Long distance runner Kara Goucher

2012-Spring-Oregon-Athlete-Profile-Kara-Goucher
Kara Goucher in studio. / Photo by Andrea Lorimor

Kara Goucher

Long distance runner


NAME: Kara Goucher

HOMETOWN: Portland

AGE: 33

SPORT: Long distance running

GOAL THIS SEASON: Podium at the 2012 London Olympics


When did you begin running?

I started running competitively at the age of 12 in junior high in Duluth, Minnesota.

What’s your inspiration for running?

I think I’ve always been inspired by the Olympics and seeing athletes in their uniforms on the podium.

Why did you move to Portland to train?

I was looking for a coaching change and All-American runner Alberto Salazar was here. He began training me. Now we’ve been here for more than seven years, and it feels like home.

What was your toughest race?

Honestly, this Olympic Trials in Houston was one of the toughest. There was so much on the line for me emotionally and physically coming back from pregnancy and an injury.

What will you be thinking about as you run the marathon?

I feel like the dream would be to come back with a medal. I’m just going to try to contain myself early, and run a really smart race and try to outsmart my opponents. But, if you don’t respect all of your competition, you’re going to be in for a real surprise.

You’re competing in the marathon in the 2012 Summer Olympics. How many marathons have you run?

This will be my sixth marathon.

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