Get Up, Get Out, and Get Going

We have all gone through a transformation since last year. There was no playbook to follow in how to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Now is not the time to be held captive, so Tina Klein chose to help others to navigate. 

Before Klein’s career in the running world, she served as a U.S. Army Officer (Lt. Col.), worked in the U.S. Department of Justice, and represented a significant pharmaceutical specializing in women’s health, diabetes, and neuroscience. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Communication from Southwest Texas University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Troy State University.

Tina is the founder of Balanced Running, LLC and Vamos “Let’s Go” Running. As a Hispanic, I have realized that the Latino population is growing in numbers; the objective is to help this population become a healthier community. Balanced Running, LLC aims to help people live a balanced life and help non-active people reach their untapped potential. Vamos Running is a non-profit running club.

Can you share when you first developed a love for running?

My love for the sport began when I started with JROTC in high school. I saw a group of students rappelling off a building and thought I wanted to try that. I spoke with an NCO, Sgt. Campos, and he encouraged me to join JROTC. I would have to do a lot of running. Little did I know I would enjoy the challenge. I owe that to SGT Campos.

What is your running philosophy

I believe in leading by example. Life is full of hills and valleys; it never gets more comfortable because you always set the bar to get better. I want to live healthy and strong until my last dying breath. If I am moving, then I am improving. 

What changes have you noticed in the sport over the years?

I heard it said that only babies in wet diapers like change. Yes, change happens, and I have learned to adapt and accept change (sometimes kicking and screaming). There are many races for fantastic causes that are run like well-oiled machines. Then, there are races that people slap together without having the proper committees, strategy, or sponsors in place. Usually, the established races have slight modifications to their race, be it course, swag, causes, sponsors, or venue. So, I have seen a great deal of change in various races, why they are putting on the race, and the goals they wish to achieve (funding for their cause, health, or awareness).

I have also noticed a dramatic “positive” change (increase) with virtual racing since the pandemic began. Virtual races are referred to as “phantom runners.” It is great to see how race organizations reached out to their respected communities and having runners and walkers maintain their fitness or reach their goals. The virtual races enable runners and walkers of all levels and abilities to do just that with social distancing.

What changes did you experience when you moved into the master ranks (age 40 and older)?

I never thought about being a master’s runner in my 20s or 30s. Then I hit 40, and that was an eye-opener. I realized that in Track & Field, there were not many 40 year olds running distance, such as 10,000 meters (on the track), half marathon, and marathons, unlike road racing. When I turned 40, my coach suggested that I compete in Track & Field and road races. I began to find my passion for Track & Field and cross-country and continued to compete in road races.

To reevaluate: changes I experienced as a master’s runner: I needed to get more rest, listen to my body, and be adequately fueled. I had to reprogram “me” to continue to run.

What was your motivation for entering the military, and how long did you serve?

My motivation was to get out of poverty. My grandparents were hard workers and were always productive in our community. I was involved in giving back, helping others in times of need, and volunteering at church. I realized I wanted to do more, but if I did not have the financial means, I would not help others. So, I was determined to go to college. My family thought there was no way since I did not have a way to pay for college. I was determined to “break the cycle” and was the first one in my family to graduate from college, become an officer in the United States Army, and receive a graduate degree. I was able to retire after 16 years.

What adjustments did you have to make?

I was recruited to work in the Department of Justice. That was a different adjustment because I was used to the military structure, thinking all departments were just like the military. 

What are some of your athletic performances which stand out for you?

My first Bronze medal in the 3,000 meters (which was on my third day of competition) and my first Bronze Medal in the 8k Cross Country when I competed at the World Championship in Daegu, Korea. When I stood on the podium as they played the National Anthem, it truly brought tears to my eyes, because I represented my country as an athlete while wearing my American uniform and earning two Bronze Medals for Team USA.

How do you process disappointments when results fall below expectations?

Chalk it up as a learning opportunity. My coach will not let me wallow in my sorrow (which is a good thing, because it can quickly become a pity party at times, especially after a goal race).

I have come to realize that I am genuinely blessed to compete in this sport, and I am grateful that I have the opportunity and support of my husband to compete and continue to discover my talents. With that said, if I fall short of expectations, it is usually because of lack of rest (which impacts my nutrition) and deviating from my training plan, both which affect my overall training and racing performance.

What is the present-day motivation to lace up and stay with the exercise?

It is the running opportunities that motivate me to run. Options include the ability to challenge myself by being a paratrooper and meeting my husband while running a Chicago race. I started my own business, a running development program, and continued to compete in the Master’s Championships.

Do you have any role models? 

The story of my life is not complete without my role models along the way. It began with the foundation of my grandparents. They taught me that our word was our bond, and you fulfill those obligations with integrity and moral standards. Hard work, commitment, integrity, and gratitude all go hand in hand. They were always involved in our local community, helping through our church, or volunteering when someone needed a helping hand. As an adult, I have had (and continue to have) great mentors and coaches that are crucial to my success. Dale (my spouse) is my voice of reason with qualities that I value and respect. He exemplifies the same traits I learned from my grandparents —we both realized that it is always about being engaged in our communities and “paying it forward,” as many have done for us. 

What words can you pass along when asked, “How do I start with any exercise program?”

First and foremost, ensure you have clearance from your health care provider. Secondly, find a coach that will help you ensure you have the proper footwear and apparel. Plus, a coach will help you be accountable. I coach, but I have a coach, too (I passionately believe that every good coach has a coach), because I have goals I want to achieve. Have a plan; this should include nutrition, rest, cross-training adjustments (yes, a chiropractor), massages (at least every three months), resulting in reachable goals. 

What was the motivation for Balanced Running? 

To provide a fun, positive environment for functional fitness and training for athletes from all walks of life. Also, bringing balance to everyday life. Balanced Running is a running development program. Our objective is to enhance the quality of life through running and walking. According to the CDC, we design hands-on training programs (within Covid guidelines) to build strength, speed, and endurance. We believe our bodies are impressive vehicles that perform best when given the right progression of phased workouts and rest. Balanced Running fosters a supportive community that celebrates all our athlete’s achievements. The Balanced Running family celebrates the accomplishments of our athletes. To see the captured smiles as our athletes cross their finish line for the first time or reach new goals (be it distance, time, or  weight loss) is priceless. It is about training with passion and celebrating those achievements along the way. 

Do you feel that you are helping make a difference in the lives of others? 

You never know what opportunities running will present you. While I love running, I love the opportunities even more because of the people, events, and experiences that motivate me to continue my passion.

You make running seem so automatic. What is the secret? 

Choosing to get up, get out, and get going. Training and coaching with passion is my motto.

What are your thoughts on the statement, “I am not the right body size, or I am overweight and cannot run”?

Who is? There is no one with the “right” body size. Everyone is unique, and you work within your abilities. In Track and Field, there is a sport for every body type. While I have athletes who have some weight issues, they have come to me because they want to change their lives or their doctor has told them, “you need to start some form of exercise routine.” It is best to have a coach; one mistake that many beginners have is they think they need to go out and run 3, 4, or 5 miles. Well, you are setting yourself for injury. A coach will help you set and reach realistic goals. If you are carrying excess weight, you will not be able to run, but you can begin with a walking plan based on minutes, not “miles.” 

Is running emotional?

Yes. There are days that I need to clear my thinking or days when I need to write an article, so I brainstorm on my run. I am elated and smiling when I see a family out walking or running in the park, putting their health first. One of the most things that makes me very emotional is when I see people with walkers or canes out in the garden, putting one step in front of the other. It brings me to tears to see the discipline of people with health conditions out there putting one foot in front of the other for the sake of their health.

How do you handle injuries? 

Injury prevention with preventative maintenance, meaning listen to my body and seek advice from health care professionals. (I am fortunate; my coach is also a physician.) 

I just came off an injury, so lots of cross-training with water running, core workouts, physical therapy, nutrition, rest, and following my training plan, which includes nutrition. I have learned that, when I run, I consume more calories, but when I am injured, I must modify my intake—calories in = calories out.

Fun fact (well, not so much fun): 65% of runners are injured in one year. 

What do you feel you have given up along the way to reach where you are now?

This is a very emotional and challenging answer: kids. Being in my 20s and 30s, I put my career and running first. If I knew then what I know now, the story would have been different. But I am grateful to have fantastic nieces, a nephew, and a Goddaughter I can spoil and mentor, not to mention the many kids I can coach and mentor along the way. 

Does an exercise program have to be about running, or can other forms be as effective?

Several forms of training can benefit running. When I am injured, I have found (as well as my coach ensures I am doing) is water running. It helps with cardio and effort.

Are you always competitive when you reach the start line? 

YES! I believe that even on my worst days, I still need to give it my best when I toe the line. My husband will always tell me: “Go out and have fun” (coming from my athletic Marine husband). My response: “I’m not here to have fun; I’m here to compete.” The fun comes when I have crossed the finish line to cheer others.

What is more important to you: the effort or time?

Both are equally important to me. I have realized that, if my effort is not where it needs to be, my time will reflect my training and racing. And vice versa. Prioritizing my training is vital. If that means only getting a 20-minute workout, it will be more intense, but there are times when I have been on back-to-back Zoom conference calls (from 0700 to almost 2300) that were just insane, so when I knew I was not able to train, I had put my video to voice only and did core work for short periods. 

What do you want the reader to know about Tina? 

I advocate for health, community involvement, volunteering, or donating items I make (Spa Paw’s Products & Pottery) for various organizations I hold near and dear to my heart. I am a firm believer in being happy and healthy with a passion for running. It is a sport that bring people together from all walks of life; it is a great way to develop lifelong friendships. Always train with passion!