TRU TRIBE Member Spotlight: Karla Halaschak

Every Saturday we highlight one of our members from the TRU Tribe Running Team. Meet Karla!  If we can do it, so can you!

I picked Karla because she got out of your comfort zone with Jackass doing her longest trail and night trail run, she focuses on her ChiRunning and shares comments in Final Surge about her runs, she has a high compliance rate to her Final Surge plan and is one of the most active people in our TRU TRIBE.
Why did you start running?
I started running when other, mostly team sports, did not work out for me. I decided to try cross-country my junior year of high school. The coach needed people-it was a small program- so I joined.
What age did you start running?
17
How old are you now? (to inspire the others! but you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to)
48
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far from your running journey?
Running is much more than moving your legs. No matter your speed, you are doing something good and healthy for your body, your mind, and your soul! Whether I’m pushing myself on the track or taking a nice, easy run through the neighborhood, I always feel refreshed afterwards.
What advice would you give a beginner runner?
Do not worry about your speed or what other people may think. Take your time, build up slowly, focus on your form, get some strength training in to smooth out any imbalances. Hire a coach to help you with all this so you don’t fall into bad (injury producing) habits!
What would you do differently knowing what you know now?
I would take my own advice given to the beginning runner above! 😀
What is your longest race distance and why?
My longest distance so far is a full marathon. It was a “milestone” distance. I did my first one to raise money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society..
Do you have a bucket list race or distance?
I would like to do a 50K. (she jus signed up for the Crown King 50K Ladies Training Program!).
What has been your favorite race and/or distance so far?
I really enjoyed the Jackass 31K. It was just the right distance, the course was just challenging enough and the vibe was awesome!
What is your favorite color?
Green
What is your favorite post race food and drink?
As much as I would like to say it is a recovery drink followed by a hearty meal of protein and vegetables, it is really beer and pizza.
Anything else you want to share with the TRU TRIBE 😀
We are very blessed to have such a wonderful running community! This is the first running group I have joined that hasn’t focused solely on racing and speed. Thank you, everyone, for being an inspiration, and thank you Lisa, our fearless leader!.