Every month at True North Strength and Fitness we recognize the efforts of a community member that has broken new ground in their fitness game – either completing a significant event, taking their training to a whole new level, or stepping completely outside of their fitness comfort zone. We hope that by shining the spotlight on their fitness journey, you’ll be educated, motivated, and inspired no matter where you find yourself on your own.
Oh, and high-fives for the featured members are always welcome – because the world can always use more high-fives!
This month we’re shining our spotlight on…
What’s your name? Karen Peacock.
How old are you? I’m 56 years old.
How long have you been training and how did you get started? I have been weight training for about 15 years. I started going to the gym after I had to take a break from running because of an injury. One of the moms in my youngest son’s preschool owned a gym and she invited me to try it out. I liked the inclusive atmosphere at that gym and I found out there was more to life than just running. Also, I liked being strong and having nice arms!
What’s your sport and/or fitness background? I have been running off and on since I was in high school, but I was off for a long time after I had my kids. I joined the Sun Run clinic when my youngest son turned two (he is 20 now) and have been consistently exercising since then.
What’s your most recent sport and/or fitness accomplishment? My most recent event was the North Face Endurance Challenge Half-Marathon in San Francisco in November of this year.
How long did it take you to prepare? It took me about six months to prepare, three months to become 10K ready and then another three months to train for the half-marathon.
What does a typical training week look like for you? A typical training week for me is two sessions at the gym, one yoga class, and two to three runs per week.
What’s your least favorite exercise? At the moment it is the single-leg deadlift – my hips don’t lie!
What’s your favorite time to workout? 9:00 am after breakfast.
Did you get any cool results from your training that you weren’t expecting? Even though I have been running for a long time my training always just involved trying to run longer and longer distances. This is the first time I’ve done a training program that involved hill repeats, tempo runs, and speed work. I was delighted when I could run up the hills of the Houston Trail with little effort.
What’s your most memorable personal record (PR)? Why? It’s more of an accomplishment than a record but I am just so happy that I recently learned to skate ski because it’s damn hard and I love it.
Favorite book. I have two: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to. Croatia
What are three things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island? If I was stranded on a desert island I would take David, coffee, and a good book.
Which three words best describe you? Quiet, thorough, and caring.
