Athlete Features
Kara Forwood
Chesterbrook, PA
How did you become a runner?
I’ve been running since I was 12 years old! My parents were runners and I was so excited when I could finally join the cross country team in middle school.
What does a typical training day look like for you?
I always prefer running first thing so I am out the door by 6:30 am on week days. I will typically do a strength workout or yoga either at lunch or after work.
Tell us about your journey to Boston!
My main goal for ever running a marathon was to run Boston. I’m a huge fan of the sport so I’ve been watching it for years. My dad also ran it when I was little so I always thought that was cool! I signed up for my first marathon in April 2020. I trained for about 10 weeks before it was canceled. I signed up for another a year later, which was canceled a month out! I wasn’t missing my chance again so I signed up to run Myrtle Beach marathon last minute and it went really well and I qualified for Boston!
What went well at Boston and what was your favorite part of the race?
Overall Boston was a great day for me! The weather was my absolute favorite running weather so waking up to that was such a nice way to start the day. I was really proud of controlling the first half of the course because I had heard a lot of stories about going out too hard. My favorite parts of the race were seeing my parents and husband at mile 10 and at the finish line. I also saw Shalane Flanagan right around 10.5 which was so cool!
What's your proudest running moment?
Two races stick out to me the most. The first time I broke 19 in the 5k was really special. I set that goal when I was 15 and never came close. I finally did it when I was 23.The second was last summer I ran a mile race on the track. The same track where my high school PRs were run 7 years earlier. I wanted to break 5:30 and I ended up running 5:22. If it was a 1600, it would have been just a fraction of a second off my PR. Both of these races made me realize I can do so much more in this sport and I don’t have to keep comparing my running to my younger self.
What's next on your race calendar?
I’m hoping to do some local 5ks throughout the summer! The only race I’m signed up for right now is the Philly 10k at the end of August.
What's your "why" when it comes to the daily grind?
My why is honestly because I love it. I love to work hard and see all of that work pay off.
What advice would you like to share with the Get Running team?
A little adds up to a lot! Nothing beats consistency.
You can follow Kara on IG @karaforwood
Heather Devane
Somerville, MA
How did you become a runner?
I started running casually to stay in shape for high school sports (which didn't include XC or track), then continued running recreationally during and after college. I did one 15k in college and ran nearly everyday, but didn't race again until a friend at work convinced me to do a 10k with her in 2016. I had a great time, so registered for a half marathon, then a marathon, and the rest is history!
What does a typical training day look like for you?
I'm an early riser and prefer to get my runs in before work. I like to run along the Charles River and in Cambridge, near where I live. Those routes are pretty flat and good for speed work, and when I have a hill workout, I'll head over toward Tufts University. I try to do some sort of strength routine, whether its core, glutes, and/or arms-focused, at least 3 days a week, and usually do my longer runs on Saturday mornings so I can take a rest day on Sunday.
Tell us about your journey to Boston!
I've run Boston a handful of times, although with one DNF and one virtual race, it's hard to count exactly! The first time I ran, I got a sponsor bib through work and truly thought it would be one and done. I ended up qualifying at that race and have participated in some way, shape, or form since then. After a tough race in October of last year, I didn't think I'd hit the cutoff time – but fortunately the BAA dropped it this year. Training went well except for a few weekend snowstorms that required some long run shuffling, and a month-long bout of tendonitis in my foot that caused me to miss several long runs and workouts. All in all, my goal was to toe the line healthy and have a better race than I did in October, and I was able to check both of those off the list with Katie's help and guidance!
What went well at Boston and what was your favorite part of the race?
There have been several times when I've gone out far too fast on the Boston course and my quads were trashed by mile 20. This year I made a super conscious effort to stay controlled early on, target an even effort, and not worry about what *might* happen a few miles down the line. Even though my pace slowed toward the end, it was more even throughout the race than in years past, and my quads did not bother me at all through the finish. The Wellesley scream tunnel is always a highlight of the course, but being able to really soak in Kenmore Square and Boylston Street this year was really special.
What's your proudest running moment?
Right before Covid, I ran a half marathon in Pinehurst, NC in my build-up to the (later canceled) Boston Marathon. I was coming off an injury and hadn’t really run too much, but ended up finishing first in my age group and fourth female overall. It was the first time I’d placed in a race before, and was a big confidence boost after my injury. Doing a destination race was also a treat :)
What's next on your race calendar?
I’m signed up for the BAA 10k in Boston at the end of June, and then am planning to start training for the New York marathon in November. I was supposed to run New York in 2019, but have had to defer several times due to injury and Covid, so I’m looking forward to finally crossing it off my running bucket list!
What's your "why" when it comes to the daily grind?
I always joke that running keeps me sane, but it’s really true (and I’m sure others can relate!). It helps clear my head in the morning, get my heart pumping, and feel like I’ve accomplished something for the day. I love the peacefulness of a solo run, and the camaraderie of a group run – bonus points if there’s a nice sunrise or cute dogs involved!
What advice would you like to share with the Get Running team?
Trust your training and stay patient. Not every race will be a PR, but every race can be a learning experience! Katie has been instrumental in helping me realize this, and it’s helped my confidence and determination.
You can follow Heather on IG @hdevs
Team Race Recap
Boston
John A - 3:16
Heather C - 3:42
Whit C - 3:42
Jaclyn C - 3:26
Ethan D - 3:02
Todd F - 2:46
Julie H - 2:49
Tracy L - 3:25
Mindy O - 3:30
Danny P - 3:41
Duke P - 3:08
Adam S - 3:08
Katy S - 3:24
Kara F - 3:07, PR
Mariah L - 2:51
Heather D - 3:15, 11min faster than Boston 2021
Adina D - 3:52
Other Marathons
Ashley M - 3:35, PR
Half Marathons
Caitlin K - 1:25
Brieanne S - 1:37
5K
May S - 20:40
Elizabeth H - 17:20, 1st female
Esperanza L - 21:56
Lauren F - 16:40, PR
Yael L - 19:56, first postpartum race!
Brandy S - 27:25
Other
John A (relay) - 6:51avg pace
Joey P (50K trail) - 7:34, 5th female!
Anne H (10mi) - 1:17
Kristin S (15K trail) - 1:41
Kristin S (5mi) - 36:37
Brandy S (HM Relay) - 1:13
Team Announcements
Coach Neely’s book is back in stock on Amazon!
Coach Bridget is launching a strength training app! She’s going to start by just doing her custom strength training on there ($100/mo but Get Running Athletes get 40% off!), but in the next few weeks, there will be a cheaper subscription option ($20/mo). Reach out to her if you’re interested in taking your strength training to the next level! (Bridget@GetRunningCoaching.com)