Karlyn Roberts; Strong heart. Joyful spirit

October Local Inspiration

When did you start running?

I’ve always grown up in a family that loved being active. We did Turkey Trots, local 5Ks, and other fun races together, but I didn’t really get into running seriously until later in life, around my early 30s.

What inspired you to begin your running journey?

My dad passed away from a heart attack in 2017. He was very active in the running and triathlon community, and after he passed, my mom, sister, and I joined his running group. Running became a big part of our grieving process, but it was also a way for us to feel connected to him and carry on something that meant so much to him. Along the way, we all fell in love with running even more. Not only with the sport itself, but with the relationships and community we’ve built through it and the way running makes us feel both physically and emotionally.

What has running taught you about yourself?

Running has taught me that I’m capable of so much more than I think I am. It’s taught me resilience, patience, and how to keep showing up even when things feel hard. I’ve learned that I can push myself outside of my comfort zone and do things I once never thought were possible. But more than anything, running has shown me how important community and connection are to me. Some of my strongest friendships and favorite memories have come from running, and it has become just as important for me emotionally as it is physically.

What has been your proudest running moment?

It’s hard to choose just one. I remember when I first started going to run group and could only join for the warm-up. Then I was finally able to complete the workout, then my first 10K, my first half marathon, and eventually my first marathon. From there, I moved into trail running, completed my first 50K, then a 100K, and eventually qualified for the Boston Marathon. There have been so many proud moments and milestones along the way. I’ve learned that it doesn’t always have to be a finish line or a big race. Sometimes just showing up to practice, completing a workout you weren’t sure you could do, finishing a race, or hitting a time goal is something to be proud of. Every milestone matters.

What are your short-term and long-term running goals?

My short-term goals are to keep challenging myself, setting new goals, and seeing what I’m capable of. Whether that’s chasing a new PR, running a new distance, or taking on a race that scares me a little, I always love having something to work toward. Long-term, my biggest goal is simply to keep running for as long as I can. I want running to continue to be something that brings me joy, keeps me strong, and connects me to the people and community around me. Of course, I’ll always have races and goals on the calendar, but ultimately I want to be that person who is still showing up to run group, doing races, and loving running for many years to come.

Trail or road? Tell us why!

This is a debatable question because I really do love them both! But right now, I would say road running. I got into trail running during COVID and had a great season of trail running and racing longer distances. Eventually, I shifted my focus back to the roads when I set my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Right now, I love the speed, structure, and challenge of road running, but I know I’ll always have a love for the trails too. They both challenge me in completely different ways, and I’m sure I’ll find my way back to more trail running again someday. Plus, trail running definitely has better snacks!

Share a running tip with other fellow runners.

Find your people, wear the cute outfit, and have fun with it! Running is always better with friends.

Describe running in ONE word.

FUN!!!!!

Your favorite post-run ritual?

A post-run dance and, of course, the post-run recap with the crew!

Your dream running destination?

London and Sydney! My goal is to complete all seven World Marathon Majors. So far I’ve run Berlin, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Tokyo, so London and Sydney are next on my dream destination list!

Something that goes with you in every race? (Fear, accessories, etc.)

We train so hard and for so long, so when race day finally comes, there are always a lot of nerves and emotions. I try to channel all of that into my race. My dad was cremated, and I carry a small bag of his ashes with me to every race. So in a way, both the nerves and my dad come with me to every starting line.

Beyond running, tell us a little bit about yourself, tell us your passion besides running, share a personal accomplishment. Who or what inspired you in life?

Beyond running, I’m really passionate about wellness, community, and bringing people together. My family is a huge part of who I am. My dad has always been one of my biggest inspirations, and even though he is no longer here, so much of how I live my life comes from him. My mom and sister also inspire me every day. We’ve been through a lot together, and they are two of my best friends and biggest supporters.