First Marathon Buddy Program Athlete Spotlight: Meet Kristine Owen Wood!

Kristine is one of the incredible mentors guiding first-time marathoners through their journey in the First Marathon Buddy Program.

Q: What's your favorite race you've ever run?

A: My hometown race, Edmonton Marathon/Half Marathon. I’ve run it every year since 2022. It’s a fast, flat course with a great vibe.

Q: What is your favorite running memory?

A: My second half marathon where I unexpectedly ran a 13-minute PR. I screamed when I saw the clock. It was a ‘flow state’ race and such a special day.

Q: What is your favorite running mantra?

A: LET IT RIP. (Inspired by the TV series ‘The Bear’.)

Q: What do you enjoy most about running and/or the running community?

A: That there are so many runners of varying ages, backgrounds, and abilities participating and pursuing goals that are uniquely heroic and meaningful to them. I love that when you attend a race, we all line up at the start line and move together in the same event, regardless of pace, level, or experience.

Q: Why did you join the First Marathon Buddy Program?

A: Over the course of my running journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive support and advice from more experienced runners. I thought that the First Marathon Buddy Program would be the perfect opportunity for me to ‘pay it forward’ by helping mentor first-time marathoners.

Q: What are your current running goals?

A: As a master’s runner, I’m curious to see how much further I can improve my 5k, 10k, half and full marathon times before I age out of speeding up. (How deep does this rabbit hole go?)

Fun Fact: I’d call myself a secret artist. I can draw, paint, collage, sculpt, and hand-letter, but not everyone who knows me is aware of that.

Follow Kristine's journey on Instagram: @kpow_pow

Want more stories like this in your inbox? Subscribe to The Rundown newsletter!