On The Podium: Kevin Gravina

On The Podium is a semi-regular feature of The Hurt Box, in which we profile CRCers who race at least semi-regularly.  Today we touch base with Kevin Gravina, who has come all the way back from a battery of injuries you don't even want to know about, much less experience.  The only damage Kevin will be doing in 2011 will be to the roads, hills and tracks of New England, and you'll read all about it in The Hurt Box.


When did you start running competitively? 
I ran the quarter-mile in high school but I would say I began running competitive, in the modern era, upon joining CRC in June of 2005 – ending briefly three months later with a stress fracture – but picking up again in 2006 when Mr. Chad Carr became my roommate.  I’ve been chasing him ever since…

What are your preferred racing/training shoes? 
I’ve been running with Asics Kayanos since 2006 and they’ve treated me really well.  Only one stress fracture, Achilles tendonitis, hip bursitis, back spasms, broken toe and ankle surgery.  I should be their spokesman.  I race in Asics DS Trainers.  Love em.

What is your favorite workout?
 I love me a good tempo.   Particularly, a 5-miler at 10 mile pace, followed by a few bowls of cereal.

What is your favorite New England race? 
Excluding the Marathon:  Mt. Washington Road Race, New Bedford Half Marathon, Battle of Bunker Hill 8k, Wrentham Duathlon.  

Some strong contenders:  Assault on Mt. Hood, Franklin Park X-Country Races, Swanzey Half Marathon, Long Gull 10K, Gobble^3.

What is your preferred racing distance?
 I am currently courting the Half Marathon.

What are your racing goals for 2011? 

• Not injure myself (i.e, avoid: overtraining, dropping 45lb weights on my foot, wearing orthotic  in wrong shoe, burning Achilles with heat pack)
• Set a PR in the half marathon
• Do an Ultra-Duathlon (R5,B29,R5,B29,R5) – perhaps not worthy of the “Ultra” moniker, but a day’s work nonetheless.
• Find Cure for Saddle Sores
• Help CRC score in Mt. Washington, X-Country races, Grand Prix
• Do 4-6 races I’ve never done before.  Tufts 10K watch out!
• Remember to take off helmet during duathlon (see photo, left)