Katie McGregor's Journal

January 7, 2009 Entry (Posted January 12, 2009)

As we get older, more and more things start happening with our own lives and the lives of the ones we care about the most. Last year, I congratulated many friends on new additions to their families, and at the same time felt grief for friends who lost loved ones unexpectedly.

Today, I received news that an old teammate of mine was killed in a car accident in her home country of Nigeria. I was hoping that 2009 would begin with happiness and hope for everyone I love. Sadly, I am starting off the year with a tragic loss.

I can only think of all the great times I shared with her and all the times she made me laugh with her fantastic stories. I can only think about all the good times and bad times she had and how she persevered because of her strong heart and attitude. Some things never make sense. Everything we have can be taken away so easily.

I hope that we all start 2009 remembering those people who have impacted our lives the most and reminding the people around us that they are important and appreciated.

I know that 2009 will bring a lot of hope and success to all of us. Let’s start off the New Year with a positive attitude and an incredible ambition to be our best, not just in running but in life.

Nov. 10, 2008 (Posted November 14, 2008)

I am starting to come off a nice break from training and racing after running the ING New York City Marathon on November 2. Wow! I set some high expectations for myself since I raced the same course two years ago.

Although I didn’t achieve everything I set out to accomplish, I came away from my second marathon with some positive feelings. I did set a new PR for that distance, and I did place in the top ten. I was hoping to be at least top ten and possibly top five on a great day.

Also, in my mind, I was prepared to run 2:28-2:30. That did not happen, but I know I still have a lot to learn about racing the marathon. There are still a lot of “what ifs” that come up during the race. It’s hard to balance patience with aggressiveness.

I did handle the distance better, and I raced on my own most of the time. I found different ways to motivate myself. Afterward, I laughed at all the things I was telling myself out there. But, whatever works!

I am looking forward to getting into somewhat of a regular routine over the next few weeks. I don’t plan on racing for a few months, just running and eating a lot of holiday food. 2008 was not the best year for me in running. I am due for another breakthrough and I believe that 2009 holds a lot of promise for me.

September 9, 2008 (Posted September 11, 2008)

Minnesota is amazing in the fall. The weather has been wonderful the past few weeks, cool in the morning and warmer throughout the day. The team has been working out together and getting it done!

After taking some time off later this summer, I decided that another marathon was in my future. I am running the ING New York City Marathon on November 2. The New York Road Runners put on an unbelievable event and I can’t wait to have another memorable experience.  I am looking forward to being more familiar with the course and all the wonders that make up the marathon.  

I recently ran the Rock N’ Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon. It was about 92 percent humidity, but I got through it okay. The times weren’t that fast, but I did manage a second-place finish in a very good field.

Next up, the women’s USATF 8K Championship in Akron on September 27 and then the USATF 10-Mile Championship at Twin Cities on October 5.

July 16, 2008 (Posted July 16, 2008)

Minnesota running has been hot and humid! I try not to complain too much since it could be sub-zero instead.

Last weekend I had a great time watching the Life Time Fitness Triathlon. A fellow Wolverine, Andy Potts, finished second overall in a very competitive race. Team USA Minnesota athlete, Kristen Nicolini-Lehmkuhle, finished second in the women’s amateur elite division. It was her first triathlon and she was amazing.

I was invited to the VIP party later that evening, where Josh Kelley was the featured musician. Awesome! Not only was he a very talented artist, but also he was hilarious.

I like to keep myself busy and experience everything Minnesota has to offer in these warm months. Next week I can be found volunteering at the LTF Torchlight 5K on July 23, racing in the Grandma’s Minnesota Mile in St. Paul on July 22, and competing in the Boston Scientific Heart of Summer 10K on July 26.

The mile race should be interesting. Last year I tried so hard to run fast that afterward my throat burned until I finally dry heaved at my car.

May 15, 2008 (Posted May 19, 2008)

Things are going well in Minnesota. I decided not to race too much leading up to the Olympic Trials, so I am looking forward to the Reebok Grand Prix at the end of the month (May 31 in New York City).

Last month I was the official starter for the “Get Your Rear in Gear” race for the second year in a row. The event, which was held on April 13 in a Minneapolis suburb, supports colon research.

I hope everyone checks out “The Runner’s Cookbook: Winning Recipes from Some of the World’s Best Athletes,” available at www.runnerscookbook.com. Proceeds go to the Ryan Shay Memorial Fund and to the Jenny Crain “Make It Happen” Fund.

Happy running!

March 18, 2008 (Posted March 18, 2008)

March is a busy month for me as far as races are concerned. I competed at the Gate River 15K on the 8th (which was also the USA 15K Championships), the NYRR Central Park Challenge on the 15th, and I will race in the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland on the 30th. I found that the best way to get through the last bad month of weather in Minnesota is to get out of it! Although temperatures are pretty reasonable, March means one thing - ice.

The 15K race was fine. It was very windy, but we all had to run through it. I placed second for the women, but lost to two of my teammates. Andrew won the race and Matt passed me in the last 400 meters. I was talking trash to Matt earlier in the week, so I got what I deserved! The race was fun and I had a nice run, although I was by myself most of the time.

Gate River is a well organized event and always a good time, but something was missing this year. All I could think about was the last time I was in Jacksonville for the race. In 2007 I spent the day of the race with Jenny Crain and some other friends. As I sat at our favorite food joint and had brunch after this year’s race, I kept picturing the same scenario last year.

Only last year we were sitting outside in the sun and Jenny was making us laugh with her storytelling. Whenever I think of Jenny and the long road she has ahead of her, I remember her laughing face during that perfect brunch in the sunlight. I can’t wait to see her smiling face in the future.

The 8K Central Park Challenge was exciting. I placed second, again. But, I had a pretty decent performance overall. I know that I have a lot more in me, but everything is geared toward the Olympic Trials. I am on the right path. It was great to see so many other runners and catch up with old friends. The New York Road Runners put on a first- class event no matter what the distance. The staff and volunteers treat each runner as if they were the only ones there.

Up next, the World XC Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland! We have a great team and I know that we will represent the United States well in the women’s 8K.

February 18, 2008 (Posted February 21, 2008)

I just got back from sunny San Diego. It was a nice little break from the cold temperatures we’ve had in Minnesota this winter. The National Cross Country Championships were held in California this year and I think we had the best weather for the race since I can remember.

My teammate, Emily Brown, and I made the World Cross Country Championship team and will represent the United States in Scotland on March 30. Our coach, Dennis Barker will take some time off from his coaching duties at Augsburg College and be there for support.

Minnesota will be well represented in Edinburgh. Alex Gits from Edina (a freshman at Stanford) and Emily Schwitzer from Hopkins (a freshman at Duke) also made the squad with the junior women’s team.

I am looking forward to preparing for the World Cross Country Championships. But I know there is still a long way to go before the Olympic Track Trials in Eugene in late June. Any race between now and then is part of a much bigger plan.

It is very motivating to have such a wonderful support group in Minnesota and hard-working teammates. There are many more races and workouts to come and I know that I am in good company. Next up for me will be the USA Indoor Championships this weekend in Boston where I will run the 3000 meters.

December 1, 2007 (Posted December 4, 2007)

December in Minnesota - it’s hard to believe that another year is starting soon. Not just another year, THE Olympic year, 2008! I haven’t been racing and don’t plan on racing again until indoor nationals and cross country nationals. Just training and staying healthy at this point.

People who don’t live in Minnesota think that all there is to this state is cold temperatures. Well, here are just a few things to ask Team USA MN members about the next time you run into us.

1. Ann Bancroft- the first woman to cross the ice to the North and South Poles. She also crossed Greenland and led the first all-women ski expedition across the ice to the South Pole. Bancroft and Norwegian Liv Arnesen made history in 2001, when they became the first female explorers to ski and sail across Antarctica. Bancroft founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation which encourages young girls to dream big and embrace individuality. She is an inspiration to women around the world and especially to girls in her home state, Minnesota.

2. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area - one of Northern Minnesota’s most prized possessions. This wilderness area in the Superior National Forest embraces wildlife and celebrates the great outdoors. Mining and logging are prohibited and airspace around the area is limited. If you want to get lost in our country’s original surroundings, visit this magnificent region.

3. SPAM - the famous meat in a can. SPAM was founded in Austin, Minnesota, by Hormel Foods in 1926. This product, which can be kept fresh without refrigeration, became valuable during World War II as food for our troops. It is still popular today worldwide. In South Korea it is used in many recipes such as kimbab, a kind of sushi. The name came from a combination of the words spice and ham.

4. Prince Rogers Nelson - (better known as Prince), was born in Minneapolis! He is one of the most iconic musicians of all time, producing sounds that inspire artists and listeners of all genres. He was named after his father’s band, the Prince Rogers Trio. Carrie and I were about six feet from him during a concert featuring Beyonce a few years ago!

October 3, 2007 (Posted October 4, 2007)

As my friend, Ellen, would say, “These are the days you love Minnesota!”  What a beautiful day.  I woke up to sunshine and a crisp, cool morning that is still warm enough for shorts and a T-shirt.  The leaves are turning into gorgeous autumn colors and the air fills your lungs with energy.

I went for a run with two of my best friends, Carrie and Jenelle, and we had a great run around the lakes.  The three of us are so different in personality that we kept each other entertained the entire time.  Everyone we ran into had a huge smile on their face.

I was just itching to get outside again for my second run.  My coach could have told me to run 30 miles today and I might have done it.  (Don’t get any ideas Dennis!).  I ran through a nature center near my house and thought about how lucky I am to be playing in the sun all day.

The only thing that could have made my day any better would be if it were game day and I was in the Big House cheering on the Wolverines.  (Or, maybe, if I just ran really fast and won a race).

Next up will be the Tufts 10K for Women Championship in Boston on October 8 and then the World Road Championships in Udine, Italy on October 14.

September 5, 2007 (Posted September 7, 2007)

Osaka, Japan – 2007 World Championships

So I am 13th in the world at 10,000 meters – doesn’t that stink? I have a bitter taste in my mouth after a disappointing summer of racing. I didn’t race that much, but I was in great shape to run fast.

When it came time to make a move during my race in Osaka, I missed the opportunity and have been bitter ever since. I know that my frustration will only fuel my fire for the summer of 2008, and get me on the Olympic team.

If anything, I came home confident in American distance runners and our ability to be the best in the world. This year we have seen remarkable performances and I know that success generates more success. If anything, we believe in ourselves again, and that is the edge we need to get back on the podium.

Besides my race, Osaka was amazing. The organizers and local residents involved with the World Championships were gracious hosts. The competition was exciting and I was able to celebrate great performances with my fellow teammates.

Japan is a beautiful country with a lot of culture and entertainment. I was able to visit a few temples with one of my best friends, a high jumper from Canada. I also visited a scenic forest filled with ancient temples, a waterfall, monkeys, and hiking trails.

I am looking forward to fall training and the company of my training partners here in Minnesota.

June 11, 2007 (Posted June 13, 2007)

The fifth Third River Bank Run (site of the USA 25k Championships which Katie won on May 12) was so much fun! Well, the distance wasn’t really the fun part. Some of my family came to watch and there were tons of Michigan fans yelling “Go Blue!” through the course.

After the race, Greg Meyer and the racing staff showed us around Grand Rapids, Michigan. My kind of town! Everyone got a ride on the Hanson’s RV to the famous bowling party. I enjoyed getting to know other runners and improving on my poor bowling skills.

Since then, I have been to the wilderness of Canada for a short vacation and to the Reebok Grand Prix (on June 2) in New York City. The Reebok meet was exciting despite the humidity. There were some great performances in the sprints, women’s 800 and pole vault, and the men’s mile. I didn’t run fast (in the 5000 meters), but I am moving on and looking forward to USA Outdoor Nationals where I will run the 10,000 meters.

March 2, 2007 (Posted March 6, 2007)

I just got back from Japan and the Yokohama International Ekiden was an incredible experience. The ekiden is a marathon relay race broken up into six legs. Teams from around the world compete against the host country Japan, as well as Japanese corporate sponsored teams.

I was part of the USA team, including Jen Rhines, Deena Kastor, Carrie Tollefson, Amy Rudolph, and Elva Dryer. We finished second overall, behind the Russians who ran a blazing relay. Our time of 2:16:04 was the fastest marathon ekiden by a U.S. women’s team.

I ran the fifth leg which was a 10K. I could see the Russian runner, Inga Abitova, ahead in the distance and I knew that the other runners were chasing after me. Basically, I ran scared, trying to gain as much ground on the leader as possible and keep the other ladies behind me.

When I finally reached Elva to hand off the sash we wear while racing, we were still in second but holding on strong. I was rushed to the finish to join my other teammates. We were very happy with our finish, but as always, never satisfied, and ready for another challenge in the future.

March will be a busy month for me. I will compete in the Gate River Run 15K Championships in Jacksonville, Florida, on the 10th and the World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa, Kenya, on the 24th. I will also be the official starter for the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K in Minneapolis on March 31.

January 29, 2007 (Posted February 1, 2007)

Winter has finally hit Minnesota. We are expecting a couple of freezing cold weeks. Anything over 20 degrees seems pretty reasonable, but 0 degrees is not fun. Just a few more months and it will all be over. I am looking forward to next week when a few athletes are returning from a training period in Flagstaff.

I did get away for a weekend to race in Bermuda. It is the rainy season there, but we lucked out and had some sunny days. I won the 10K race and then ran the half marathon the next day with Victoria Jackson. It was nice to get to know her better.

The following weekend I went back to the University of Michigan to get inducted into the women’s track and field hall of fame. I watched the Red Simmons meet and caught up with friends I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s always inspiring to go back to Michigan to see the up-and-coming runners and my past teammates. Nicole Forrester, one of my best friends, won the high jump and Lindsay Gallo, a Reebok teammate, won the 800 meters.

I am skipping indoor track this year since I didn’t have my normal fall schedule (due to running the ING New York City Marathon). But, I am getting ready for cross country nationals and the Yokohama Ekiden in February. I think both races will help lead to a great outdoor track season.

So, for now, I’m just focusing on getting through the next few months and putting in the work for my spring/summer races.

December 6, 2006 (posted December 7, 2006)

The ING New York City Marathon was an amazing experience. I must admit that I had fun, despite the fact that I couldn’t walk for a long time after the race. I kept telling the volunteers who were gently pushing me to the clothing tent that I wasn’t normally a great big wimp. I don’t know which was the bigger feat – finishing a marathon or finally making it to my clothes!

Our small group of elite women started out earlier than the rest of runners. Deena Kastor gave me a hug at the line and we all took one more deep breath before the gun went off. A girl from New Zealand, Nina Rillstone, and I stayed with Amy Rudolph who was the pace setter for the 2:28-2:30 marathon group. We continued to support each other mile after mile.

Amy left us at the 25K mark and Nina and I gave each other words of encouragement before hitting First Avenue. By mile 18, I knew I was going to make it, but I didn’t know how much longer my legs would stay with me. By mile 22, I started to slow down a little bit each mile. I was inspired the last two miles by the tremendous crowd in Central Park and a few female runners in sight. I finally finished as the second American and ninth overall (in 2:32:36).

The course was difficult but exciting; the crowds were unbelievable. I am so glad that I was part of the celebration of runners. I had a great group of friends there for support; it meant so much to me. Although, I was put back in my place later that day when my boyfriend said, “Congratulations on finishing a marathon, now try the Ironman!” Ahhh, someone is always there to one-up me!

But, that is exactly the attitude that I practice. I patted myself on the back and prepared mentally for a break, while in the back of my mind I thought about all the things I could have done differently. And, all the things that I want to accomplish in 2007. The marathon wasn’t just the end of a season; it was also the beginning of another year.

October 11, 2006 (posted October 13, 2006)

I’m counting down the days until the ING New York City Marathon! I just finished running the TC 10 Mile (the Twin Cities Marathon race) on October 1 and the Tufts 10K in Boston on October 9. These events are two of my favorites. Both organizations put on incredible events and offer something for the recreational walker/runner to the elite athlete.

I defended my titles at both races, which is always a good thing. The TC 10 Mile gave me some insight into my marathon fitness. Although, I didn’t get too much sleep the night before the race because I was at the Minnesota Superdome watching the Michigan Wolverines beat up on the Gophers. Go Blue!!!

I was well rested, however, for the Tufts 10K, and I needed it. The field was amazing and it was a U.S. National Championship event. I had a great time catching up with friends and spending time with all the other elite women.

The weather was warm for both races, especially in Boston, where it was in the 70s at the start of the race. I should have enjoyed the nice temperatures a little more; today it was down into the 30s in Minnesota. But I haven’t seen any snow yet!

I feel strong heading into the last few weeks before the big day in New York. No matter what happens, I know that I have done the work.

August 21, 2006 (posted Auguest 25, 2006)

Thanks to my sponsor, Reebok, I was able to travel to Europe this summer and run a couple of races. I stayed in a great town, Leuven, Belgium, along with about fifty other American distance runners. I met up with the rest of my Minnesota team and coach, Dennis Barker. It was so nice to be surrounded by my teammates.

I decided to run a 5K in Liege to blow my legs out and prepare for a 10K in Helsinki. I didn’t run fast, but still ran a personal best in 15:22 so I knew I was ready to run well in the 10K. I ended up running 31:32 in Helsinki. Again, I was not excited about my performance. But, with the way things have been going for me this year, I will take it! I have the standard I need for World Championships next year so that part of my job is done.

The Guidant 10K in Minneapolis was a great experience. Joe Wirth does a great job with the event and I really enjoyed running in front of so many local runners. I could hear people cheering for me throughout the course and it was motivational. It was nice to win at home.

Now, back to the roads and on to fall training. I am looking forward to the fall weather in Minnesota. Also to a short vacation in Canada, where team Wasley (Charlie, Kathy, and Stan) have promised to bring out the bikes and four-wheelers if I start seeing bears!

July 6, 2006

Peachtree Road Race

I decided to get another race in after Outdoor Nationals in order to feel like I was moving forward. Leading up to nationals, I pulled my hamstring and had to drop out of the Reebok meet in New York. When I got to nationals, my leg felt fine, but I could tell that taking over a week to recover from my injury put me at a lower level of fitness. I did the best I could, considering I led the race for 22 laps, at a slow pace.

The Peachtree Road Race fit into my schedule and I had a good experience. I went out fast, slowed toward the end, but gave a good effort overall. I think that if I ran the course again I would have a better performance. It was my first time and it was a hilly (but nice) course.

My other teammates, Kristen and Jason, had great races and so we all ended up leaving happy. (Jason and I were the first Americans; Kristen took 45 seconds off her previous personal record). After the race I caught up with a lot of people. I was excited to spend time with Atiya, one of my closest friends from college. I am grateful that they let me into the race on such short notice.

Inspiration

After a disappointing finish at Outdoor Nationals, I started reminding myself of all the things I have to be grateful for in my life. Winning championships and striving to make an Olympic team are extremely important to me, but they are not the only reasons I run. I know I haven’t reached my full potential.

I can’t imagine a day without a run in it. Running is a friend that will always be there. It is something you can do alone to push yourself when no one else is watching, to provide the satisfaction of a challenge. It is something you can do with a group, to create friendships and bring people together with a common experience.

One of the things that I find inspirational is my experience as part of the University of Michigan athletic tradition. I know people get sick of me talking about Michigan all of the time. I can be downright obnoxious about being a Wolverine. In the fall, my Saturday morning long runs revolve around the Michigan football games. It is hard to understand such loyalty unless you have had the same experience with your university or team. I could go on and on, but let me just say that putting on the Michigan uniform was one of my favorite things to do in college. The uniform reminded me that I was part of a tradition of excellence, that more was expected of me.

During my career at the University of Michigan, a wrestler named Jeff Reese died while trying to cut weight for a competition. I like to believe that his determination and commitment to success still lives in every Wolverine athlete, giving us strength, pushing us forward. He is an inspiration to me.

Introductory Entry - June 8, 2006

The first day I arrived in Minnesota in May 2001, I went for a run and it started to hail. Right then I knew that training here with Team USA Minnesota was going to make me stronger. The Twin Cities has one of the biggest running communities I have ever experienced. Nobody complains, well maybe a little bit. But, every day, despite heat and humidity or negative degree weather, you can expect paths around the Lakes in Minneapolis to be crowded.

The typical weekend morning jog for the average runner is 20 miles. When I get out the door to run, I know that many more people have already started and/or finished their route. Some are hitting the pavement after doing a few miles in the pool; others are planning on a post-run bike ride. Minnesotans embrace the weather and the landscape. Each person I meet is motivated and ready to be challenged. What a wonderful place to train!