RUNNERS: Mindy and Ku Part 1- Ku

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Ku and Mindy are photographers and creatives, and that’s how I first knew of them (again, through Twitter). After meeting them to talk about photography, I began to recognize how much time these two devoted to their family, their business, and to keeping in shape. I knew they had to be part of the RUNNERS I was focusing on!

Here’s Ku’s interview responses!

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+How old are you?     41

+How long have you been running?     Been running regularly for about 3 years.

+Why do you run?     Running to me is another form of meditation & it’s a good workout.

+What is the hardest part of running for you?     To me the hardest part of running is creating the time to run. Once you’re out there you just flow.

+Do you do other sports/athletics?     I don’t do any other sports. I coach track & field.

+What got you started running?     I’ve always admired distance runners & recreational runners but after a couple failed attempts, I felt I couldn’t do it. One day in August I decided to challenge myself & complete the “couch to 5k” program. I did it!!! & I haven’t stopped.

+What sort of distances do you run, and which do you like best?     I usually do about 5miles every other day when I’m not training for a race but I love when I’m in the double digits. 

+For anyone just starting to run, do you have any tips to share to?     I swear by “Couch to 5k” it’ll get you moving. Remember there’s always pain here & there but that’s only temporary.   

+What/who inspires you to run?     I’m inspired by many things. My kids, my wife, music, flower…

+What motivates you to run?     May sound weird but I’m motivated because I can run. I’m sure there will come a time when my body won’t let me run. Until then I’m gonna get out because I can.

+Do you find that time of day makes a difference in how well you run? If so, what kind of difference? What time of day do you run? What time would you prefer?     I prefer mornings mostly because I like running without food in my tummy & I feel fresh after a morning workout. 

+What is your favorite post-run snack?      Chocolate almond milk.

+Do you do competitive runs, and why?     Not really. The races I do are more like parties than races. It’s like a celebration of awesomeness. Kind of… Maybe…

+What was your favorite run you’ve ever done – personal run or competitive race?     LA marathon was my fav. Running from Dodger stadium to the ocean was epic.

+What part of Milwaukee do you find most enjoyable to run in, and why?     Milwaukee is a fun place. We run most in Tosa cause that where we dwell. Kind of.