Zensah Athlete - Krystine Beneke

Name: Krystine Beneke

Hometown: Houston, TX

Sport: Running

Years in current sport: 18 years!

What got you started: My dad was a distance runner. One day when I was 10, I joined him for a run around the neighborhood. I fell in love with the sport and have been running ever since.

Biggest accomplishment of your career: Running a 2:59:47 in the Boston 2014 Marathon, which was the first time I broke 3. I also ran Boston in 2013 in 3:00:22. After the bombings, I was determined to run the next year in solidarity with Boston. It was a hard winter with the polar vortex and never ending bad weather in NYC (where I lived at the time), and my training was not where I wanted it to be. However, the energy and spirit of Boston that day was indescribable and allowed me to accomplish more than I expected. This is a moment I will forever cherish. It’s meant much more to me than accomplishing my personal time goal.

What parts of your training are key to your success?  I really focus on nutrition. I’m a plant based athlete. For me, this diet gives me more energy and helps me recover quicker than when I was not. Yoga has also improved my running. I have been practicing for 8 years and believe the mental element has greatly aided in my performance.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your sport, and what do you do to overcome it?  The biggest challenge I face is the mental aspect. It’s easy to get caught up in your head and think this workout is too difficult, or there is no way I’ll be able to run this time. These self-imposed limitations can be a great hindrance. The beauty of the sport though is there really are no limits. You can always run faster. Yoga and meditation have definitely helped me to overcome this.

What is your favorite Zensah product and why? Compression socks! They do wonders for my recovery!

 How long have you been using Zensah? Six years! I first started to use the compression sleeves when I was training for my first marathon.

If you could be great at any other sport besides your current one, what would it be? There are other sports besides running? Probably surfing. It seems like fun.

What’s your favorite thing to eat after a tough workout? A smoothie with vegan vanilla protein, frozen bananas, almond butter, and almond milk.

Who/what inspires you? My running mentor, Donna Sterns! I’m in awe of her success as a distance runner. I’m very fortunate for all her wisdom and the support she has provided me over the years. Also, every one of my teammates on The Janes Elite Racing Team inspire me! So many phenomenal and accomplished women that help me to be better!

How does Zensah help you perform without limits? Zensah helps me to recover quicker so that I can enjoy a sport I love day after day!