With that being said, it’s time to meet a member of #teamsparkle. Up next is another member of the #teamsparkle #Ragnar4Rett team Kristen, aka @kgriff_run!
Tell us about your past race/running experience:
Kristen: I started running distance after I graduated from college and was officially a retired sprinter. I had no idea what to do, but I figured I would be up for a new challenge after anything over 200 meters was “too long.” I ran my first half marathon in April of 2013 and fell in love with the distance! After three more half marathons, one with Girl Power 2 Cure at the Disney Princess Half in February 2014, I decided to run a half marathon in every state! Now I’m 14 states down, 17 half marathons, 3 marathons, 2 half Ironman and 1 full Ironman distance into my endurance athletic adventure. I can’t wait for what the future holds! Almost every single race since February 2014 (triathlon or not) has had some piece of Sparkle Athletic in my gear, and has been ran with my cousin Martilee and Rett Syndrome in mind.
We are so glad you are a part of #teamsparkle. When did you first join and what color was your first skirt?
K: I first joined during state number six, California. I had met the girls of #teamsparkle and Sparkle Athletic while in Florida running the Disney Princess Half Marathon as part of Girl Power 2 Cure. I didn’t have a Sparkle Athletic skirt at the time, but purchased one shortly there after for Disneyland’s Inaugural Super Heroes Half Marathon, again as part of Girl Power 2 Cure. Obviously, my first skirt was the blue with white stars to represent Wonder Woman, because my cousin Martilee is the strongest super hero I know.
What/Who inspires you to continue running?
K: I honestly get asked this a lot, and my answer hasn’t changed for almost three years. My cousin Martilee is my inspiration, motivation and determination to keep putting one step in front of the other. She has Rett Syndrome which renders her completely dependent upon those around her. Luckily, Sparkle Athletic and Girl Power 2 Cure have teamed up to fight Rett Syndrome together… a match made in heaven! I’ve often competed and raced with names of those affected by Rett Syndrome written on my body, awareness tattoos, tank tops, etc to help one more person learn about Rett Syndrome and why it is so important to me.
We all know how much #teamsparkle loves their treats as much as they love running… What’s your favorite indulgence?
K: Oh man… savory indulgence is #ALLTHETACOS!!!! My favorite sweet indulgence is clearly doughnuts. So many sprinkles and options, so little time!
Which Sparkle Athletic product is your favorite “go to”?
K: I’m a hat lover. Rett Syndrome. Baseball hat. Visor. Give me all of them! There’s one for every (running or non running) outfit!
What is one of your favorite parts of racing in a Sparkle Athletic skirt?
K: I feel so STRONG with Sparkle Athletic at my side because they constantly empower women to be who they are, love who they are, and strive for their best! They have become a family, versus a team or community. And the support… WOW! Any time there is anything Sparkle Athletic anywhere, it’s like we all cling to each other and help each other out!
Thank YOU so very much for “joining the team.” Individually each & everyone of you is amazing, but as a “team” we ROCK.
Everyone has a story, and we want to hear YOURS! The #teamsparkle community is such a loving and inclusive group, but often times we are tackling our runs solo. Knowing your teammates can help you to feel more a part of the running community.
If you would like to share your story, whether it is about how you got started running, what motivates your running, why you love running, or how running has changed your life, please let us know! We would love to feature you on an upcoming “Meet The Team” post – so email us at meettheteam@sparkleathletic.com!