KIMBER MATTOX
I am originally from Bend, Oregon, where I grew up playing a lot of soccer, basketball, and volleyball and chasing my older siblings and cousins around. Although I ran some in high school, college is when I really transitioned into becoming a runner. I competed in soccer, track, and cross country at Willamette University and then ran for the University of Oregon when I was in graduate school studying Human Physiology. I now balance my time between training, teaching, and coaching. On the track, my primary event is the 3km steeplechase. Off the track I compete in trail races and a little bit of obstacle course racing. I run for Team Run Eugene and am a member of the Nike Trail Team. Some of my biggest athletic accomplishments include: Xterra Trail Run World Champion 2014 & 2015, Warrior Dash World Champion 2014, and USATF Half Marathon Trail National Champion 2015. I was also a member of the silver medal winning USA Mountain Running Team at the 2015 World Mountain Running Championships. I am so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had to balance my own training and racing as an athlete, with teaching, coaching, and mentoring college students.
Q & A
What do you do when you are not running (other hobbies/counter sports)?
My typical day involves running/training, teaching, and coaching. But when I’m not doing those things, I like to spend time with family and friends and I love to dance.
Favorite running shoe?
For trail running I love the Nike Zoom Kiger and Wildhorse. On the roads I like the Nike Pegasus and Lunarglide.
If you had to name one aspect of running that gets your most psyched, what would it be?
I love that running is such a simple activity that can be so many different things to different people. For me, running is a source of energy and an outlet for competitiveness, but more importantly, it’s a curious adventure into seeing just what my body is capable of.
If you never started running what would you have pursued instead?
I played soccer and basketball growing up and played soccer in college, so if I hadn’t started running I probably would have stuck with those.
Who is your idol/hero?
If have a lot of incredible people in my life who I look up to, including my family, friends, and teammates. These hard working, genuine, well-rounded people inspire me to be a better person every day. One hero in particular is my dad. He is incredibly hard working at everything he does and has always been the most fun, caring, dedicated father I could ask for!
Guilty Oregon pleasure?
Berries and Central Oregon sunshine.
Tea or coffee or Kombucha?
Tea and kombucha! I’m part of the Runa Tribe, so I love Runa’s guayusa tea to energize my training and adventures. I also make my own kombucha.
What are your top 3 fav running locations?
In Eugene, Hendricks and the Ridgeline trails. Favorite race location so far…Kualoa Ranch on Oahu for Xterra Trail Run World Championships.