Kaitlyn Cox - Fitsok Ambassador

Tell us your brief bio/running history

I started running in high school on the track team. I was part of the team for one season and then dropped out to pursue running races with my dad. Running for me was casual until I started training for my first half marathons and marathon in college. Now, I've completed a 25k in the mountains, several half marathons, a marathon, shorter distances and I'm training for my first ultra race this year.

What running groups/communities are you involved with?

WeRunMPLS - I am one of the founders of the group.

What is your favorite running experience?

The first time I ran 10 miles is when I fell in love with running, when running became something for me versus something I did socially or to stay healthy or to impress other people. I was in college and training for a race. My dad, a long-time runner, had built out a training plan for me and I was following it closely. I needed to run 10 miles one Saturday so I decided to head home for the weekend and log the miles in my parents' neighborhood - it was comfortable and I could ask my dad questions if I needed to. I was almost at the 5 mile mark of the run and was feeling okay but just as I got to the halfway point I heard someone cheering for me. I looked up and my (fairly quiet) dad had driven up and was hanging out the window cheering me on. For the rest of the run, he showed up at every mile to cheer for and encourage me, and was waiting at the end of the driveway to cool down with me when I finished. So many of my running experiences have been with my dad - we bond over running - so his support that day meant the world to me. That day I also realized how much I actually loved running, and not just the idea of being a runner. 10 miles is my favorite distance.

What events are you running/racing in 2016? What are your goals?

This year I'm running the Afton Trail 50k in July. I'm also participating in Run the Year 2016 (run 2,016 miles in 2016).

What is your favorite book or author?

I love reading and I have a hard time picking favorites so I have no idea how to answer this question. Lately I've been reading books on running ultras, though!

Favorite Fitsok sock and why?

F4 Magic Pop Low - I love the moisture wicking properties and how the socks fit my feet (the cut is awesome).

Major running accomplishments (races completed, PRs, awards won)

Last summer I did the Leadville Heavy Half (15.5 miles in Leadville, Co) starting at 10,200 feet and gaining 3,400+ feet during the race. It wasn't a fast race but I felt very accomplished for finishing. My first marathon in 2014 was also a big accomplishment for me as I struggled with an IT band injury that flared up during the race.

What was the last rule you broke?

Probably speeding. Oops!

What is your desert island shoe?

Bare feet

What's your coffee order?

I either go with black coffee or a mocha. It's the chocolate!

What’s the number one race on your bucket list?

If I ever work up to 100 miles I'd love to run the Leadville Trail 100. Maybe I'll shoot for the 50 mile for now, though.

What is your favorite distance to race?

10 miles

Anything else we (and the world) should know about you?

I never run with headphones - I LOVE being in nature, experiencing the sights and sounds, and disconnecting from everything else. I also am focusing heavily on trail running now and the sounds of nature are so much more fun!

If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be?

Chocolate (does that count?)