Olympic Trials Qualifier Caitlin Comfort
Caitlin Comfort is a Midwestern girl who was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois. She attributes her hard work ethic to her parents. She won her first individual state title in cross country her junior year of high school and it propelled her forward to believe she could run at the collegiate level. She ran for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she excelled as an athlete and student. She loved Madison so much that she currently lives and trains there! She holds a Half Marathon PR of 1:12.16, from the 2014 US Half Marathon Championships as well as a 2:35 marathon debut in 2015.
What does a typical day of training look like for you?A typical day of training usually consists of a good breakfast followed by a morning run. During my highest mileage, it could be 8 or 9 miles. Usually, I’ll come back and roll out on the foam roller, do 5 to 10 minutes of core, pre-hab exercises, and hurdle drills. By the time that’s all said and done, I am ready for a big lunch. I see a chiropractor twice a week so I may have an appointment with him in the afternoon as well. After that, I might read or run some errands before I head out for my second run which is usually about 4 to 5 miles. I’ll stretch and roll out again after I come back. Then I’ll start to hunker down and get ready to make some dinner!
What key workout makes you feel race-ready?
15 mile tempo @ 5-10 seconds faster than race pace. It may not be my favorite workout, but this one definitely makes me feel like I’m training for a marathon!
What is your favorite pre-race meal?
I love anything with chicken, rice, or pasta. Really, as long as I get some form of carbohydrate with a protein source, I’m usually okay. I’m not too terribly picky when it comes to the night before!
Describe a perfect recovery day. What do you love outside of running?
The perfect recovery day would probably include some frisbee throwing or a game of golf with my boyfriend, cooking/baking, some reading in the evening, and then capping the night off with a movie and popcorn in our PJs!
What is your favorite race memory?
I have a few favorite race memories, but my favorite memory since running professionally would have to be my third place finish at the 2014 US Half Marathon Champs in Houston, Texas. It was my first time racing that distance, and I went in with few expectations. I really surprised myself that day!
You’re sponsored by Oiselle. What do you love about them?
I love that Oiselle really lives up to their mission statement. They are a company that genuinely cares about women and how women feel while sporting the Oiselle logo. It is a company that not only wants to foster a sisterhood among women from all walks of life, it wants to help improve the sport of running in general. I just love that it is an honest brand and is full of good-hearted, hard-working, trailblazing women.
Life Mantra:
I’m one of those people who really believes that everything happens for a reason. I’m very close to my family and friends, and I love traveling back home to Illinois to spend time with the people who have molded me into the woman I am today. I try to remember four things when I wake up every morning: to cherish, love, laugh, and explore. If I do those things every day, and remain grateful, I think I will lead a pretty fulfilling life.
Interview by Lauren Jimison.
