Vikena enjoying yet another run in the trails
Name - Vikena Yutz
Age - 39
Years Running - 3
What Type of Running Do You Do? - Mostly trail running, but I enjoy roads too. I LOVE running ultras! All types and all over, but I really enjoy timed even races!
Why Did You Start Running? - I used to be a smoker, and I started running to help me quit. In the process of that, I discovered that I really enjoyed running.
Weekly Mileage? - 70 to 100 miles a week depending on what I am training for or what I have time for.
Accomplishments - I have run lots of ultras, I have run over a hundred miles a few times, and I have won a race here and there. But one of the things that I am most proud of was running rim to rim to rim in the Grand Canyon. I never dreamed that I would be able to do something like that.
What is Your Most Memorable Run Moment? - Running 100 miles for the first time.
What’s the Hardest Thing You’ve Ever Run? - San Juan Solstice 50 Mile Run in which I only completed 31 miles. (I’ll make 50 next year).
What’s Your Favorite Race? - Pumpkin Butt 50k
What is the Race You Crave to Run the Most? - Self Transcendence 10 day
Your Favorite Running Spot? - FDR State Park
Your Favorite Post-Run Meal/Drink? - Shrimp and grits with beer!
Heros - Too many to name the all, but at the top of my list would be the people who do so much to support me! (You know who you are). But most especially my Mom. I think that I get my determination from her.
Goals for 2010 - I would like to cover 120 miles in 24 hours in September, and see if I can break 200 miles at ATY in December.
Advice to Other Run Bums - Get lost in your runs as much as you can!
Personal comments from Run Bum Sean
I met Kena during mile 16 or so of the Atlanta ING marathon in 2009. I was at mile 16 and I was running funny and dragging my leg. She asked me if I was ok and I explained to her that I had a horrible IT band…that 2 months prior to this race I had hurt it at my first marathon ever. My doctor told me not to run another one until Thanksgiving. She laughed and told me she had run a 50 miler the weekend before and knew the feeling all too well. We parted ways.
Joining the ultra community less than a month after that I came to know Kena very well. She is an extremely dedicated runner and the MOST improved runner I know! I watched her destroy the Hinson Lake 24 Hour race shattering her goal of 100 miles to come in 2nd place! She is a dedicated mother and wife and still makes time to run and have fun! She helped pace me from Athens to Atlanta and truly puts a smile on my face when I am in a bad place during these ultras. Thanks KENA you’re our hero!
