Runner of the Month

Kris "Nick" Kringle: December 2019

Why do you run?
It's a little known fact that I am actually quite old. I think it was when I turned 1500 I said to myself “you know you are not getting any younger, it’s about time you start taking care of yourself” Besides, you should see what I eat on Christmas Eve.

I do remember the days when I was younger - I used to do a lot of mountain running, huffing large amounts of supplies over the Mountain of the Whispering Winds.  In the winter I'd keep busy snowshoeing over the mountain and back home.

What is your favorite race?
The holiday season is busy for me, so I miss out on so many great races. All the Santa shuffles (they're especially cute 'cause they name them after me), Reindeer romps, Jingle bell relays, Snowball 5k’s … I just love them all.  I wish I had the time.  Thankfully many folks represent me and the Mrs. by wearing stylish red suits with the white faux fur trim.

I was at Novemberfest this year and I must say that is one of my new favorites.  Gate City and Bob T really put on a fantastic event!

Editor's Shameless Plug:  A Gate City Striders membership makes a fantastic Christmas, holiday, birthday, or any other kind of present!  Visit the Member Benefits page, learn more about the club, and join!

What's your fondest running or race related memory?

On one of my trips to Sombertown I signed up for a Toys for Tots 5k.  Burgermeister Meisterburger was the RD. It was a who’s who celebrity race of sorts…Frosty, Winter Warolck, Cornelius, Hermey, seemed like everyone was there. Charlie-In-The-Box was the MC. I tried to get Rudolph to come but he still holds a grudge - something about not being able to play reindeer games once upon a time. The aid station was stocked with plenty of milk and cookies. The snow was glistenin’. I was happy that night running in a winter wonderland.

Do you run with music?

Absolutely ! One of my favorite songs to run to is “Put one foot in front of the other”. It’s so catchy, I find the lyrics “literally” inspiring.

Editor's Note: Santa actually got up during this question and started singing. And you know what? I sang with him. “you put one foot in front of the other… And soon you’ll be walking across the floor… You put…”

What is your favorite fuel for a run?
HO HO HO… You all know the answer to this question. Just about anything with sugar in it. I like to start each race with a gallon of milk and a dozen or so sugar cookies. The rest I put in my fuel belt. Post race it’s always HOT Cocoa.

Have you ever been Furler'd?
I can’t say I've had the pleasure of running with Mark, but I do know this...  if I were to get Furler’d, there may be a piece of coal in a certain someone’s stocking...

Do you prefer to run in the hot and humid weather or do you prefer cold weather and snow?
When you live at the North Pole you learn to embrace the cold. It does help that I dress right, warm hat, mittens and scarf always does the trick. Running in the snow is by far my favorite. The hot and humid temps I enjoy on a beach chair vacationing in Hawaii.

Do you cross train?
Lots of climbing in and out chimneys. It’s sort of a tradition for me.  I also walk around my factory a lot - it's good time on feet training.

What's your favorite flavor of GU?
When cookies go mysteriously missing, I think Mrs. Claus may have something to do with it but I do enjoy a Campfire S’more, Birthday Cake and Gingerbread flavor.

What do you do for a living?
Seriously? Is this a real question?

Editor's Note: Oops - I guess the RotM committee shouldn't have sent the generic form.

Last question - what am I getting for Christmas this year?

Editor's Note: He didn’t answer this question instead He got up quickly, sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night”!