Deena Kastor and Jim Ryun answer your questions about their career right here on LRC

Elf wrote:

What did you eat for dinner the night before London '06

I can remember a lot of meals, but the night before a marathon is so boring. I ate at The Trough where athletes ate from a buffet each meal. I likely had a plate of rice, salmon, a small side salad and a glass of light red wine, like a pinot noir. I typically choose rice or pasta with salmon and some veggie. Or sometimes an artisanal pizza (preferably with prosciutto, figs and arugula).

My most memorable meal in London was about a week prior to the race. We went out for Indian food. I was more stuffed than any Thanksgiving I can remember.

Hi Jim, can you walk us through your thoughts on the 68 Olympic final? It looks as though you ran to medal rather than to win, despite being the WR holder?

For Jim and Deena: Could you please describe your pre-race routine for an important race? What do you do to calm your nerves and get yourself "in the zone" to race?

Thank you both very much for your time and energy.

Jim - you spoke at Blue Mountain XC Camp in 2007 and it was a magnificent experience for the campers (and staff!). Do you have any words or thoughts for people (you and old, fast and slow) trying to keep their edge and fitness during times of quarantine and suspended competition?

Deena - you were an avid participant in domestic and international XC. Nowadays it seems like most top Americans bypass the xc season. Do you think it's a financial decision? Risk aversion? Training methodologies have narrowed and xc doesn't fit in? Something else?

did wrote:

Jim - ... Do you have any words or thoughts for people (*young* and old, fast and slow) trying to keep their edge and fitness during times of quarantine and suspended competition?

*young* and old

I'm in awe of your accomplishments. I've only been running for almost 4 years. I'm a distance runner. Having run 4 half marathons and 20 miles of a full, I feel stuck. I run-walk but would like to run the entire distance. I used to run 10 minutes and walk 1 minute. Then a medical condition took me out for a while. I am now running 4 or 5 minutes and walking 1. Do you have a strategy for running more, walking less stressed build up to running a half without walking? Thanks so much for all your inspiration!

To both of you,

What is your favorite running quote or a go-to one that you tell yourself at races and hard workouts?

P.S. I love your book Deena! I can't wait to use the mental strategies in it.

dmitlof1 wrote:

For Jim and Deena: Could you please describe your pre-race routine for an important race? What do you do to calm your nerves and get yourself "in the zone" to race?

I don't need my nerves calmed which is probably why I'm good at marathon running- no wasted jitters (therefore glycogen) at the beginning. In track races from 1500-10K), I need to be hyped up, so I listen to house music after the warmup and while I'm lacing up my spikes. The upbeat rhythm really gets my pulse raging and my senses heightened. I LOVE that feeling.

Chitchco wrote:

I'm in awe of your accomplishments. I've only been running for almost 4 years. I'm a distance runner. Having run 4 half marathons and 20 miles of a full, I feel stuck. I run-walk but would like to run the entire distance. I used to run 10 minutes and walk 1 minute. Then a medical condition took me out for a while. I am now running 4 or 5 minutes and walking 1. Do you have a strategy for running more, walking less stressed build up to running a half without walking? Thanks so much for all your inspiration!

This question might be for Jim, but I would love to chime in. You don't HAVE to run a marathon unless it really drives you mentally. You could get better at the half or shorter distances. The gratification is still there when you make a goal and strive for it. As for running more and walking less, look at the little things. How is your sleep, diet, and shoes? Are all of these things catered to your personally? I NEED A LOT OF SLEEP and always wished I could be one of those people that function highly off less. I'm saying this just to emphasize that we all have personal needs to function highly. If your doctor gives the okay, push yourself a little. In the running minute, push the pace, then walk. On another day see if you can run an extra minute at your normal pace. Progress is mostly slow, but success goes to those who endure. Running isn't comfortable most of the time, but gratifying all the time.

let your mind run wrote:

To both of you,

What is your favorite running quote or a go-to one that you tell yourself at races and hard workouts?

P.S. I love your book Deena! I can't wait to use the mental strategies in it.

Barack Obama during his inaugural speech:

"There is nothing more satisfying to our spirit, and more defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task."

Thank you so much for putting in the time to answer, it really means a lot.

Deena (and Jim), you have had some GREAT performances, but what about your truly bad performances? Do you remember specific races where it went horribly and you pulled the old "This f****g sucks, I hate running, I'm done" card? Do you sit around and try to analyze where it went wrong or do you basically throw it away as a one-off and focus on the next run/race?

Hi Deena!

Long time listener/ first time caller

What are your favorite house music tracks?

Also, I had a Depeche Mode Tshirt that I cannot find anywhere. Have you seen it :-)

- Rich

PS. I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to be voted GOAT. Congrats!

PPS. are you still baking?

I enjoy following Deena Kastor and her continued running career. So this Q & A forum for Deena and Ryun and having them personally ansser the questions. Was a great idea and perfect timing during our pandemic moments. Loved reading the questions and answers.

This one's for Deena, but it's not a question, just a thanks. I went to the LetsRun website this morning and, there, in the quote of the day, was your quote which mentioned "Where Did I Come From?" My stepmom, who has been quarantining like the rest of us in the NY area, is the author of that book, but she's not a runner, so I knew she would not see it on this site. I sent her an email about your quote. She wrote: "Thank you for sending this. It's a great way to start my day." Thanks, Deena!