Kimberly Adams
Resides in: Lower Macungie Township
Years running: 24 (since age 14)
Bio: I am a 38 year old, happily married, mother of two girls age 5 and 8.  No matter where life has taken me, running has been a part of it because it’s fun, it’s an easy way to stay fit, and I can invent great routes and listen to my favorite music!

What do you enjoy most about running?
I love the fact that with running, I can have the idea to go running and two minutes be out the door and on my way.

What are your favorite training foods?
Peanut butter and a banana on whole wheat bread.

What is the strangest/funniest thing that has happened to you on a run?
Nothing strange or funny that I can think of, but I have had some remarkable routes.  I lived in Washington D.C. for a while and had a route that took me past Arlington Cemetary and the Watergate Hotel.  I also lived in Oxford, Mississippi and had a route that turned around at William Faulkner’s home, Rowan Oak. Currently I like to run along the Little Lehigh and wave to all the fishermen standing hip-deep in the water catching brown trout.

What is your biggest running accomplishment and why?
Finishing a 10K several years ago even though I was unfamiliar with the course and started out way too fast, not realizing it was really, really hilly.

Favorite race distance?
5K.  Quick, fun, and it’s over and I’m home with my family by 10 a.m.!

Best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

What is your favorite running mantra?
The more you think about it, the less likely you are to do it – so, just do it!

Most embarrassing race moment?
None, thank goodness but there’s still plenty of time

Running Heroes?
I don’t know if this counts as heroes, but I love anyone who says hello to me while we’re both out on a run, and people who do anything such as create running groups to help build community in what can be a very solitary sport.

Current running goals?
Right now running is a secondary goal for me as I am lifting weights and trying to improve my muscle mass; but I run at least two times a week to keep up my endurance.

What are some things you’ve learned about yourself from running?
Ask for help when I have a problem – last year I had tremendous pain in my Achilles and almost quit for good, but Chris Schmidt at The Finish Line in Emmaus showed me a few simple, targeted stretches and the pain has totally disappeared.

What would your family and friends tell us about your passion for running?
That they are thankful I do it, because it puts me in a happy mood and gives me to lots of energy to play!

Best race experience?
Ramona’s Run in Perth Amboy, NJ.  The community comes out to cheer you on and then feeds everyone a homecooked, ethnically diverse meal afterwards, and if you place in your age division you get to meet the mayor.

What gets you excited about running?
Having cute running clothes – my Saucony skort is cool, comfortable, and I love it when it comes out of the laundry so I can wear it again.

Do you have a favorite race?
New Year’s Eve 5k in Bethlehem - you get Peeps in your swag bag, and free admission to First Night!