Athlete Spotlight - Katie Mack

Running and fitness have always been a huge part of Katie's life. She grew up playing soccer, continued to play at the collegiate level in pharmacy school, and became a graduate assistant coach. When she stopped playing college soccer, she started running more and realized she "didn’t need to chase a soccer ball to enjoy running."

 

 

Katie was inspired to join the Fleet Feet distance program by her mom.  Her mom is a member of the Rochester Fleet Feet 5k program and absolutely loves it.  She also finds inspiration in her mother-in-law who continues to run marathons in her late 60's.  Katie's goal for 2025 is to complete her first full marathon. Before joining Fleet Feet, she mainly trained alone and completed a few half-marathons, but stated that "training for a full marathon would require more support." She also wanted to step out of her comfort zone and meet new people. 

 

 

This year Katie achieved a half-marathon PR at the Montezuma Half and absolutely crushed it.  What she is too humble to tell anyone is that she obtained a 1st place age group award at this race on top of her amazing PR, as well as, 8th overall female!  Katie's success on her half marathon and all the positive encouragement from the Fleet Feet crew was the push she needed to sign up for the Wineglass Marathon this October. 

 

 

When talking with Katie she said her favorite aspect of the distance program is being part of a team.  Katie stated, "Everyone is supportive of each other and wants everyone to succeed. The positive energy at our group training sessions is infectious, and I look forward to it every Wednesday and Sunday." She also appreciates the education provided on how to train and take care of your body. She said she has learned critical things like taking more rest days, slowing her long run pace down, and how to take adequate nutrition.  She feels, "Now that I know how to fuel my body, long training runs feel so much better."  

 

 

Running has helped her stay both physically and mentally healthy while getting her through the most stressful days.  Even though she is a pharmacist, she believes that running is truly the best medicine!  We are so happy to have Katie on our team.  She brings such a positive vibe and energetic spark to even the hardest runs.  Sending her the best wishes for a fabulous first marathon next month!