DTC- When and why did you get into running?

JK- I always had an interest in running but I was the one who held myself back. I had this misconception that I needed to have a particular body type to run. It wasn’t until my late Brother started a couch to 5K program and finished his first 5K that I realized I could do it as well. I completed my first 5K in 2013 but was challenged with injures and that lead to significant weight gain. I started my weight loss journey in October of 2015 and wanted to get back to running again. It wasn’t until March 2016 when I did my second 5K that I was hooked. I used running as a way to improve my health as I was living an unhealthy lifestyle that put me at risk to become diabetic. Something that First Nations are at a higher risk of.

DTC- How many 10K’s, half marathons, marathons and ultras have you run?

JK- To date I have participated in over 80 running events including One 50K Ultra, 10 Marathons, 25 Half Marathons and 20 10K’s.

DTC- Have you had any major obstacles in life you’ve had to overcome?

JK- My weight loss journey was my first obstacle I had to work towards, it is a continuous journey I am still on. The loss of my brother in March 2023 has been my biggest thing to overcome. I lost my passion and had a hard time continuing as running is something we started together. I had two DNF’s at Berlin and Chicago as mentally and emotionally I wasn’t there. I am finding my passion for running again and will do the best I can in hopes to finish a marathon for him one day.

DTC- What’s your “Why”?

JK- I do this for myself first and foremost. I hope to show my children that they can do anything they put their mind to. I try my best to lead by example and it was never my intent to inspire people but more to inspire myself while improving my health.

DTC- Who inspires you?

JK- My Late brother is the one who inspired me and I continue to run to keep going with what we both started. My goal was to have him run with me again one day but I know he is with me every time I run.

DTC- Do you have a favorite distance to run?

JK- Half marathons are my favourite distance as I enjoy the endurance it takes to complete and doesn’t have a toll on my body.

DTC- What was your favorite race and why?

JK- New York City Marathon was always my bucket list Marathon, even though my race didn’t go as planned I am still proud to have participated and finish such a huge event. I originally was planning to be one and done but ended up doing multiple prior to having the opportunity to finish NYC.

DTC- What’s your biggest running achievement?

JK- Completing The Boston Marathon as a Charity Runner is my highest achievement. I never knew I would be able to run Boston so it was one of those goals I never put out there. Once I completed my first marathon in under 6 hours I knew I was eligible to apply as a charity runner and was successful in being selected. Raising $10,000USD for a charity was a huge challenge within itself along with training for a marathon. I was such a tough experience that it is one I will remember forever.

DTC- What’s your biggest non-running achievement?

JK- Making the choice to improve my health. It has been over 9 years since I made that decision to improve my health and am proud to say I am still down over 100lbs to this day.

DTC- What’s the biggest piece of advice you can offer other runners?

JK- Find your joy and passion for running and enjoy the moments.

DTC- Do you have any race day superstitions or habits?

JK- For marathons I try my best to get some sleep the night before but know it will be difficult. So I try to sleep extra the days leading up to a big race.