My name is Kearstyn Barron. I am 12 years old. I’ve done a variety of sports all my life from gymnastics, soccer, competitive cheerleading, to archery; however, my true passion is running. There’s nothing better than running! I first met Coach Jerry Doyle in Fall 2018 and from there my passion started for running. Due to being a competitive cheerleader I wasn’t able to commit to running but Coach Doyle seen something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time. He always had me running every chance he could, regardless of my really busy schedule. In late 2019, I followed my passion and committed to running full time. It was the best decision I ever made! Running is my passion because it’s not stressful and I really just enjoy it. I run for Charlestown Middle School, Indiana Elite Run Club, and I have my mom sign me up for any race that she will let me do. I’m getting better and better with every mile I run and I hope to win a race one day.
Favorite Distance: I enjoy long distances, like anything above one mile. I don’t like short distances because they aren’t as relaxing.
Do you have any running/walking advice you’d like to offer?: My advice would be to focus on your breathing and have fun. I’m still a new runner but my best advice would be to not take two weeks off because it’s too hard once you start back. And to never give up! Keep pushing yourself because you will get better the more you run.
Why do you like running River City Race events? It gives me a chance to run a race in the off season. All my races have been virtual so far, but I’m going to keep doing River City Races so one day I can run with a group on the course like I want to.
Anything else you’d like to share?: I have Cystic Fibrosis, a progressive genetic lung disease that affects the whole body. You’d never know it by looking at me. I don’t allow it to stop me from doing anything in life. I always try to push through whatever breathing challenge I have to achieve my goal in running and prove to myself that there’s no excuse for not doing something.