Reaching New Heights! Meet Kristina: Ultra Runner and Mountain Climber

Meet Kristina! At 48 years old she is living her best (mid)life. She literally finds mountains to climb and races to run as she meets and exceeds her goals. She inspires us to find our passions and pursue them with the same enthusiasm she does. Here’s our conversation with this go-getter!

Hi! Please introduce yourself to our Hello Midlife readers.

Hello my name is Kristina. I am 48 years old and trying to navigate through this journey called midlife. I am a mama bear of two cubs.

What is your hobby/passion?

I love long distance running and hiking mountains. Clearly, I love a good outdoor adventure.

When did you first become passionate about mountain climbing and hiking?

I first became interested around the age of 36 or 37.

Who or what inspired you to try it?

I had some friends running a race so I decided to join them. After finishing my first 5K I wanted more! I trained and set goals to push myself.

What were the biggest challenges when you first started?

In the beginning, it was a challenge to find the time to fit it all in. It took some planning to come up with a routine that worked with my family and work schedule.

What are some of your biggest accomplishments?

There are a definitely a lot of moments where I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought I would. Some of these really stand out for me. I ran the Javelina Jundred in 2018, 2019 and will again this October of 2021. It is a 100 mile distance run in Arizona every October. It’s an amazing event that was challenging but gave me such an awesome feeling of accomplishment to finish!

This year for my 48th birthday, I climbed to the top of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States!

Most days, if I’m not working, I’m outside on an adventure!

What was your favorite trip you’ve ever taken?

I have so many! I would have to say hiking the Grand Canyon.

What advice would you give someone who wants to pursue a similar path as you?

I was brand new to running. I had no clue how to “run” so I hired a coach. It was a game changer. If you can hire a coach or look for plans online it will help you set yourself up for a successful start. There are so many resources out there for runners, hikers, and climbers that can help you get started. The same goes really for any new hobby. Taking those first few steps is the hardest. Once you’ve got a plan and goals it becomes much easier.

What goal would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

I would like back pack the Pacific Crest Trail across California. This super scenic trail is 2,650 miles long and begins in southern California at the Mexican border, and travels north through California, Oregon, and Washington until reaching the Canadian border.

For Fun: Share your favorite quote.

I love, “what you allow will continue.”
I also like “nothing changes if nothing changes.”

What’s one question you wish I’d asked you, and how would you have answered?

Not sure it’s a question. But I do all that I do with vision out of only one eye. I am legally blind in my left eye. In 2017, I had both my retinas detach beginning with my left eye. After numerous surgeries, doctors were able to fix my right eye. My left retina fully detached leaving a hole in my macula. Surgeries were able to reattach it but my full vision never came back. It was such a challenge to motivate myself to continue doing what I love with this new reality.

What takeaway would you like someone to absorb from reading about you?

LIVE YOUR LIFE . DO NOT LIVE IN FEAR!

Follow Kristina’s journey on Instagram:

@OCRUNNINGMAMA

You will see all of Kristina’s the amazing accomplishments.

You Inspire Us!