Colin Kinton – Featured Runner of the Week

Colin Kinton – Featured Runner of the Week

This week is our 13th edition of our favorite weekly post. Colin Kinton – Featured Runner of the Week is another amazing spotlight and we are honored to feature him here. The aim of having a Featured Runner of the Week is not to necessarily single out any individuals but we want to feature runners who through their uniqueness may one day inspire you to run or reach for new running highs. Every runner has broken their own barriers, whether it was the first big obstacle to take the first running step or entering a race. Each runner will have their own story and to most these stories to others are very inspiring.

We welcome your feedback and nominations of runners who you feel deserve to be featured here. Our Featured Runner of the Week is selected at random. Every runner deserves to be mentioned and we will do our best to select a wide field of runners to bring their stories for you to enjoy.

This week we feature another amazing local runner that can be found running and racing around town. Let’s take a few minutes and get to know Colin Kinton.

Colin Kinton – Featured Runner of the Week

Name: Colin Kinton, 51Colin Kinton -Featured Runner of the Week

Where are you originally from?

I’m originally from Knoxville, TN.

What is your favorite distance to race? Why?

I really like running 5Ks. They are more frequent so you can find a 5K race almost every weekend without having to travel a long distance. I also like them because they are a threshold run of maximum effort which works well for me as I tend to have a more difficult time pacing myself on the longer races. In addition, the mileage and time commitments to be competitive in the 5K are very reasonable compared to the longer distances.

What originally got you into running?

I started running on my high school cross country team while in junior high school — many years ago. After a break of 20 years or so, while I focused on competitive cycling, I picked the sport up again in order to run with my children.  I enjoy sharing this great sport with them.

What is your main motivation to keep going?Colin Kinton -Featured Runner of the Week

My primary motivation is competition. I really enjoy running and I’d race every weekend if I could. I am always looking for improvement in my own performance. Even at 51, I’m still setting goals to improve my training and perform at a higher level. Additionally, for the last few years, I have been coaching my daughters’ middle school cross country team, so I have to train to keep up with those guys!

When you’re not running, what do you do?

I enjoy time hanging out with my family, spending time outdoors and cycling.

What is your next race?

I plan on racing the Taste of Beaufort Crab Crawl this weekend with one of my daughters. I’m looking towards the Hilton Head Firecracker 5K in July and then I hope to race on a team at the Blue Ridge Relay in September — right when the fall cross country season is starting to heat up.

Taste of Beaufort 5k Grounded Running

 

 

 

Describe your perfect run:

I’m still looking for the perfect run. There are so many benefits and great running opportunities, especially here in Beaufort where you can run year round and don’t have to be concerned with the cold or snow.

What piece of advice do you have for someone who is just starting out?

Set a realistic and achievable goal and stick to it. Commit the time for running as a part of your regular schedule. Get a good pair of shoes and don’t forget to work on your form.

What has been the single greatest thing you have gotten back from running?

Good Health. I have always enjoyed endurance sports and competing in running, cycling and swimming.

Goals for this year?Colin Kinton -Featured Runner of the Week

I would really like to shoot for breaking 21:00 in a 5K at close to 6:30 per mile and work up to an average of 30 miles per week.

What has been your biggest struggle in running?

I, as I’m sure many others, have had a difficult time adjusting to an older body. In my mind I believe I should be able to run as well as I did in my early 20’s with my improved running form and better training schedule. However, my body tends to say that is not to be the case. But, I keep trying.

What do you enjoy most about running?Colin Kinton -Featured Runner of the Week

Coaching kids in cross country.  It’s exciting to see them develop a passion for a sport I love. Watching them compete and improve is always rewarding.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us your story this week Colin! You continue to inspire those around you through your support of the local running community and the next generation of runners! Keep up the great work and we wish you the best of luck this year! #staygrounded #runbeaufort

Grounded Running Beaufort

Grounded Running Beaufort

Grounded Running Beaufort

864 Parris Island Gateway Unit B – Beaufort, SC 29906 – 843-986.4523