Community Spotlight

Kathy Harshburger

Share about your family, and how long you've been in Central Oregon.

Dan and I retired and moved to Bend in April, 2004. As with most people that have moved to Bend, we found the lifestyle fit us.

When did you start running and why?

I started running in 1980, just before my 30th birthday.  Dan and I had just quit smoking and wanted something to keep us from starting again.  It was the right choice as we have not stopped running in 28 years.  The longest break I had was when I had surgery in 1995 and that was for only three weeks.  Running has become a way of life and we have found that not only does running give great health benefits, but social as well.  We have developed life-long friendships across the country through running. 

Do you have a favorite distance for running events?  How many have you completed?  How many ultras?

Ultras are my favorite races. I think my favorite distance now is 50K, but I really like the 50 mile distance for the mental concentration you need to keep going.  I have completed approximately 125 ultra distance races including four 100 mile races and approximately three dozen marathons.  

What's your favorite non-running hobby?  Favorite way to cross train?

Recently road biking has really become a favorite non-running hobby.  I have connected with a group of fun ladies that I have been riding with and have developed quite a passion for this sport also.  Also, I have been a long-time quilter and have taken up knitting again.  Recently I have purchased an embroidery machine and have had a lot of fun learning all the things I can do with it.

What keeps you motivated?

People keep me motivated and most important, my husband, Dan.  The friendships through any sport are invaluable.  There is something about the bonds you make with people doing the same thing you do.

What has running taught you?

Running has taught me discipline and spirituality.  It has given me confidence that extends to my life in general and a toughness that I didn't know I had.  Running on the trails has given me an appreciation for this beautiful earth that God has created.  There has never been a race or training run that I have done that I haven't stopped to take in some breathtaking beauty on the course.  It has taught me how small and fragile life is, yet big and bold the adventures are.