Bloomsday race plants seed that . . . blOOmS!

By Atania Gilmore, on January 20th, 2011

Kris Olson-Wood Born in July of 1951

It is winter so Kris dons her tights and fleece, headband and gloves, and sets out to run. Fresh snow is perfect, otherwise she picks her way along plowed streets, slowing to a walk on ice.

Kris is relaxed; she runs with enjoyment, no worries about her time or how far she is going. When the way is clear, she follows the scenic trails on Tubbs Hill, along the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. Running outdoors through all of the seasons has given her a deep appreciation of nature. As a bonus, she has come to know many people along her runs.

Kris laughs, as though resigned to her fate, “It is part of my life. I am not a fanatic, but I have to run, maybe not every day but at least 5 out of 7. I enjoy it so much!”

FIRST RUN

She got her start in 1977 with the first running of Spokane’s 12k Bloomsday race. The first couple of years she did not stay in shape but as the years went by she became more consistent in her training and preparation for the race.

Kris is a Perennial Bloomie having run every Bloomsday for the past 34 years; an outstanding accomplishment. A community race that celebrates and promotes fitness can have a profound influence on its citizens.

Kris proudly recites the names of races she has entered: “Spring Dash in Coeur d’Alene, ran all but one. Had to miss that, it was the same day as Bloomsday! Coeur d’Alene marathon several times, Hangover Handicap many times. Marathons in Spokane, the Twin Cities, Portland and Seattle. Goodwill games in Seattle.”

Kris between her tall brother Tim and friend Rick. Bloomsday 1978

BENEFITS OF RUNNING

Kris will be 60 this year and has never had a major health issue, “I have a high level of energy and I’m alert.”

The benefits extend past the physical, Kris recounts times when she has had a daily running partner. The women would talk and all the stress inside would be released, “Things always feel better after a run.” Her running partners have moved or stopped for injury, she misses the social part.

Kris begins to laugh, “Now that I run alone I notice women running together, they laugh and talk. I see a woman running with a man and they are not.”

ON MENOPAUSE

For Kris, it was just a natural progression, a natural part of aging: “I didn’t have a lot of symptoms. No major flashes or mood swings. I did not suffer like so many of my friends did.” This is a theme I hear repeatedly from active women.

ON NUTRITION

Kris and her husband take care to eat well. For breakfast they always have a fruit smoothie, a very nutritious concoction that they are addicted to; it did not take much prodding to get the recipe. Fitness Diaries has named this the Bloomie Smoothie! Snack are almonds and M&Ms, cheese and crackers for lunch, then a balanced meal with plenty of vegetables for dinner.

ON HAPPINESS

“Absolutely.”