The Chasqui Blog
Meet Krissy Moehl
Posted on Jun 22, 2011
Keeping up with our "Meet our Ambassadors" series, Inca Runners (IR) had the chance to catch up with ultra runner Krissy Moehl after she won the San Diego 100-mile race a couple of weeks ago. Moehl will lead the Inca Runners October adventure.
IR: Congratulations again on winning the race! What does winning this race means to you?
Krissy Moehl(KM): Finishing a 100 mile race is a huge accomplishment. When we stand on the starting line in a large group with the unknown of 100 miles spread out before us it seems like a daunting, yet exciting task. I had not run a 100 mile race since UTMB 2009 (Ed: Ultra Trail Mont Blanc, France) and was nervous and curious to see how the day would go. It was amazing to reach mile 35 and feel that my body remembers how to run this distance. I was able to manage fueling and pacing well all day, so I could to run strong to the finish and log one of my better 100-mile finish times. It was awesome!
Krissy on her way to win the San Diego 100 mile trail run. Photo by Brett Rivers
IR: What’s on your calendar for the rest of 2011? I guess your most important race will be the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in August? What are your expectations for this one?
KM: I am jumping in my car for the next month to help friends at “Western States” and “Hardrock,” and also enjoy some training of my own in Silverton and the Tetons. I may participate in the “White River 50-mile” in the end of July, and am looking forward to a month in France. The preparation for and the running of UTMB on September 11 will be a recovery month, and in October I am looking forward to exploring the Inca Trail with Inca Runners!
IR: Last week you spoke at a TEDx Overlake event in Seattle. Tell us more about this experience.
KM: In some ways I feel I was more nervous to speak for this than I was to toe the 100-mile start line. It was an incredible rush to be on stage in front of a group of peers with the challenge to give the speech of your life. The sound guy said later that he could hear my heartbeat in the microphone. I was completely charged, inspired by the experience and inspired listening to the other speakers that shared that day. I look forward to more similar opportunities.
IR: You posted on Facebook once that you were thinking about maybe doing some triathlons, is this true?
KM: I have thought about trying an Ironman since 2007. The idea has become more present. I like the idea of a new challenge, and I think managing the training for three sports will be the most challenging.
IR: As an Inca Runners Ambassador, you will be running and hiking on the Inca Trail in October. What motivated you to go?
KM: Travel and running are my two favorite things… besides good food. Combining (all three) of these to create an experience sounds ideal. Additionally, I studied Spanish in college, and my favorite part of that time was my study abroad experience in Ecuador. I feel that this trip with Inca Runners combines many of my passions in one amazing adventure.
Krissy winning the Ultra Trail Du Mont Bland (UTMB) in 2009
IR: What are you most looking forward on this trip – specific destinations? The culture? The food?
KM: I look forward to sharing the experience with the participants, camp leaders and other guides. An opportunity to experience this special, spectacular part of the world will be a great learning experience about the area and hopefully about other good people.
IR: You have won many tough races, several of them at high altitude, and now that your will be running in the Andes, how do you train for running in these conditions?
KM: My motto for these types of situations is to do the best with what I’ve got. When training for tough races I try to simulate the terrain and elevation profile the best I can where ever I am training. I live in Seattle so we have some great climbs close to home, but we are at sea level. Hill repeats on long mountainous climbs are a part of my training to prepare. Arriving as early as possible to a high altitude race to allow my body to adapt to the altitude is the second step. We are fortunate to have 5 days on the front end of the trip to adjust to the altitude of the Andes.
The Machu Picchu ruins is among several other destinations that Krissy will visit this October
IR: What other passions do you have besides running?
KM: I am passionate about sharing my love of trail running with others. There are many forms of doing that whether running together, writing, speaking publically or, my favorite, chatting after a run at the trailhead. Additionally, I love to write, organize, cook, rock climb, practice yoga, crochet, read, road bike and swim.
IR: Four quick questions:
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Favorite Pre race meal: Greek yogurt, Udo’s Oil, Wholesome Fastfood, Maca, honey, chia seeds, granola, raisins and craisins
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Favorite Post race meal: Ultragen
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Do you listen to music while racing? Yes. Any songs that help you go through tough moments? Anything upbeat usually helps. I am a big fan of Black Eyed Peas when I need to pick up the pace.
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Who are your role models or “heroes”? People that pursue their passion. I love seeing people in the moment, when they are really going for it, pushing their limits and living in the unknown moment of what is possible. People that don’t give up! I love my sport for the fact that the people finishing towards the end of the field are the ones with the biggest crowd and applause. Those who can endure for hour after hour like that are amazing to me.
IR: Finally, what would you tell to the people who are thinking about coming with you in October?
KM: Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions! This is my first time on the Inca Trail as well and I’m really looking forward to sharing the experience. Hugo and Roberto have things super organized and I have not doubts this is going to be a great experience.
IR: Thank you Krissy, and good luck in your next races.
KM: Thank you for taking the time! This is going to be a lot of fun!
Click here to learn more about Krissy's upcoming trip. To make reservations, call 888-581-1150 or email us at info@incarunners.com. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
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