An Interview with Kristen Henehan

As a senior at Carondelet High School, Kristen Henehan (formerly Gordon) won the Foot Locker national cross country title. Following an All-American career at Georgetown University, however, she took several years off from competition. This winter, in just her second marathon, she qualified for the Olympic Trials.

Boston Athletic Association: How did you first become involved in the sport?

Kristen Henehan: I first became involved in the sport in the third grade. It was clear in second grade that I was a horrible softball player so instead of embarrassing myself again, I signed up for CYO track. It was very low key. We basically ran a lap around the track and then were rewarded with bubble gum.

B.A.A.: You were a very successful high school runner, ultimately winning the cross country national title in 1996. Tell us a bit about your high school experience in general, and in particular was there a season, or even race, when you realized that you could be a national-caliber distance runner?

K.H.: When I arrived at Carondelet High School, I saw myself as a soccer player who was running cross country to stay in shape for soccer. That quickly changed at the end of my freshman year when I got second at the California State Meet in the 3200m. I didn’t quit soccer until the end of my junior year though because I wasn’t ready to fully commit to one sport.

My high school experience was definitely a gradual progression. Each year I ran faster and got more serious about running. My high school coach was very good about keeping everything in perspective and getting us to work hard, while having fun at the same time. Everything was very team-oriented, which I loved. My favorite high school memory was when our team won the Div. III CA State Cross Country Championship.

The realization that I could be a national-caliber distance runner occurred on a training run at the beginning of my senior year. I was running with my coach and she unexpectedly asked, “Are you prepared to be the Foot Locker National Champion?” When she said this, I looked at her like she had five heads. I knew my times had improved over the years and I was competing at another level, but winning Foot Locker seemed a bit unrealistic. Despite my apprehensions, she planted a seed in my mind that maybe, just maybe I could be a national champion. I began to train and prepare with a new focus. That season taught me that if you work hard, never give up, and believe in yourself, the impossible is possible.

B.A.A.: What are your memories of the 1996 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships?

K.H.: I have such fond memories of the Foot Locker Championships. They do such an amazing job and treat you like an Olympic-caliber athlete. It is an incredible and surreal experience.

Many of my friends, teammates and family made the trip to San Diego so having them there made the victory all the more special. One of my favorite memories was seeing my parents’ faces after the race. They were so proud and overwhelmed with emotion. I think my Dad sprinted as fast as I did down that final straightaway. My parents were the ones who taught me to dream big and always believe in myself. My dad never missed a meet, even if I wasn’t running, and my mom’s motto was RFF…Run for Fun. I could not have been blessed with more supportive, positive and dedicated parents.

B.A.A.: After that victory, or even before it, you must've been receiving a lot of attention from top college coaches. How did you ultimately choose Georgetown?

K.H.: I chose Georgetown for a number of reasons. You can’t beat the academics and running tradition at Georgetown. There is something so magical about the school. I still feel it when I step on campus today. (My little brother is a freshman.) Another deciding factor was the girls on the team. They were not just runners. They were well-rounded individuals and this balance was very important to me. They remain some of my very best friends today.

K.H.: Yes, my college career started out really well, but did not end as I would have hoped. I was a three-time NCAA All-American finishing as high as fourth at cross country nationals and third in the 3000m indoors. I can’t explain why I didn’t progress at the end of college other than to reinforce the importance of having a coach who has your best interest at heart. While I didn’t reach my full athletic potential, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Georgetown.

B.A.A.: You wrapped up your college career in 2001, and it appears that you stopped competing at that time. Were you still training, or did you take some time away from the sport?

K.H.: When I graduated in 2001, running and competing were no longer fun so I took time (a long time) away from the sport. I still ran, but I was definitely a recreational runner. When I stepped on the track this past August, I realized I had not been on a track in over six years.

B.A.A.: When did you start thinking about competing again, and what inspired you to move up to the marathon distance?

K.H.: In October 2006 I married Mike Henehan and in May 2007 we bought our first home together. Feeling secure in both my personal and professional life, I decided to do something I had always wanted to do, but never found time for; run a marathon. So, I signed up for Marine Corps Marathon.

B.A.A.: What has been the most challenging aspect of returning to competition after six years away from it?

K.H.: It was not as challenging as one would think. Being away from the sport for so long and running under a new name removed all pressure and expectations. I forgot how much I loved to compete and it was so refreshing to return to the sport I loved.

B.A.A.: Your debut in marathon was very successful, as you won the 2007 Marine Corps Marathon. Tell us a bit about that race. Did anything surprise you about the marathon distance? What did you learn from that first attempt?

K.H.: My debut marathon was as good as it gets. I remember waking up the morning of the marathon and nervously thinking, “Who thought running 26.2 miles would be a good idea?” But once the gun went off and I was running past Georgetown, the Lincoln Memorial and Iwo Jima, I couldn’t help but be inspired. I was running my first marathon in the city I loved. The fans were enthusiastic and I was just taking it all in.

For the first 17 miles, I ran in a pack with five of my training partners. From mile four on, we were the lead women so we just focused on working as a team and staying relaxed. Halfway through I felt great and was thinking this isn’t so bad. But then mile 21 hit and I learned to respect the marathon. At mile 22, I was 30 yards back in second place just hoping that this would all be over soon. But with a mile to go, I dug down deep and miraculously found another gear. It is amazing what the body can do even when you think you have nothing left. I believe this is what makes the marathon such a unique distance and why it is intriguing to so many people. In addition to competing against others, you are also competing against the distance itself. You train and prepare, but never know how your body is going to handle 26.2 miles on that particular day. You toe the line and just hope it doesn’t kick your butt.

B.A.A.: Was qualifying for the Olympic Trials a goal at Marine Corps?

K.H.: No, I wasn’t running for time at all. I had no expectations other than to run my first marathon and have it be a positive experience. When I signed up, I think I wrote 3:15 as my estimated finish time.

B.A.A.: You seem to have recovered quickly from Marine Corps, running your second marathon less than three months later at Rock 'n' Roll Arizona. How much time did you take off following Marine Corps, and how did you prepare for Rock 'n' Roll?

K.H.: I was on cloud nine after Marine Corps so having to turn around and start training again was not too difficult. I took two weeks off to fully recover and then increased my mileage. Prior to Marine Corps I built up to 60/65 miles/week, but for Rock 'n' Roll I ran four weeks at 80/85 miles. Other than that, everything remained the same. I think having two additional months of solid training under my belt really helped.

B.A.A.: Now that you have two marathons under your belt, what have you learned which you plan to apply to your Olympic Trials preparations?

K.H.: Well, the first two marathons I ran, I followed the words of my wise coach, George Buckheit, “Start slow, finish fast.” Both marathons I ran negative splits and the second half of Rock 'n' Roll I ran a half marathon PR.

The Trials are going to be a bit different because I will not have the luxury of controlling the pace as my primary focus will be on running with the pack. That being said, I can still apply what I learned from the two previous marathons. A lot can happen over the course of 26.2 miles and even more can happen from miles 20-26. Remaining patient, staying calm and running tough are keys to a successful marathon.

B.A.A.: What are your goals and expectations for the Olympic Trials Marathon in Boston?

K.H.: A year ago, I never would have predicted that I would be running at an Olympic Trials. I thought my running days were long behind me so this is all icing on the cake. I look at this as an amazing opportunity and one I want to take full advantage of. I definitely want to PR, but more importantly I want to look back and know I gave it my all.

B.A.A.: Are you currently training with a coach and a team, or on your own?

K.H.: I am currently training with the Pacers/Brooks Racing Team. When I signed up for Marine Corps, I was looking for a group to run with and Pacers was the perfect fit. Pacers is a running store with locations in northern Virginia and Silver Spring, MD and they, along with Brooks, sponsor a team that is coached by George Buckheit. Lisa Thomas, another Trials qualifier, is a teammate of mine! We meet on Wednesday evenings for track workouts and Sunday mornings for long runs. My first two marathons would not have been as successful without George and this team!

B.A.A.: How would you characterize your training philosophy, and how has it evolved over the years?

K.H.: Well, my training did not start until mid-July 2007 when I was running 30miles/week so there has not been much “evolution” other than to increase my mileage and re-evaluate my target times as my fitness level improved. My training philosophy has always been quality over quantity, but with the marathon I do think quantity plays a valuable role. While I work full-time as a lobbyist, I am going to work hard to get my mileage up and incorporate more tempo runs into my training so I am ready on April 20th.

K.H.: Without question my high school coach Helen Lehman-Winters. Helen is now the head coach at University of San Francisco and someone I am still close with today. Helen brought out my competitive spirit like no one else. She challenged me to set goals, both big and small, and go after them. She believed in me and, in turn, I believed in myself. She is one of those coaches who inspire greatness. I will forever be grateful for the positive role she has played in my life.

K.H.: My husband. Mike and I met at Georgetown where he was a two-time NCAA lacrosse All-American. He played professionally for three years after college. For all the Boston lacrosse fans out there, he played for the Cannons his first season in the MLL.

This past August, Mike ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing lacrosse. He was on crutches from August to December. It was so hard to watch such an active person be immobile for an extended period of time. I don’t think it made it any easier on him that I was out training for a marathon while he had to spend time on the couch. But, he was so positive. He rarely complained and worked so hard to get himself back on his feet.

On the days when I would have trouble motivating myself, he would look at me, with crutches in hand, and say, “I would give anything to be able to walk, much less run. Get out there!” He made me realize that being able to run and compete is a gift and something I should not take for granted. He is my inspiration every time I race! One of these days I will get him to run a marathon. (Don’t tell him that, though!)

K.H.: Read, drink red wine, hang out with my friends, shop with my sister, watch Friday Night Lights, and bake chocolate chip cookies. My aunt has the best recipe!

B.A.A.: What is something interesting that the running community may not know about you?

K.H.: That I am a die-hard Hoya basketball fan. We have season tickets and when the Hoyas made the Final Four last year my husband and I drove overnight from DC to Atlanta to watch them play. Hopefully we will be making a repeat performance. Hoya Saxa!