- Name:
Kay Norm
- Your website:
- What is your day job, and do you have other hobbies?:
I work full-time at a laboratory that tests for tick-borne diseases (Lyme, etc.). I also own a small photography business. In my spare time, I’m either lifting heavy things, watching movies, or spending time with my little mini-me.
- Age:
26
- When did you start obstacle course racing? Tell us about your first race.:
My first race was the Warrior Dash in June 2011. I had no intention of every running a race, but a friend of mine wanted to try it and I was the only one who would agree to join. It had rained for a few days prior, so it was a lot muddier than I expected (at this point, I hated getting dirty), but I completed it. I definitely wasn’t hooked after this race, but a few months later, I ran both a local 5k (at Gillette Stadium, one of my favorite places on Earth) and a Spartan Race. I went from three races in 2011 to over 30 races in 2012, with lots already on the schedule for 2013!
- What was your biggest accomplishment at an obstacle course race? What made it your biggest accomplishment (overcame a fear, injury, disability etc?):
My biggest accomplishment was finishing the Spartan Beast in Vermont. Yes, it might have taken me eight hours to do, but I just wanted…NEEDED…to cross that finish line. I don’t have many fears (except spiders), but I was so nervous going in that I wouldn’t be able to complete the race that I had most looked forward to all year. Now, it’s only made me want to push harder and apply for the Ultra Beast next year!
- What attracts you to obstacle course races? Why do you keep coming back?:
They’re fun! I get to spend time with a group of people that have become my best friends, my other family. I get to truly challenge myself and have a couple laughs on top of it. How can you go wrong with that? I actually enjoy getting covered in mud now!
- What are your training and/or diet routines? Do you have other athletic pursuits?:
I lift heavy things at least four times a week and I try to get at least some light cardio in on the days I’m not lifting. As far as diet, I eat whole foods only, with a very occasional cheat meal not a cheat DAY. No paleo diet or anything, just pure food.
- Were you always athletic? If not, what athletic changes have you made to keep up the obstacle course race lifestyle?:
Not at all! I never played sports since I am probably the most awkward and uncoordinated person you’ll ever meet in your life. I actually didn’t start my fitness journey until March of 2012, so I’ve been at it for less than a year. I went from eating Doritos for breakfast to making conscious choices about what I put on my daughter and I’s plates. I spent a lot of time sitting on my couch watching DVDs and never really doing anything active to working out nearly every day.
- Who, alive or dead, would you invite to run an obstacle course race with you?:
Joe Manganiello. If you haven’t seen True Blood, he plays the werewolf, Alcide. He also plays a role in Magic Mike. ‘ Nuff said!
- Tell us a fun fact about yourself that we may not know!:
I’m related to Lizzie Borden! I would at some point like to participate in the Death Race, so if you see me out chopping wood with an axe, I advise you not to poke the bear.
- What are your goals? Next race, next season … what’s in your future?:
For starters, I would like to stay injury-free (knock on wood). I also plan to get my mini-me into more races since she loved her first one! Other than that, I can only hope to be able to take part in more races with my favorite team of Spahtens! I don’t run for time, although shaving minutes or seconds off the previous year’s time would be nice, but more to have a good time doing something that’s beneficial to my health.
