November Podcast Guest: Kisten Lee
Finding Friendship, Fun, and Momentum: How One Runner Completed All Four Eau Claire 5K Series Races:
When the weather turns crisp and the trails fill with runners, Eau Claire comes alive. Few people know that better than local runner Kirsten Lee, one of only about 250 participants who completed all four races in the Eau Claire Marathon 5K Series last year. Her journey began almost accidentally, yet it sparked a transformation that reshaped her daily routine, her goals, and her confidence.
Kirsten lives in Eau Claire with her husband and two young kids. Much of her life revolves around being active outdoors as a family. Camping, biking, boating, and enjoying time outdoors fill their calendar, and running eventually found its way back into her life too. She ran cross-country in high school but drifted away from the sport afterward. For years she ran only occasionally, never with any consistent rhythm. She describes that time as “one long taper,” the running joke between her and the hosts.
All of that shifted last fall when a friend suggested trying the hall-EAU-ween 5K. They often explored new workouts together, and a race felt like a fun challenge. Kirsten asked the same questions many beginners ask. Would they run or walk? Would kids join? How serious would it feel? Her friend made it simple. This race was for them, and they would train on their own and do it together. That clarity lit the spark.
With only a few weeks to prepare, Kirsten leaned on the workouts she had already been doing. The hall-EAU-ween race arrived faster than she expected, but once she stepped into the crowd of costumed runners on a cool October night, she felt energized instantly. Running in the dark, surrounded by people dressed as superheroes, witches, and cartoon characters, she fed off the excitement. She crossed the finish line feeling powerful and proud. That experience opened a door.
Soon one 5K became four. She and her friend added the December holiday race, and then the February Valentine run. They kept each other accountable, texted reminders, and committed to showing up. Winter training brought challenges, so Kirsten bought a used treadmill and even upgraded her old TV so she could stream shows during indoor runs. She laughs about the ordeal of hauling the treadmill through a narrow old house doorway during a snowstorm, but the investment paid off. It helped her stay active through an unpredictable winter.
Every race in the series brought something different. Costumes and glow sticks set the tone for Halloween. The holiday race encouraged ugly sweaters and festive spirit. The Valentine run delivered perfect snowfall and piping-hot mini donuts on course. She and her friend walked at the donut stations and savored the fun of it. Then summer arrived with the Fourth of July event, filled with dogs in patriotic bandanas, cold towels, sprinklers, and high energy from start to finish. Kirsten loved the atmosphere and still smiles thinking about it.
Completing the series didn’t just bring medals and swag. It brought confidence. It also opened the door to longer distances. After finishing the 5K series, she ran the Eau Claire 10K. She hesitated at first because doubling her distance felt intimidating. When her friend convinced her to sign up, it felt manageable. A last-minute medical emergency kept her friend from racing, so Kirsten ran it solo. Her family showed up at multiple points along the course, cheering her forward and giving her something to anticipate. She finished proud and emotional, and that accomplishment pushed her to go even further.
This spring she plans to run her first half marathon. She bought a book about nutrition and mapped out a real training plan. She wants to enjoy every mile instead of just surviving it. She is already preparing to join the community Saturday long-run groups and plans to greet her family every few miles along the half marathon course.
Kirsten encourages anyone considering the 5K series to sign up with a friend. She believes accountability and shared enthusiasm make all the difference. Her advice is simple. Take one run at a time, try new routes so training stays interesting, and make space in your routine for something that feels good and just for you. Her journey shows that a single 5K can spark an entire year of momentum. Sometimes all it takes is signing up, showing up, and finding your own version of fun on the run.
