We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Katja Goldring, a member of Team Run Flagstaff, about her impressive performance at the Hamburg Marathon. In our interview, we delved into her training approach, how she balances running with work and other obligations, and her plans for future races. Read on to gain insight into the life of a professional runner and learn about the dedication and hard work required to achieve success at the highest level.

Race: Hamburg Marathon

Result: 2:30:31 (13th Place)

Did you have any specific goals for the marathon (time, placement, personal best, etc.), and how did you feel about your performance in achieving those goals?

My coach always tells me to compete well and that fast times will follow eventually, and so that is what I try to focus on.

Can you talk about your overall training approach, including your mileage, key workouts, and recovery practices?

During the main part of the buildup I was running around 100 miles/week, with a good effort long run on Sundays and two workouts during the week. The rest of the days were easy days with lots of "massage paced" runs.

How do you balance the demands of training and competition with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, and social obligations?

I am very fortunate to work from home and to really enjoy my job, so it does not feel too hard to balance running with work.

I work as a mathematical linguist and really enjoy getting home from runs and focusing on something completely different.

How do you work with your coach, medical team, and other support staff to optimize your performance and achieve your goals?

The people in my corner are not only the best at what they do but are also wonderful people, so that makes working with them feel very natural.
I really value people that push me outside of my comfort zones both physically and even more so mentally and are fully honest with me when there are things that I should improve.

Can you talk about the importance of teamwork and camaraderie within the professional running community, and how you maintain those relationships?

Having friends to meet up with that you can cheer for and who in turn cheer for you makes training so much more enjoyable. I especially enjoy good company on easy runs where we can have some interesting conversations. I have learned so much about running (and life!) through different friends in the Flagstaff running community.

How do you approach nutrition and fueling for optimal performance, and what role does supplementation play in your regimen?

I make sure to eat generally well (lots of fresh food) and a lot, and don't think about it too much beyond that. I supplement semi-regularly with iron.

What's next for you in terms of your running goals and future races? I am hoping to run some road races this summer and hopefully a Fall marathon

Rapid Fire:

1. Favorite pre-race meal?

Pasta Bolognese and ice cream.

2. Morning or evening workout?

Morning

3. Favorite running shoes?

Saucony Endorphin Shift

4. Favorite running destination?

Probably Val Maira, Italy. Flagstaff is definitely up there though!

5. Hardest workout you've ever done?

Running is always hard :P

6. Favorite running song?

Immortal-J.Cole

7. Best running advice you've ever received?

To slow down--thanks Coach Fo!

8. Favorite workout partner(s)?

Rachel Mitchell! But I am lucky to have so many good workout buddies in Flag!

Runner Spotlight: Katja Goldring