Name: Justin Knoernschild
Self-described age group: 30-35
Residence: Alexandria
Occupation: Voter registration & elections. Have you moved since you last voted? Check on your registration status and vote early to avoid any last minute problems in November
Volunteer roles in the running world: I help time races for Pacers Events, but I really just drive trucks around and setup equipment in the early morning
How has your running changed in the last six months: I put in more miles than normal in the spring to have some sense of normalcy and routine, but the past few months have just been getting out when I have time to relax and recover mentally
Why you run: I love to race and push myself, but it has helped me so much with focus, work ethic and stress relief
When did you get started running: In high school trying to condition for soccer tryouts. Then I learned I had no footwork but enjoyed racing and the people
Have you taken a break from running: A few times here and there due to small injuries, but no more than a couple months at a time
Training shoe: Current rotation is New Balance 860, 870 and Hoka Arahi, but really anything with moderate stability and an arch
Coach or training group: Old Town fun run group, I don’t do too well following a coach’s training plan
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Marine Corps 2017, went out too fast and hit the wall hard but kept moving forward and finished
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Not so much myself, but pacing a friend at Leadville 100. Altitude hurts but staying awake for 24+ hours at 10,000 ft with friends makes for some interesting stories
Running mentors: No true mentors, but many training partners who have
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Does everywhere count? Between the tracks, trails along the river and various loops in DC you can always find a good spot depending on the mood
Favorite local trail: C&O Canal, always nice and relaxing in the early morning and if you get bored with a section you can head further up river
My best race was: Richmond half last year, followed my race plan and hit my goal instead of going out too fast and imploding
Favorite local race: Crystal City 5K Fridays, a great way to welcome spring and seeing all the faces is always a great start to the weekend
Ideal post-run meal: Anything at the party tent after Marine Corps
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: black cherry shot blocks
Pet peeve: Anyone who is three wide taking up a whole trail, especially when they have headphones in and can’t hear you announce yourself
Goals: Run a sub-3 hour marathon. Longer distances have never been my strong suite but they hope me focus on consistency and my weaknesses
Your advice for a new runner: Don’t stress on pace, just try to get out, find a group and distance you enjoy then keep building bit by bit
Favorite running book: I honestly haven’t read enough about running to have a favorite
Song in your head during a run: Hungry Like the Wolf
Have you dealt with a major injury: Some calf strains to remind me I need to focus on recovery more than I used to but nothing major
Running quote: The only good pace is a suicidal pace and today’s a great day to die. It just makes me think of consistently challenging yourself to keep pushing your comfort zone
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: The variety of runners you will come across. I have met runners that have gone to Olympic Trials, helped fit brand new runners in charities such as Back On My Feet, but above all so many people who are excited for another runner’s accomplishments no matter the level
Recent Stories
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A break from racing one of my favorite events gave me a chance to help other runners reach their time goals.
Eight local runners will compete in the Olympic Marathon Trials Saturday morning in Orlando.
Westminster School 5K Race
Westminster School’s annual 5K ($45), 1K ($15), and Fun Run ($10) on Saturday, November 9th at 8:30am is a spirited community event open to students, families, and friends of all ages and fitness levels. With courses designed for everyone—from a
Kensington 8K Race
Three distances – 8K, 2M, and 1K – all starting and finishing at Kensington Town Hall.
The 8K runs through historic Kensington, going past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, beside 120+ year-old houses and around Noyes Library, the oldest library