Runner Spotlight - David Criscola

14 of 14 for the 2024 Run the 502!

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I was always active and into sports when younger. Played soccer in high school and college and had a few injuries over the years requiring multiple surgeries. Once I was even told I may not be able to walk again without the use of a brace. They were wrong. I went on to become a physical therapist and have been doing it over 23 years now. Figured it wouldn't hurt to learn to treat myself.

I was a pretty competitive person so I was motivated to stay in shape and exercise; always looking for a new adventure or challenge. Got into obstacle course racing and would travel the country competing. I was always fast but never got into running long distances. Until, had some friends doing road races so figure I would give it a try. I believe my first 5K was in 2013; the Biggest Looser 5K Lexington Ky. First half marathon 2015 Run the Bluegrass and first marathon 2016 Kentucky Derby.

Why did you decide to do the Run the 502 and like running River City events?

Races seem well ran and frequently worked with my schedule. Spaced out enough to use as motivation to stay active and try to improve health. I really wanted to complete all 14 races in the Run 502 which I was able to accomplish this past year.

Favorite distance?

As I’ve gotten older, I mostly stick to the shorter distances now like 5k. Still do a couple half marathons and obstacle races a year. Family comes first and I have two wonderful kids. Sometimes it’s hard to train like I wish I could. Therefore, the shorter distances are better and allow the family to occasionally run with me. In the past I’ve done several races while pushing one of the kids in a jogger.

Favorite place to run?

I usually run around Freeman Lake in Elizabethtown. I live next to it and frequently run into people I know.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

My favorite race is the Shawshank Hustle. It’s 4.6 miles. It’s interesting to tour the prison, see filming locations, and even meet some of the actors from the Shawshank Redemption Movie. They have some of the best medals I’ve ever seen. “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”

Favorite thing about running?

Honestly, I use to not be a fan of running but now I really enjoy the feeling and accomplishment after completing a race. These days I don’t mind taking my time, even walking with friends as they try to improve themselves. I just enjoy getting out.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Best advice I got just do what feels right and have fun. Listen to your body, if you need to slow down do it. Getting out is accomplishing more than a lot of other people are doing.

Runner Spotlight - Richard Ballard

14 of 14 for the 2024 Run the 502!

I love running!  It has been my one constant sport throughout my lifetime.  I have run for 40 years since starting around age 30.  Previously, I had considered runners weird.  I grew up in rural Kentucky and no one ran unless someone was chasing you.  Now, I believe runners are the best humankind has to offer.  My first race was the West Louisville Fun Run at Shawnee Park.  Like most newbies, I got caught up in the excitement and ran way too fast for the first two miles and was barely able to finish.  Another lesson I learned, besides not being a jackrabbit, was to never drink orange juice before a race. I tasted it the whole 5K. 

I enjoy many sports, but running is the easiest for me to maintain.  I can roll out of bed in the morning and jump in my running shorts and shoes and be a mile down the road before I know it.  Typically, I run 3 – 5 miles 3 or 4 times per week.  Occasionally, I like running in the dark and seeing other runners up at the same ungodly hour.  I form a kinship with these other ghost runners like two ships passing in the night as we put in the miles.  For me, music is now a must have.  I started using an iPod Shuffle many years ago and never looked back.  Now, I don’t know how I ever ran without my Spotify app.  I have lots of running playlists and use the “hear through” function on my Jabra earbuds so I can be aware of my surroundings. 

For the first few years of running, I did not fully appreciate what great running resources and running community we have here in Louisville.  Louisville has a great park system, and I use it often.  When I relocated for a few years, I expected the availability of races to be similar in other cities but soon realized it was not the case. I need races to keep me motivated.  In the late 80s when I began running, most local races were organized by Metro Parks.  Gil Clark, in his wide-brimmed safari hat, was a fixture of these well-organized races.  After Gil died, the running stores stepped up with sponsoring and organizing the races.  Louisville and the running community are much better for it. 

There is so much to like about running and I have many great memories.  I have run hundreds of races throughout KY and the US.  It would be hard to pick a favorite though I am not a fan of races in hard cold rain. Last year, I ran 22 races including all 14 of the Run the 502.  Due to a torn meniscus, I had to walk the last three races but hope to run again soon.  I did not plan on completing them all until I had done the first few races and thought, why not try them all?  I had already registered for the Polar Bear Grand Prix since those are the way I stay fit in Winter.  It helped that I could track my progress with the Run the 502 spreadsheet.  Finishing all the races gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

My advice to other runners is to start your run by appreciating the sky and surroundings. Take a deep breath and simply be present. For me, that is a great source of gratitude and serenity. No matter how bad my run may be, there are many people who would love to be in my running shoes. 

Runner Spotlight - Sarah Kremer

Polar Bear Grand Prix 40-44 Female Champion

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running in my thirties when a friend of mine asked if I wanted to do the Kentucky Derby Triple Crown. THat year I was not able to do the last leg because I messed up my knee and then had to have my gallbladder removed. It was one thing after another, so once I healed from surgery and completed physical therapy for my knee. ,I was determined to get back into running. I initially hated running but have grown to really enjoy the time I have to myself while running.

 Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I love the Polar Bear Grand Prix because it keeps me motivated in the cold weather months. I also like the challenge of running in the cold and psyching myself up to just do it. Last year I set a goal to run at least one race per month and started with the polar bear grand prix. THe Run the 502 has also given me something to look forward to in regards to races each month.

 Favorite distance?

The furthest I've run is a half marathon and for me that's pushing it, I've run the Derby Mini four times and it's so much fun. I'm good for about six or seven miles to run on my own, but as far as events go, I like the 5k's.

 Favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is anywhere outside, I loathe the treadmill! I enjoy running through the neighborhood and really enjoy when I'm able to get over to Broad Run or Bernheim forest

 Favorite or most unique race you have run?

My favorite race I've run is the Crescent City Classic in New Orleans. It is a 10k and a lot of fun. It starts at the Superdome and goes all through town, ending at the City Park where they celebrate with a party that has free red beans and rice and Michelob Ultra, along with bands. Along the race route residents and businesses stand out and play music, have funny signs, and hand out all kinds of goodies from jello-shots and bacon to beer and orange slices. My first time running it, I did not indulge in any of the goodies because I was trying to meet a personal time, the next time I ran it I slowed down to enjoy the scenery, the people and the goodies. My family did it with me this past year and I really enjoyed that.

 Favorite thing about running?

I enjoy the time I have to myself and how I feel after. No matter how far I go, I always have a sense of accomplishment once I'm finished.Running gives me an opportunity to unwind and reflect on my day or myself and what's going on in my left at the moment. I've learned along the way how to fuel my body, how to breathe better, how to exercise to strengthen my core and quads and how to build stamina and endurance. Seeing results in the hard work I've put in makes me stick with running and continue to enjoy it. It's definitely been a process for me. LIke I said when I started running in my thirties, I initially hated it! 

 Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Stick with it! Don't just rely on running as your only form of exercise; weight training and other forms of cardio will help you as a runner. I am a Jazzercise instructor as well and I found when I started doing that, it made all the difference in my running. I was able to run for thirty minutes straight without getting winded and other small issues I had with my body were resolving, because I was working out my whole body. There is definitely a balance that you have to find, just like with anything. Rest when you need to and listen to your body. I always tell myself and my jazzercise students, you're in competition with no one but yourself and your goal is to be 1% better each day.

 Why do you like running River City Races events?

I love the variety of races and everyone is so nice. The running community here is awesome. I've made a lot of friends and I always see a lot of familiar faces at each race, even if we don't know each other's names we always say hello or take a minute to chat. I love that everyone is always so supportive and encouraging no matter your experience level. I've always felt welcomed and I encourage anyone who is thinking about trying a race but is nervous, to go for it! You won't regret it!

 Anything else you'd like to share?

Running has been a lifesaver for me in the last few years especially. It keeps my body and mind healthy, and for that I'll always be grateful.