WSG 21 Runner Kate Santoro
WSG 21 Runner Kate Santoro
WSG 21 Kate Santoro
Isn’t Fall in New England gorgeous? I love it! Anyone not here needs to come and see it. All of the movies you’ve seen with a Fall-in-New-England theme will make more sense (Love Story, Dead Poets Society etc). There is a smell in the air that is full of the cycle of life. Moulding leaves, darkening days preparing for months of cold. It sounds dreary but, we get a lot done here in New England during that time. Of course some of us get super depressed…but not during Fall!
Officium. Desiderium. Constantia.
This week’s interview is a meaty one. Kate’s passion for running and racing is second to none. At least, second to no one who still has a life, friends and family. Passion is complicated, isn’t it? Let’s think about it for a minute.
One person’s passion is not another’s. Something that turns on one partner may not elicit a flicker in the other. That can be good! Two people focussed on the same thing can be overwhelming, even stifling for the “thing.” But, one person in a couple obsessed with something can be isolating to the other. Especially when that thing or activity involves other people, but not you. I imagine that leads to some trouble.
Back to passion. Kate uses some words to describe her recipe for success: commitment, desire and consistency (translated into latin above because I think I may need to do a needlepoint pillow with that on it, or stationary). Think about those words for a moment. They are intense and bold words. In order to be passionate about something one needs to feel invested and that they are growing from the experience, getting better at it or reaching goals set within it. Goals are not just for the young. We are “grown ups” but we need to have ideas and activities that keep life interesting, that organize time. While we enter into a new phase of life, how we spend our time is important not only to our physical and mental health but with whom we spend our time.
When you read Kate’s story, you feel the pull of family and her commitment to them. Yet, she has been able to carve out time for her other passion. Her commitment to her desire is consistent. Without any of those terms her running and her inner peace from it could not happen. The other part of her life must make room for this. There needs to be a level of self interest to get the time you need to do what it is you want to do. I don’t mean this is a bad way, but one needs to be a little selfish to get what they need. No one is going to hand it to you and no one is going to make you do it. So, we cannot look at our significant other, friends and family for the motivation to achieve anything. It must come from within ourselves. The hope is that the others in our lives will accept that the time we take to pursue our passion is what we need to be who we are in their lives.
Back to Kate. Though her level of commitment to her sport is more intense than most of us can achieve, her story may be similar to some of you out there. The high school boyfriend that was threatened by her potential in sports. Her feeling the trade off of success in running was not worth losing (a teen’s view of the world) her high school social life. She left her passion for sports on the table for the boyfriend and it sounds like as she grew up she realized that wasn’t what she had really wanted. She has righted the wrong of her teenage brain and nurtured her potential as a mature racer.
We all have those moments in our lives. Maybe we were told we were pretty good at something in our youth, but we didn’t have the bandwidth to pursue it for whatever reason. Well, now’s the time! And if you aren’t as agile a dancer as you were and you want to go back to dance class, guess what? No one else is as agile as they were, either! Isn’t growing older gaining the grace to not be embarrassed because we know that everyone has something going on and this too shall pass?
Honestly, I love being 53. I’m still physically able to do stuff and to get better at it. Mentally, I focus on what I need to to calm the squirrels in the attic. I’m mature enough to know how to fix myself when my body starts to fall apart. How to get the best I can with what I’ve got (body, brain). As my mom says, and I think I’ve said this before, “it’s all about maintenance.” If you run, you need a chiropractor, and you’d be wise to do yoga. If you’re sick, you’ll take yourself to the doctor. Take care of your skin. There’s not a lot of reasons to be embarrassed. It is a great time to figure out what is important to you for the next phase of life.
Special Plug:
This week is the end of the SMFA The School of The Museum of Fine Arts, Tufts’ Art Sale. They raise a lot of money for themselves and they put it to great use. I happen to have two pieces in the show (Instagram @kimdstockwellstudio) and there is something for everyone. It’s all on line for the most part and here is the link: Art Sale Just think about the holidays and all those containers of stuff floating in the ocean that won’t get here in time for your special someone. Buy art instead. It’s already here.
Maven of the Week: Kate Santoro
Kate’s Runner Bio
26.2. 3:08 (age 49)
13.1 1:28 (age 48)
10k. 40.30 mins
5K 19:30 mins
I am currently almost 51 years old and ran my 24th marathon this October in honor of my friend Andrew Morey. I have run about 40,000 -60,000 miles over these years. Did not begin to run for race results until I was about 44. My priority was never about time until I decided it to be. Along with the 24 marathons Ive done about 30 half marathons, 20 10K’s.
When did you start running?
I began running on my own- just out of instinct really. I made a track in my backyard- my home was very busy with lots of kids and I loved fresh air and outside in the dark with space and quiet. Always made me feel good so I did it even as a teenager. Got bit by a dog in my neighborhood and was self - conscious of my chest size so I kept it in a circle around the house.
I did do a track team at Notre Dame Academy and once I made it to the STATE championships which accepted only 2 from the school team. I remember nobody came- and my boyfriend ( who I think felt threatened if I was any good at athletics) made a funny remark about my chest size and running. I was 16 and like any girl was a little lacking in self confidence so I decided to quit. I am the type of person that puts my whole heart into things so at that time, it needed to be on my friends, him and sadly that was about it.
When did you take running more seriously?
I never took running seriously after high school and just looked at it as an efficient and inexpensive way to cover ground, be outside and get a little sweat in.
Ran for fun, friendships, and mental clarity. Did not run pregnant or prior to pregnancy because I didn’t want body fat low carrying a baby.
After my second baby was born I went out for a run and lost time. I went out to the Charles River and did 15 miles that day.
I think I signed up for a marathon shortly after and did it without training much and experienced a meaningful use of time fundraising, staying healthy and strong, while running. I was about 30 years old. That is when I got a glimpse into the joy I felt when I ran easy, slow long miles. I believe at that point I decided I wanted to be a Boston Marathon qualifier so I went to Chicago and did it.
I never cared about running in the sense of competition or time prior to that. I never ran to keep slender because I am naturally slender. I just loved it and that is what I did to feel my best on the inside.
I had a hard time with the making-babies years and put running aside and sensed an urge to really RUN around 35-40. We moved to London and I lost my two sons after a 35 week pregnancy, C- section and an infection. I really never thought I would do anything after that tragedy, never mind run. YET a year or two later I was a recipient of a miracle- my girls were born and the depth of despair and grief changed to joy.
I was 39/40yrs old and the first thing I did was bring out the sneakers. Signed up for the Boston Marathon! My run partners were 5 women who lived in Boston. One day one of them noticed I was breathing very heavily. I was always last in the group. Ran slowly and gently. Busy with 5 kids, with some getting recruited for College, was a full time gig for me with 2 in high school, one in middle school, and 2 little ones. One day a friend said I should “check my iron”. My periods were very heavy, and I had lost a lot of blood in the last 2 pregnancies. I had almost zero IRON according to the blood work. My ferritin was a 2 or 3 and was supposed to be between 20-200.
Once I corrected that- the 8 min mile feel was a 6:30 with the same perceived exertion.
Once I began realizing the JOY of speed, I began signing up for short races. 5k 10k and 1/2’S was easily winning my age group. It was REALLY fun and I think my threshold for discomfort is higher than the average person due to the years of running without IRON. When the (Boston Marathon) bombing happened, it changed Boston and it changed me.
I ran for Stepping Strong for many years after that. I needed my running pals. We made sense of things on our runs. Kid stress, husband stuff, family things, schools, sports, colleges…….it was never really about the running. I was used to being the weak link amongst these women and was happy being there.
I was feeling like I had more to offer though and I met a gal on the river about 5 years ago who invited me to join the BAA (Boston Athletics Association host of the Boston Marathon). Just when I was about to race my first marathon with them, I got hit by a snowboarder and tore my ACL, MCL. Everyone said I wouldn’t run again. I would not listen to the negative, so I learned to swim with a pull buoy to keep my legs still. I had surgery in april. I went to the California International Marathon to support a friend the following December and decided to run it too. I did it in 3:10 without much training.
I BOUGHT A BOOK CALLED ADVANCED MARATHONING AND FOLLOWED IT LIKE A BIBLE. Then I went after it— times, distances, weekly mileage, strength training, and I listened to a wise friend who said…. Speed is not your issue, just get organized girlfriend and your time has just begun!!! We had more fun running easy, slow miles in the snow….. and each week I made sure I did one long run, one speedy and some bucket miles. I don’t like the watch, the data, the heart rate stuff. I just pay attention to form and breath.
COOL MOMENT FOR ME!!! 47 or 48 YRS OF AGE.
Why do you run?
The mental benefit, clarity and peace I feel running is what drives me.
SOME FOR RECOGNITION
SOME FOR PERFORMANCE
SOME FOR OUTSIDE TIME
I would say I run for my emotional well being and I have a big heart because when I run, I cry or laugh or think about something new or pray for someone, give thanks to this beautiful earth, sun. moon, trees, and I love my people who run, too!
And your training when you’re not running?
My training when I am not running—NOW- I will play golf, do yoga and lift weights. Years prior - I would do short distance, and swim.
Now I do yoga 3X a week. Sometimes I only run 2 times -maybe 3. I don’t want to ever give it up so I can keep it.
How do you keep your body in running form?
I tune into any aches or pain and I don’t overdo it. Delayed onset muscle soreness is the biggest difference between when I started and now.
If I have a race or longer miles, I will feel fine the next day yet I will feel it a few days later.
I take Epsom Salt baths, stretch and take quality supplementation and if I feel really “off" — I will go see a Chiropractor or get a massage.
What is the recipe for physical success?
So far my recipe for physical success is mainly commitment, desire and consistency. I don’t run too much. I listen to my body. I don’t track my time either. If I feel like speed, I do it and if I don’t, I listen.
The benefit of age is muscle memory. Stay consistent and then you wont have to start over.
The science of what the human body can do when you listen to it is a pretty cool experiment.
Most women have 50 tasks to do in a day before noon time. I would say whatever energizes you— or whatever your inner voice tells you is good for you to do even if it is an effort) — then don’t procrastinate on it and just do it. Moving the body is important. Dancing, walking, skiing, hiking. Whatever it is — get moving.
Do you have a “team”? A nutritionist, a physical therapist, a sports therapist, a chiropractor, running group ….
I don’t have a team of helpers— I wish I did. I've learned a lot from reading and have studied nutrition over the years working with Juice Plus. Try to stay educated on anti-inflammatory foods without getting caught up in the latest hype.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I guess I always put a lot on my plate and packed it in daily — and to be honest I never really thought about what I wanted to be when I “grew up” because I was too busy just being. Lots of friends and lots of plans, adventures and mischief.
As a younger girl, I did know for sure that I wanted to be a strong person who made a lot of difference toward the life of others. I knew being strong and fearless was necessary, because I used to get afraid of things.….. so at a young age I vowed to myself to grow up and not to be afraid.
What are you excited about now?
What I am excited about now is that for 22 years I have been the hubcap, central parent, glue and a 24-7 MOM, coach, cook, emotional supporter. I HAVE LOVED every second of it.
Once I got the older 2 into College, Covid hit and they all came back so it has been challenging to focus. After 22 years at Capital ( where my husband works) - We have had to relocate to the home office. Los Angeles, California. I am excited to start a business of my own now utilizing all the skills and experience I have gained.
What books are on your bedside table?
I BOUGHT A BOOK CALLED ADVANCED MARATHONING AND FOLLOWED IT LIKE A BIBLE.
ULTRALEARNING by Scott H. YOUNG
Rock Solid Golf by Nancy Lopez
ZEN LIFE- Daniel Levin
Field Guide to Western Birds by Roger Tory Peterson
Advanced Marathoning by Phitzinger
The Five Second Rule by Mel Robbins
What do you do to relax?
I would say I like to cook, (even if I am not great) watch movies when I can- read books or be with friends, eat good food and drink tasty wine.
Equipment? What are your thoughts?
She’s a good yankee and can’t bring herself to spend a lot on shoes. She does note that a pair of running sneakers should be replaced every 200 miles for the “mature” body. She also recommended to rotate the brand you use to run. Which makes sense!
What category/subject would you add to the Guide
One thing I would add is that women should never compare themselves : rather just learn from one another and help one another. I was lucky to never have any mean girlfriends growing up. We would give the shirts off our backs to one another. It is only a win if we all win so if my story with running can encourage or help someone out, then it is worthy to share.
A Recipe You Wont Hate from Kate!
Kate loves the Wild Salmon and Sweet Potato Cakes, Cilantro Lime Cashew Sauce, Runner’s High Peanut Sauce and Garlicky Greens. The recipes are pretty involved so I’ll do the easiest, Garlicky Greens, interpreted by me.
2 Bunches of collard greens
2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil or olive oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon read pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Roll collard greens together and slice into ribbons.
Heat the oil in large skillet and sauce the garlic, cumin, fennel and pepper flakes.
add the greens and salt and cook til wilted.
Turn heat to low, cover and cook for 3 minutes.
Turn off heat and stir in Lemmon juice, let sit for a bit and enjoy!
That’s all for now..please add people to the subscribe list you think might enjoy WSG!
