dailymiler? Nominate them!

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Jackie. Jackie has been using dailymile since the early days back in 2007 when her son and his best friend started it in the basement of her home in Wisconsin. In her athletic life, she’s a cheerleader, kayaker, and biker, but Jackie’s accomplishments with running are pretty incredible, but I’ll let her fill you in below.

Jackie as an athlete

KS: I’ve heard the story about your first marathon, but dailymile hasn’t. Can you talk about why you chose to run a marathon, and what the experience was like?
JK: Around 6 years ago my husband decided to run his first marathon. I thought it would be a great challenge for me to walk so I signed up also. We both used the Hal Higdon training plan. Tim ran the entire mileage while I walked it. On some of the longer mileage days I would take me from 4-6 hours to complete. When the day of the marathon finally came not only was it pouring rain and thundering, but I was also fighting a bladder infection which meant I stopped at almost every porta potty and sometime had to ventured into the woods…… I finished by basically walking the entire 26.2 miles in 6:06. There were times near the end that I wanted to give up but seeing my kids every couple of blocks cheering me on gave me the strength to finish. There is a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I completed 26.2 miles by walking and yes sometime running. Through the years I was the one on the sidelines cheering for my husband or children. This was the first time I was the participant of a race, and my children and husband were there to cheered for me.

KS: Any plans to run another marathon?
JK: Nothing definite yet, but I’ve been improving as a runner and it might be nice to once again take on the challenge of a marathon.

KS: These days you’ve been doing a lot of cold weather runs. I noticed you do some of them on the treadmill when it’s outrageously cold outside, but what’s your trick for staying motivated and warm in the Wisconsin winter?
JK: My children bought me some great cold weather running gear which helps protect me on the cold Wisconsin mornings. When it gets too cold out to enjoy the run, I use the treadmill as a backup. Running makes me feel good. I sleep better and feel great the entire day. To me that’s the biggest motivation, I feel better.

KS: You’re a fantastic cook (I know because I’ve had the amazing opportunity to try your food!) What’s your favorite post run meal?
JK: Thank you but I think my kids are much better cooks. As far as a favorite post run meal, I really don’t have one.

KS: Overall you do a lot of activities that don’t involve running. What’s your favorite non-running sport to do in Wisconsin?
JK: Tim and I try to do a lot of bike riding . We also love to kayak in the summer and take long walks.

KS: I just heard about your recent run down to the lake front. That’s a tough run! congratulations – can you tell me a bit about what inspired you to run it, and how the run went?
JK: Last time you were here, you did the run to the lakefront so you know the challenge. I started running 3 years ago and was still in the run/walk mode. After each long run, Kelly would ask me if I ran the entire way and I would say no. He told me I was better than that and to over ride the head games and just run. So one Sunday morning Tim and I ran down to Lake Michigan (11 miles from our home). I was determined to make it the entire way without walking, and continued running in place until the red lights turned green. This was another accomplishment’ It taught me once again, if I put my head into the task at hand, I can accomplish anything.

Jackie’s family of athletes:

KS: You’re a great runner and overall athlete, but are you ever inspired or intimidated by the rest of the Korevec clan and their athleticism?
JK: I’m totally inspired by my family’s commitment to exercising. My husband has been running/biking for over 35 years. Kristin and Kelly started swimming competitively when they were 5 years old. When they got into high school they joined either the swim team or cross country and track. The strong high school workouts prepared them to be triathletes in college and afterwards. All three have inspired me to get off the sidelines and start to run.

KS: Have your cheering skills significantly improved over the years with two kids doing Ironman triathlons and ultramarathons all the time?
JK: I sure get plenty of practice. I’ve cheered at over 9 Ironman races, a 24 hour bike race, a couple of 50 and 100 mile trails runs and numerous triathlon events. We’ve been around the Wisconsin Ironman course so many times that we’ve become expert spectators.

KS: Do you find yourself doing loads and loads of runner laundry when everyone is home?
JK: Yes, running clothes tend to be a little overpowering if not washed right away

Jackie as a dailymile mom:

KS: What went through your mind when kelly and ben came to you wanting to start dailymile at your house?
JK: For the past couple of years Tim and I would go away for a couple of months to escape the cold Wisconsin winters. Ben and Kelly decided to take advantage of our absence. They quit their jobs and moved into the house and started the creation of dailymile.

KS: What’s your favorite part about being a member of the dailymile community?
JK: Dailymile is an awesome sight that brings people of all ages, and athletic abilities from all over the world together to share their ups and downs of their favorite workout activity.. It is because of this community and all the positive feedback and motivation that I’m still running today. I love all the people I’ve met in the last 3 years. It’s because of them and my family that I can truly say that I’m a runner.