Marathoner Discovers Love of Running Over Time

By: Michael Izzo

Name: Katie Montiel
Age: 30
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Public Relations for Gatorade
Team Reeve event: 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Raising money for an event can be difficult and challenging. For Katie Montiel, it can also be an excuse to have a fun time with friends, family, and co-workers. To raise money as a member of Team Reeve in the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Montiel plans to host a party in September with an entry fee going towards her donations.

"I'm trying to put a different spin on donating and make it sort of an experience, too," Montiel explains. "People can come if they feel like it, and they don't have to feel like they're being tapped for money."

Though Montiel is running by herself, she hopes that friends and family, including her fiancé and sister, will jump in for a few miles along the way and keep her going. "It's something to look forward to," she says. "It's great that somebody can join you when you're tired."

Runner then, runner now
Running wasn't always a passion for Montiel. When she ran in high school, it was simply to stay in shape for soccer, not for enjoyment. But after picking up running to get back in shape following college, she completed her first marathon and "absolutely fell in love with it." Most importantly, Montiel always finds time to train with long runs on the weekend early in the morning to get them out of the way. If traveling for work, she makes sure to research race courses in the area she it staying. "The biggest thing is just making it a part of your life," Montiel says, "knowing it's not really an option whether or not you're going to run. You're committed to it and you've dedicated your time. You have to get it done."

Montiel hopes to finish this year's marathon in under 3:25, but will be happy as long as she can beat the time of her last Chicago Marathon in 2010.

A reasonable runner's diet
While she maintains a healthy diet to stay in running shape, she says she won't shy away from junk food if that's what she wants to eat. "I know some runners who only eat healthy. I'll be honest, I'm not one of those people," laughs Montiel. "I'm a firm believer in eat what you want to eat within reason."

Before a race Montiel is sure to stay hydrated and have plenty of carbohydrates. "I go carb crazy," explains Montiel. "I kind of eat everything like pizza and pasta, and I try to incorporate some vegetables."

While far from her first marathon, this is Montiel's first with Team Reeve, which she says makes it a particularly special experience. "I think running for Team Reeve is a fantastic way to run a marathon," says Montiel. "It makes it a bigger, more achieving experience for me. I'm happy and humbled to be a part of it."

Look for Katie Montiel and the rest of Team Reeve in the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9th.

To make a donation for Montiel's run, go here.

Learn more
Inspired by Katie's story? Want to join Team Reeve? You don't have to be an athlete to become a member. Click here. 
Get to know some more of our Team Reeve athletes.

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