Kristin Loiko Tetrault
Merrimack, Massachusetts
What moves you? I don't take the ability to move for granted, having battled nerve issues in my lower back during my time as a competitive swimmer. This caused me to temporarily lose feeling from the waist down twice, thus taking away my ability to walk for brief periods of time. After my career as a swimmer ended, I longed for a sport that would satisfy my need for competition and would allow me to regain the harmony that comes when your mind quiets itself, and your body finds its rhythm in movement. Running helped me to find renewed confidence and appreciation for what my body is capable of doing. I'm inspired to move every day, to test the limits of my mind and my body, and to embrace what each new day brings. Witnessing those around me pushing themselves also moves me. As much as I love racing, I love even more helping those around me on their own journeys with the sport and pacing other runners to their farthest or fastest brings me so much joy. There is such a special camaraderie formed through movement and solidified through shared sweat, struggles, and triumphs. Watching my daughter grow and move and learn the power of her body moves me as well. I hope that she is always able to harness her power and boldly take on life's adventures, free from insecurities and with a brazen lust for testing preconceived norms.
How does running inspire you to give back? As a former softball player who would try to hit the ball as far and hard as I could to make up for my lack of speed on the bases, it took me a couple of decades to discover my passion for running. When I finally did find it, I also discovered a community that fully embraced and supported me without judgment. It has always been important for me to continue that sense of community with those around me. I love all aspects of the sport: coaching, pacing, timing, course marking, volunteering, cheering, race directing, and everything else. Every time I can give back to the sport, I know that I have paid back into what has given me so much joy. I'm so grateful for those who took me under their wing early on; those who encouraged me, who nudged me out of my comfort zone, who pulled me to longer miles and faster miles, who shared their experiences with me, and who ultimately inspired me to do the same for others. Whether running side by side all night with an ultrarunner hunting down another 100 mile finish, pacing a good friend in the pouring rain and wind for her first Boston, or waking up at 3:00 am to keep a friend company on her training run, these experiences keep inspiring me to do more.
How does running inspire you to give back? As a former softball player who would try to hit the ball as far and hard as I could to make up for my lack of speed on the bases, it took me a couple of decades to discover my passion for running. When I finally did find it, I also discovered a community that fully embraced and supported me without judgment. It has always been important for me to continue that sense of community with those around me. I love all aspects of the sport: coaching, pacing, timing, course marking, volunteering, cheering, race directing, and everything else. Every time I can give back to the sport, I know that I have paid back into what has given me so much joy. I'm so grateful for those who took me under their wing early on; those who encouraged me, who nudged me out of my comfort zone, who pulled me to longer miles and faster miles, who shared their experiences with me, and who ultimately inspired me to do the same for others. Whether running side by side all night with an ultrarunner hunting down another 100 mile finish, pacing a good friend in the pouring rain and wind for her first Boston, or waking up at 3:00 am to keep a friend company on her training run, these experiences keep inspiring me to do more.