Spotlight on Kate O’Donnell
Kate in 2012 at the San Diego Half Marathon, sporting our original Tech Shirt
Our May spotlight is on Kate O’Donnell. She has been a Race Guards team member since 2012 and an incredible asset to Race Guards ever since. Kate is an endurance athlete and worked as an EMT for 10 years. She makes every effort to participate in as many races as possible, and we are fortunate to have her on our San Diego area team!
Q. How did you first become interested in Race Guards and how long have you been a member?
A. I have been a Race Guards team member for 4.5 years. Thanksgiving will be my 5 year Race Guards anniversary!! A friend told me about Race Guards and what they did, and I knew I needed to get involved.
Q. What do you do for your career and how does it impact you as a Race Guards team member?
A. I am currently a stay at home mom to Emmitt who is 3 and Ella who is 1. They are awesome training partners, both routinely go on runs with me in the stroller or go with me to the gym. I was an EMT for San Diego Medical Services before I had my kids. Since I no longer work as an EMT, I love being able to still use my skills when they are needed during races!
Q. What is the most recent event you participated in and what is your favorite?
A. The most recent race I participated in as a Race Guards team member was The Encinitas Half Marathon. I think my favorite race is Finish Chelsea’s Run because it has always been such a significant race for our Race Guards team.
Q. What is your most memorable experience as a Race Guards member?
A. I can think of so many memorable experiences with Race Guards... Jumping over fences to get to a youth who fell during a kids run. …Holding a man with heat stroke during a 90* race in August. I also appreciate the shared learning and teaching methods with other Race Guards team members!
Kate (center) with Vincent and Adrienne, Encinitas Half Marathon
Q. Can you give an example of someone that you helped at an event and how you think it impacted their race experience?
A. I love being able to wrap someone's knee or ankle and watch them feel better and be able to finish the race because of the support I provided!
Q. What is your favorite post race pig-out food?
A. Someone once brought pretzel bread to share after a race! It's been a go-to favorite ever since.
Q. What is your fitness background and have you had any physical challenges or injuries along the way?
A. I have a degree in Kinesiology as a Fitness Specialist. I ran cross country in college, and love to swim and bike. I do an Ironman 70.3's annually. Knock on wood, so far my body has tolerated everything I have put it through without any injuries!
Q. How would you sum up your philosophy of life in one sentence?
A. Everything happens for a reason!
Thank you Kate O’Donnell for all the support you give Race Guards. We are lucky to have you!