Today I bring you Kim Conley, an American athlete who competes in middle and long distance events. She’s a professional runner and a two-time Olympian. Here you have Kim’s 5 questions and 1 piece of advice, enjoy!
- When did you start running and why?
As a kid I played a different sport every season. In the fall I played soccer, in the winter basketball, and initially I played softball in the spring. I grew bored of softball because I felt like I didn’t get to run around enough, so when I was eleven, I switched my spring sport to track. I joined the Santa Rosa Express Track Club and developed a love for distance running. By my freshman year of high school, I quit all other sports so that I focus on running year-round.
- Who was your role model in sports as a child?
When I entered high school there was a senior on my team, Sara Bei (now Hall). She was a four-time state champion in cross country and lead our team to the team state championship title my freshman year. She taught me a lot about goal setting and discipline, and I looked up to her as a great running role model.
- What was it like to go to the Olympics twice?
It is a great honor to wear the US singlet in any context, but the Olympic stage is by far the most exciting and rewarding pursuit. Everyone in the world, even people who don’t normally pay attention to Track and Field, get excited about the Olympics and I love the feeling of representing my country, family, and hometown at that level.
- What is it like to be a pro athlete?
I am living the dream! My days are structured around my training, so running gets to always be my number one priority.
- What is your next short-term goal?
My next goal is to run the Olympic standard in the 10,000m. I already have the standard in the 5000m, and I would like to get to the Olympic Trials next June with both standards so that I have the option of running either event.
- What piece of advice would you give to a runner who wants to become an Olympian one day?
Begin with a foundation of love. Running takes commitment and discipline, but if you truly love what are doing then it never feels hard to live that way. Next, it’s important not to focus too much on the Olympics. Strive for the next most attainable goal, seek continual improvement, and eventually you can work your way into contention on a national and then international stage.
See you soon!
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