Name: Katrina Johnson
Hometown: Richton Park, Illinois
Occupation: Veterinarian
Time Running: 30 years
Reason for Running: Running keeps me healthy!
In high school I hated running. I was an athlete and preferred to play basketball and volleyball, but I dreaded when the coaches made us run laps. When I started college, I wanted to continue playing basketball, but unfortunately broke two of my fingers, so I stepped back from the court and thought about running again. That’s when running really started for me! That was some 30 years ago, and I’ve enjoyed running ever since.
Today, I run for my time to get away from everything else that is going on in the world and in my life. Running is my time of stress relief, and it allows me to be outside enjoying nature.
Most importantly, though, the driving force behind my motivation to run is to connect with God and pray for the people I love and care about who are battling cancer or are sick. My faith is very important to me and strongly connected to my running. I run for those who can’t, and I dedicate my runs to those who need my prayers and support.
I lost my mother to ovarian cancer 12 years ago, which started my journey of running for others. Unfortunately, I have friends and family who are battling cancer, and I tell them that the long runs or even small races I do are in honor of them.
I consider myself a back-of-the-pack runner. I’m not the type of runner who has a favorite workout. Rather, I have favorite moments when I’m running. I enjoy running with my husband, and taking the beauty around me when I’m out there putting in the miles.
Some days, I struggle with comparing myself to others, but my husband gave me some great advice and told me: “Every run is different, and my time is my time.” Through years of running, I’ve come to realize that there will be great runs and not-so-great runs, but what matters is that I’m putting the time and effort into something that is good for me, and helps me be my best self.
My first marathon was the Chicago Marathon two years ago, which I’ve run twice since. I’m excited to run the New York City Marathon as part of the Runner’s World team, and I’d love to complete the six World Marathon Majors someday!
What Keep’s Katrina Running:
Pump-up songs:
- I listen to the jazz song “Last Train Home” by the Pat Metheny Group. I’ve been listening to this song since college.
- I also love the gospel song “Chasing After You,” by VaShawn Mitchell.
Fun fact:
I love running in the rain and snow. I prefer cooler and even colder running weather!
Prerace rituals:
I get up and thank God for letting me see another day. I then drink some water, eat oatmeal, get dressed, and make that last pit stop before I drive to the race. After warming up, I listen to my favorite tunes before I’m off.
Jennifer Acker joined the editorial staff of Runner's World and Bicycling in January 2022. A former freelancer writer and NCAA runner, she started running as a kid and basically never stopped. She also loves outdoor adventures, like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
