Each week, we'll be profiling members of our action team. Tune in and learn some more about these amazing womyn.

In Their Shoes: Kristen G

Q1: Who are you? Describe your work, life, and sport of choice.

I’m Kristen Garzone from Upstate, NY, more specifically Troy. I’m a mom to Ellie (4), have a husband named Steve, and the best golden retriever in the world, Troy. I work in insurance and LOVE to run. You can usually find me training at @anatomielife and running the streets of North Greenbush.

Q2: What is your sport of choice? How did you get started with it? Do you compete in races, if so what's your favorite distance?

I grew up a soccer player, starting at the age of 4. I played collegiate Soccer at Hartwick College, where I was the 2nd leading scorer in the Empire 8 my senior year. After college, I needed something to fill that void, which is when I got into running. I ran my 1st marathon in 2012 and a total of 8 marathons, I haven’t stopped since. Just this past year I finished my first ultra marathon (35 miles) and then finished the JFK 50 mile in November! I absolutely have loved ultra running and just enjoying the distance but my favorite distance to run and race would be the half marathon.

Q3: What is your driving force behind your sport?

Running has always been about more than exercise for me. I suffer from depression and anxiety It’s the one thing that helped keep me afloat back in 2017 when I suffered from extreme postpartum depression and was drowning in and lost my dear friend to PPD. I also feel that running is the one thing, while the world is in flux, that you, on your own, can actually control. I view it as the one norm in my life when I hit the lowest of lows; something that is needed for my mental health, especially now. In an ever-changing time when you really don’t know what’s going to happen next, you have the freedom to still run outside; the freedom AND the blessing to run outside. And as runners, I think we are all forever thankful for that. 

Q4: What are three words that people use to describe you?

Relentless, resilient, brave

Q5: What is your favorite thing to listen to while working out (music, podcast, audiobook, etc)...or do you prefer to go without headphones?

Usually, I run listening to nothing! Back in the summer of 2018 when I was training for the Wineglass Marathon, I found myself getting frustrated with my music during a workout and I stopped from that day on. Most recently, while training for my 50 mile ultra, I started listening to audiobooks, which I think it great for some longer runs!

Q6: What is your favorite meal or recipe?

My go-to 2 days before a race or big run: Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. Marathon Bolognese

Q7: Name a book you recommend to all your friends?

Glennon Doyle “Untamed” -- especially if you struggle with a mental illness. This was the first audio book I listened to while training and it spoke directly to my soul!

Q8: What is your secret pleasure TV show to indulge in?

Most recently? Bridgerton! OBSESSED!

Q9: Last question - what are your favorite workout shoes?

I’m a New Balance girl. Fresh Foam Vongos for running, 890s for lifting/gym workouts