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Keith Campbell

Q: When did you begin running and why?
I always enjoyed running growing up and joined the the track team in high school. Running was a good way to keep in shape and it was a lot of fun being on the track team. I continued running on and off over the years and really got back into running about 16 years ago when both of my kids started running cross country and track. We ended up running a lot of races together over the years.

Q: How did you find out about DCRR and when did you join?
I started running with DC Road Runners about 15 years ago. I worked with Ed Grant, and he was always suggesting giving DC Road Runners a try. I started running the SLRs and enjoyed running with the group. I was also one of the original participants for the Thursday morning track workouts that Steve “Big Guy” Easley started, and I am still a regular on Thursday mornings.

Q: What are you training for right now?
While I am regularly running 5 days a week, I probably won’t be running any races this year due to the COVID pandemic. I am signed up to run the Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon in March of 2021, if that happens. I have done a couple of shorter virtual races to pass the time.

Q: What is the toughest run or race you’ve ever participated in?
I think my toughest race was the 2017 New Orleans Rock and Roll Marathon. It was very humid and the temperature got up into the mid 80s on the second half of the race and there was no shade to be found. I’m not a good heat runner to start with and it was a real challenge to finish, but I gutted it out. As an added bonus for finishing, I stayed in New Orleans for 5 days. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Q: What is the most important lesson running has taught you?
Running has taught me that if you are willing to put in the proper training you can accomplish many things that didn’t seem possible. I remember training with fellow club member Jaime Engle for our first marathon in 2008. There were many times during our training cycle that I had my doubts that we would be able to run 26.2 miles, but we kept to the training schedule and actually did pretty well in our first marathon.

Q: What is your favorite route in the area?
I’m not sure that I have one favorite route in the area. I especially like the routes that run along the water. It is very relaxing to me to have a view of the water while running. I also really like running by all of the historic landmarks, monuments and buildings in DC. This area is such a great place to run.

Q: What race day traditions do you have?
I am a creature of habit when it comes to races. I like to have everything set out and ready to go the night before the race. That way I can just wake up in the morning and I’m not scrambling around to get everything ready. Race day always starts with a couple cups of coffee and something small to eat. I usually do a little stretching and then I’m out the door to head to the race.

Q: What is your favorite post-race meal?
Pizza is probably my favorite post-race meal. I’m usually not hungry right after finishing a race, but it doesn’t take too long for me to get my appetite back.
I’m a big fan of meat lovers pizza. Hits the spot with me after a race.

Q: What is your proudest running moment?
My proudest running moment was hands down when I ran the 2011 Boston Marathon. I really wanted to run Boston, so I trained very hard and was so excited when I qualified and made it into the field. That is such a special race and I have so many great memories from the race. It was amazing how many people lined the course and it was so cool running by Fenway Park and then finishing running down the famous Boylston Street.

Q: What is your favorite running book?
I don’t have a favorite running book but I do read Runners World each month. There are always a good variety of running related stories in the magazine.

Q: What is your life like outside of running?
Outside of running, I like going to concerts, restaurants and craft breweries with my wife. We have 2 grown kids who we spend a lot of time with. Five days a week my day starts at Gold’s Gym. I love lifting weights and have belonged to the same gym for over 20 years. I am also an avid fisherman and hunter.