Featured Runner “Cheryl Kastl” July 2019

July 3rd, 2019 Tags: amazing, badassery, Being Epic, Featured Runners, motivation, perseverance, ultrarunning, unstoppable, why
Posted in Announcements, Featured Runners, Funny, Inspirational, Motivational, Personal Philosophies, Preferences & Opinions, Tips, Training

Cheryl Kastl (in her own words): Unlike most ultra-runners, running has not always been a part of my life.  My thoughts were, “Why would anybody want to do that!” I have my son (Jeremy Harrison) to thank for this wonderful life changing experience.

He kept telling me that I needed to go run with him sometime, because I would really enjoy it.   So, I reluctantly agreed to go walk a Christmas Night Light 5k while he ran, but when the start gun fired and everyone took off running my competitive nature kicked in.  I too, started to run! Keep in mind now, that at this time I’m 55 years old and have never run a mile in my life much less a 5k.   I placed second in my age group and had no problem tagging along to other races.

I ran my first ultra that next fall and within two years completed my first hundred.  Along this exciting journey I have met the most wonderful, amazing people.  Some are runners and some are people that just like to take care of runners. The ultra-running family is truly an exceptional group; I’m thrilled to get to hang out with them.

THE BASICS

Date of Birth: August 18, 1960

Place of Birth: Ada, OK

Currently Residing:  Meeker, OK

Marital Status:  Married

Job(s): Retired (Elementary teacher)

Children: Jeremy Harrison

Height: 5’ 8”

Weight:  Too much!

Shoe Size: 9.5

Best Physical Feature:  I’m not sure there is one.

Worst Physical Feature:  My feet, I have no toenails.

Religion: Christian

Political Affiliation: Conservative

Educational Background:  Masters in Education

Personal Strength(s):  Honesty

Personal Weakness(es): Not always being tactful with that honesty.

Make Of Car You Drive:  PT Cruiser

Make Of Car You Would Like To Drive: Don’t care about the car, but I would prefer a Chauffeur.

Pets: Three cats, a dog, and seven miniature ponies.

FAVORITES

Favorite Author: Stephen King

Favorite Movie: Somewhere in Time/What Dreams May Come

Favorite TV Show: The Big Bang Theory

Favorite Music:  80’s /Country

Favorite Spectator Sport: Football and basketball.

Favorite Subject in School: Math and History- as a student, Reading- as a teacher.

Favorite Game: Being a mother of an only child who loves to play games, I had to play many but I do not like to play games.

Favorite Vacation Destination: Where there is the smell of pine and the sound of rushing water.

Favorite Time Of Day:  Morning

Favorite Item Of Clothing: Shorts and a tank top.

Favorite Non-Running Leisure Activity:   Long walks.

Favorite Running Shoe: Hooka

Favorite Food/Drink Before An Ultra: Breakfast burrito.

Favorite Food/Drink During An Ultra: Watermelon

Favorite Food/Drink After An Ultra:  Sonic Blast

Favorite Crew/Pacer Person(s): Christine Fischer

Favorite Place To Run:  Any place but on a treadmill.

Favorite Type Of Running Surface:  Semi-technical trails.

Favorite Famous Quote:  “The greatest responsibility is your children. If my children turned out badly, I’d feel that nothing I had done was worthwhile.” — Jackie Kennedy

Totally focused at the FlatRock 101K

ULTRA STUFF

Number of Years Running Ultras:  3.5

Number of Ultras Finished:  20+

Best Ultra Performance(s):  Prairie Spirit 100

Most Memorable Ultra: Lone Star 100k…I had no idea what Jeremy had gotten me into. It was my first true ultra-experience!

Typical Training Week(s) Before A Major Race:  Same as any other week.

Injuries:  Nothing significant…no whining here!

Ultrarunning Idol:  Lynna Gilstrap

Why Do You Run Ultras:  To know that I can!

Advice For Other Ultrarunners:  Run “your” race.

ACHIEVEMENTS / GOALS / MEMORIES

Short-Term Goal:  Enjoy life, be happy.

Long-Term Goal: Enjoy life, be happy, and keep running.

Most Proud Achievement:  Reaching retirement and still being able to achieve.

Happiest Memory: Holding my grandchildren.

Secret Ambition/Fantasy: I’m not good with secrets. If I’ve thought it, I’ve probably said it.

Greatest Adventure:  Life

DISLIKES / FEARS

Least Liked Subject:  Politics

Least Liked Household Chore:  All of them, they don’t give medals or buckles for that.

Pet Peeve(s):  Arrogance

Greatest Fear:  Snakes and heights.

SPARE TIME

Book Currently Reading:  Since Game of Thrones is over, I thought I’d read the book. I’m hoping for a better ending.

Hobbies:  I like to do a lot of things:  running, quilting, wood crafts. I’ve currently started making walking sticks.

What’s Next:  Heartland 100 – October 2019

Brazos Bend 100 – December 2019

Outlaw 100 relay – February 2020

Pumpkin Holler 100 – October 2020

Mother and son, Jeremy Harrison, “all smiles” at the Lone Star 100k finish!