Each week, we'll be profiling members of our action team. Tune in and learn some more about these amazing womyn.

In Their Shoes: Kara H

Q1: Who are you? Describe your work, life, and sport of choice.

My name is Kara Hepp and I am a mom of three (ages 8, 6, and 3), runner, hiker, and sight seeker! Right now, I am a data analyst by trade and distance learning facilitator to my grade school kids! I reside north of “the cities” (St. Paul/Minneapolis) in Minnesota.   

Q2: What is your sport of choice? How did you get started with it? Do you compete in races, if so what's your favorite distance?

I grew up playing soccer and played from the time I was three until my senior year of college. After college I needed something to do so I randomly started running… for fun – which is an odd concept for most soccer players. I did not start setting goals within running until about a year after my third child was born. Someone asked me to run a marathon and I have been hooked ever since!

Q3: What is your driving force behind your sport?

At first, it was about breaking limits within a certain distance and feeding that competitive drive. However, as my kids have gotten older, I have become aware of just how much they see me either staying committed to goals (whether I accomplish them or not), or using it as a positive outlet in times of stress, frustration or as a means to connect with friends. Knowing the example I am setting is a huge driving force for me!

Q4: What are three words that people use to describe you?

Inquisitive, caring, and driven

Q5: What is your favorite thing to listen to while working out (music, podcast, audiobook, etc)...or do you prefer to go without headphones?

I love it all! It is very situational for me and depends on my mood in the moment!

Q6: What is your favorite meal or recipe?

I have tried so many items from Featherstone Nutrition and am a big fan of her blender muffins!

Q7: Name a book you recommend to all your friends?

For a great overall story, Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah is one that I think about often! A testament to realizing everyone has a backstory that you may not know (even the ones closest to you) and you can never truly understand how it shapes their perspective on the world.

Career Changer: Get to What Matters by Wendy D. Lynch. A book dedicated to improving the most basic but yet the most complex skill: Communication.

Q8: What is your secret pleasure TV show to indulge in?

Throughout each of my three maternity leaves I watched the entire seasons of “Friday Night Lights”, “Gilmore Girls” and “The Office”… and I’d watch them all over again!

Q9: Last question - what are your favorite workout shoes?

Nike Infinity Reacts are my jam right now!