Moneumental Runner – Katelyn Engen

Name: Katelyn Engen

Self-described age group: 24-29

Residence: Kensington, Md.

Occupation: Collegiate athletic trainer

Volunteer roles in the running world: I ran my first race with Ainsleys Angels at the end of 2019, with hopes to do it more in 2020. Now my goal is to run more with them in 2021! They’re a group that organizes runners & chairs so everyone access to road racing. The National Capital Region group is fantastic.

How has your running changed in the last six months: I ran a ton the first few months, recently, since going back to work, I’m running a much more reasonable amount. I’ve found that more than ever, I run for my own well being & mental health, not just because I have a race to train for.

Why you run: Because I am way nicer & more patient on days I run!

When did you get started running: In college I needed an athletic activity that I could do based around my clinical schedule, so I started running.

Have you taken a break from running: Sometimes I run less consistently or only short distances, but I haven’t really taken a break since I started in 2013.

Training shoe: New Balance 880s

Coach or training group: solo.

The hardest race you’ve ever run: New York City Marathon

Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: my brother-in-law ran across the country in 2017 and I ran with him in Nevada, Utah, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and New York. So nothing too adventurous because I was tagging on to his adventure 😜

Running mentors: heroes? Shalane Flanagan, Emma Coburn, Janae Jacobs (of Hungry Runner Girl blog)

My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is:  along the water in Georgetown and then a loop of the mall along the monuments.

Favorite local trail:  in Rock Creek Park

My best race was: New York City Marathon

Favorite local race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile or Marine Corps Marathon

Ideal post-run meal: an allagash white beer and a cheese burger with sweet potato fries

Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: raspberry huma gels

Pet peeve: open mouth chewing

Goals: to break four hours in the marathon

Your advice for a new runner:  Find a podcast you like and listen to it only while running to help you get out the door. Start with small increments and build up. Get shoes & a sports bra that fit.

Favorite running book: Let Your Mind Run, by Deena Kastor

Song in your head during a run: anything by Taylor Swift. So “folklore” on loop right now

Have you dealt with a major injury: plantar fasciitis that just won’t get better

Running quote: “I can do hard things”

Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner:  Lots of races, lots of trail options, and it’s always fun to run by the monuments (especially in the evening with a pretty sunset).