Karen Allen

Coach Karen Allen:

“I am a nurse and started running with the goal of weight loss, stress relief and running a 5k. I am an alum of the Grandad Half In Training Class. I started running in 2012 with a couch to 5k running group. Since then I have run 5k’s, 10k’s, 10+ half marathons and two full marathons, three Ragnar Relays (one as an ultra team), the Relay Iowa 300 mile run, and the Goosebumps 24 Hour Run (’16, ’17, ’18)

I am proudly a back-of-the-packer. “Your race your pace”, all the way. I have no desire to ever run the Boston Marathon. Half marathons are my favorite distance; long enough to physically and mentally challenge you, yet short enough to enjoy the training and the race to its full extent.

My hobbies are running, hiking, swimming, zumba, ballet and barre classes. I love being outside, anything that gets me outside and active is perfect. I have yet to try yoga, which I’m sure I will add to my list of activities I enjoy.

Running has opened many doors for me and has created some great friendships along the way. I look forward to meeting everyone and being part of your running goals for this year.”