Runner Spotlight - Matt Muller

Meet the new owner of Ken Combs Running Store

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running back in fifth grade when we moved over to Indiana and I was able to join the cross country team. I was super excited because I always loved to run and now I got to race for real! From that point forward I grew a passion for running and continued to run cross country and track through high school. I gained such a passion for it that I continue to run and now do something I never thought I'd do: own Ken Combs Running Store! But now running has a different meaning than it did back in the day. I use it as an opportunity to de-stress, clear my head, and get creative with different ideas I have for Ken Combs Running Store. It's an opportunity for me to go out and get a break from the everyday grind and I love it. So, if we're keeping track, it's been over 30 years of running!

Favorite distance

I have two distances I really love to run - the 10K and the half marathon. Both are challenging and require hard work, but they are over quickly, and the training isn't as daunting! But I'm starting to favor the full marathon as I just qualified for The Boston Marathon for the first time!

Favorite place to run

My favorite place to run is Cherokee Park. I love seeing all the people out there running/walking/playing with their dogs/cycling/etc. It's such a great place with great energy. You can get all the hills you need, run trails if you want, and even use the flatter roads along the creek for speed work. It also offers great scenery throughout the year and it doesn't hurt that it's close to my house!

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

One of the coolest places I've run was in Prague, Czech Republic. You're able to run along the Vltava River which offers a great view of the city along with some paths that are pedestrian and bike friendly. And if you want to climb some hills and have some great views, run Vitkov Hill, a great mid city park! I love running when traveling because it gets you off the beaten path and offers you a different perspective than you'd otherwise get.

Favorite thing about running

Running is my escape. It's something I can do anywhere, and I don't need others to come with me to have a good time. Nothing beats the feeling of a great run! But I also love the community and camaraderie that running offers. We have an AWESOME running community in Louisville with people from all walks of life that get out and put in the work like everyone else. The running community is full of great people and I've been fortunate to make some great friends within the Louisville running community. Running brings people together and I love getting up early on a Saturday morning to meet up with friends to knock out a long run at 6:00 am. That's my happy place. 

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Stay within yourself. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up with comparing yourself to others. DON'T! Everyone is different and everyone has their own journey. You will get where you need to be with your running as long as you put in the work and have a plan. 

Why do you like running River City Races events?:

First and foremost, River City Races are fun! RCR offers different distances throughout the year so there is something for everyone. Whether you are just starting out or you are a seasoned veteran, you will enjoy their races!

Anything else you'd like to share?

Running teaches you a great lesson: you get out of it what you put into it. Running isn't something you can just show up and do, it takes a lot of work and dedication. You can't cheat running, and running won't cheat you. If you put in the work, stay dedicated, and have fun with it, you will reap many rewards both big and small! But all it takes is that first step. Don't be intimidated, start small, and most importantly have fun! If you ever have questions or want to chat about running, stop in and see me (or anyone else on our team) at Ken Combs Running Store!

Runner Spotlight - Seth Snider-Hayes

3rd Overall 2023/24 Polar Bear Grand Prix

I played soccer growing up and really had never thought about running as a sport, just as part of the game of soccer. Part of my soccer days included running hill repeats every Saturday morning, which I think is why I love running hills so much (looking at you Cherokee Park). The years of hill repeats led to the suggestion by an old soccer coach, that I try cross country. I tried cross country in 7th grade and loved it, which started years of running myself ragged. Every Spring I was playing club soccer and running track. Every Fall I was playing school soccer and running cross country. By my senior year of high school, I started getting worn out and knew I needed to make a change and that ultimately ended up being the decision to only focus on running, leading me to run cross country and track in college. After my freshman year at a very small university, I decided to transfer, which meant a larger school with a D1 program that I was certainly NOT cut out for, meaning running just became a hobby. After years of just running for the heck of it and jumping into races without any training, I finally decided to focus in on the sport more, and I joined Fleet Feet Louisville, where, after two seasons of training, I was able to join the racing team. I am now a mentor in our training group and I also get to lead a Thursday run club every week. All in all, I have been running for 17 years and I have loved every second of it.

It was in my first season of training at Fleet Feet that I first heard about the Polar Bear Grand Prix. The group I normal ran with had a team in the races and I wanted in, so that first year I just ran the Grand Prix solo. The second year I formed a team, now known as The Devil Wears Strava and we have been having so much fun ever since! We all LOVE the Polar Bear Grand Prix and will never not do these races. It offers such a great atmosphere and fun/friendly competition…plus it just feels so good being a part of and supporting our great local running community.

My favorite distance is currently the half marathon. It’s challenging but not so long that it makes me feel like my next step may be my last LOL. I have attempted one full marathon before (with ZERO training) and it did not end well. Long story short, I am not brave enough to try that distance again…yet.

My favorite place to run in Louisville is Cherokee/Seneca Parks. They offer me the hills that I like, flat areas for speed work and central location that is easy to add on to for long runs. The only thing they don’t have are the bathrooms of the Parklands. My favorite place to run outside of Louisville is any place that I am visiting. My favorite way to explore a new town is to go on a run with no plan. It’s the best way to see the area and find places that you wouldn’t typically find on Google.

My favorite race/most unique race I have run currently is the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon. While this wasn’t necessarily the “best” race I have done, the memories that were made there made it the BEST. I have a goal of running a half marathon in every state, so when I found this race as part of Destination Races, I immediately asked my best friend if she wanted to do it with me and before you knew it, we were renting a cabin, planning our stop at Buc-ee’s, and signing up for the Black Bear Challenge which meant racing a 5k at 6:30 the night before the half marathon. We learned that the best race recovery involves a hot tub and Pedialyte in champagne glasses…and maybe getting lost in the woods on a hike.

My favorite thing about running is the way it makes me feel. I can be having the worst day and go for a run and feel a thousand times better knowing that, regardless of how the rest of the day went, I was able to get out and move around and accomplish something. Running gives me a space to feel things and process things in a safe space. It’s free therapy for me. I also LOVE the community. The running community in Louisville is second to none. Getting to run through the park and see so many familiar faces is such a great feeling. It gives me a sense of pride, being a part of this great thing. The relationships that I have developed through the running community, are relationships that I cherish and ones that I know will last a lifetime.

If there was any advice that I would off, it’s to keep moving. It doesn’t matter if you are a running, walker or somewhere in between, you are doing something productive and you are accomplishing something; that is something to be proud of.

Another piece of advice I would give is to do as many River City Races as you can throughout the year. Each event River City Races hosts is always such a great time. You get to get out and move, you get to be a part of this amazing running community we have in Louisville, and you get to give back. You also get to challenge yourself too. With so many races throughout the year, it’s really a great way to push yourself and see what you can do from race to race.

I would encourage everyone to come out, regardless of ability/pace, and be a part of this amazing community that we have here in Louisville and that River City Races is helping grow. I think I speak for everyone when I say, we’d love to have you.

Runner Spotlight - John Terry

First Male 30-34 2023/24 Polar Bear Grand Prix

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I started running for my middle school cross country team. Later I was an average high school runner and kept running as a hobby. 20 years later I'm still chasing the runner's high.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I signed up for the Grand Prix hoping that having a few races on the calendar would motivate me to run through the winter. I love that the courses run through Cherokee park and the race supports the Olmstead Park Conservancy. My 2-year-old daughter enjoys playing with the jigsaw piece finisher medals.

Favorite distance?

My favorite distance to run is the 15k (9.3miles). I ran the Downtown Doubler 15k again last year and it is my favorite race in town. The folks who put it on do a great job and September mornings can be perfect running weather. 9 miles is about the point I start getting worn down in a half marathon so the distance allows for a strong finish.

Favorite place to run?

My favorite local running routes go through Seneca and Cherokee parks. The same run can feel completely different depending on the season. We have a great park system in Louisville. Whenever I visit a new city I like to pack my running shoes for an early morning run. It's the best way to explore a new place in my opinion.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

My most unique race would be the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh, NC in 2012. It began with a 2.5 mile run, eating a dozen glazed donuts, and another 2.5 mile run. The atmosphere was electric with lots of costumes. There is a long list of races on my bucket list and I aim for one destination race each year. I am currently training for the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon in San Francisco in June.

Favorite thing about running?

I love setting and working towards a goal. The feeling when you meet a new PR or race goal is so motivating. I also hope I can be a good role model for my daughter to grow up seeing her parents have healthy hobbies.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

My advice, whether you are new or have run for a long time, is to join one of the many running groups in town. I signed up for the Fleet Feet Training Program in July 2023 and running with other people has been such a positive experience. It has been so encouraging to meet up with other runners especially for a weekly long run. You also get to share in the "victories" when the people you run with hit their goals or improve as the season progresses.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

 The River City Race events are very well organized and it feels like a small way to support our running community.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I'm thankful for my wife, Katie, for always being supportive of my hobbies.

Runner Spotlight - Mitch Greenfield

My journey of running didn’t start until I was in the my 20s and working. I worked for PwC at the time and traveled a lot with a guy that always ran and I said, I can do that! And the rest, well they say, is history. Over the years I have been a more avid runner and starting in 2019 really focused in on my performance and hired a coach. I started running in 2006 and only ran 47 miles that year. It’s been a lot of miles focusing on speed and endurance since then!

I always like the Polar Bear Grand Prix because it’s a series to focus on during the winter. There aren’t a lot of other races going on during that time of year and this keeps me focused on my running and allows me to continue to measure my progress. I train best when I have a goal on the horizon that I can focus on. I also love competition and believe it brings out the best. The hills of Cherokee park are a great place to demonstrate that.

My favorite distance to run is 10 miles. There aren’t a lot of ten milers out there; so I run half marathons the most.  I find this the perfect distance to be challenging, fun, allows me to focus and walk away from a race not too run down. I look forward to my long Saturday runs with the Fleet Feet group/team.

My favorite run, albeit it I haven’t done it since before COVID, is the Embarcadero in the San Francisco. I love the energy of running along the water and sights and sounds of it all. It’s such a great stretch of parks/piers in such a busy city and you always see runners out there.

When it comes to favorite thing about running, I would say I now love the social nature of it. For years, until 2022, I ran solo expect races but starting in 2022 I joined the Fleet Feet Racing team and that really changed running for me. While I still enjoy the solo runs, the long runs with a group have really changed my runs and give me something new to look forward to on Saturday mornings!

When it comes to favorite races, I think I would say the Miami Half Marathon because there is just something about running along the water during sunrise that is so beautiful. I have run that race twice and it’s changed a lot over the years. It was a very small race when I first ran it in 2008 and when I returned to do it again in 2019 it was HUGE with over 30,000 runners from around the globe.

The number one question I get from folks getting into running is what shoes should I get? My answer is always the same: the ones that work for you and go to a running store and get fit. A good pair of shoes are key to ensuring your legs, feet, knees, ankles are all properly supported. The shoes that work for you may not be the ones that work for me.

River City Races a great way to see old friends and meet new ones. They have a great hometown vibe and I enjoy the stability of the schedule year to year. you can count on them to be fun events with good courses.

Runner Spotlight - Doug Lane

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

Thanks to my college roommate, I started running in my early 20s (now in my 50s so over 30 years of running). I enjoyed the achievement of distance running, but I did it more as a hobby without much interest in competing with my potential. When I reached my 30s, I had the opportunity to enter the Triple Crown of Running with my co-workers. I entered more races and started collecting a lot of race medals. As I entered my 40s, I sustained a few injuries from running or other activities, including a torn ACL. I missed the races, and I missed the opportunity to run and challenge myself to do better. I managed to recover and return to running. Nowadays, I still do the races I did 20 years ago, but I do fun races like the runDisney ones, too. Running is a microcosm of what life is about for me. It is that relentless and fun pursuit of your potential.

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

I like the idea of winter races to get me outside, and I love the challenge of the hills in Cherokee Park. Race organization is top notch which folks might not recognize nor appreciate for a small race. I've been in larger races whose organization was a bit lackluster.

Favorite distance?

I love 10Ks, half marathons, and anything in between. I definitely tend to prefer those at the longer end of the spectrum.

Favorite place to run?

It's not so much the place but the conditions for me: cloudy, cool, and calm. But if you're going to pin me down, I really enjoy the runDisney half marathons. The organization, the venue, the characters, and the number of runners in costume make it tough to beat. And you get to run through the castle in Magic Kingdom.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

It was the runDisney Disney Princess half marathon. As a Disney family, running through the parks and especially Cinderella's castle in Magic Kingdom is incredibly exciting. And it was so special, because my wife and I did the race together. A close second is the Indy 500 half marathon that takes you through Gasoline Alley and on the Indy 500 track, which is an incredible experience.

Favorite thing about running?

I love the finish line lol. But, seriously, it's physical therapy for my mind. I can organize my thoughts and clear my mind of distractions. It has taught me patience and resilience in the face of adversity. When my leg starts to cramp, I just try to continue on as long as it takes to go away.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

Support your local running shoe store. They will help you find the right shoe for your feet. Once you have found that shoe, stick with it. You can try other brands, but you'll likely stay with your original choice.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

The race organization is great, and I want local races to participate in. Because I live in New Albany, the courses are often in areas that are unfamiliar to me as a runner, so I enjoy the novelty.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Running fast is fun, but remember to focus on finishing without injury. Blisters, shin splints, etc. are painful and keep you off your feet. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. And smile.