Why I Run: Katie MacKey

Katie MacKey started running at the age of 5—and hasn’t stopped since. Now a professional athlete specializing in the 1,500 meters, Katie runs her heart out on a daily basis. Here’s what keeps her moving. . .

“My dad started running when he was in high school. I admire his passion—I’ve hardly ever seen him miss a day of running. He keeps a log recording how many miles he runs with different people. We have run over 2,013 miles together!”

“My earliest running memories start when I was 5 years old. I had these bright pink tennis shoes that I would wear. My dad was a runner as well, so I would wait for him to come home from work so that he could time me!”

“The best race fuel is whatever settles well in your stomach. On the day of a competition, I usually eat sushi and a banana.”

“I’m in love with the Brooks LSD Lite Jacket! It’s the perfect companion in any sort of weather. And if I decide mid-run that I want to take it off, it zips into its own snazzy pocket that’s super-easy to carry!” $85, brooksrunning.com

“I love the Teddy Roosevelt quote, ‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.’ You can’t always control circumstances—you can control how you react to them.”

“The person I love to run with most is my husband and coach, Danny MacKey. Without his love and support, there is no way I could do what I do!”

“Running can teach you a lot about yourself, if you let it. Overcoming disappointment has forced me to develop character and hope. And the thrill of success gives me wings—it’s allowed me to keep on dreaming.”

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