Before Tina Klein’s career in running , 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 earned a degree in Biology and Communication from Southwest Texas University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Troy State University.

The following excerpt from the book “GRIT,” by Angela Duckworth could have been written about Tina Klein:

“Talent, is how quickly your skills improve when you invest effort. Achievement happens when you take your gained skills and use them.”

Keep the above in the back of the mind as you read the following and see how Tina improved upon her skills that translated into achievement.

There was nothing that was automatic and there was a shift in her mindset. 

Exercise programs are never easy and require sacrifice such as giving up time with friends or free time.

Read the following questions and think how you would respond.

• What value do you place on your health and fitness?
• When will you be ready to take the first step? You can enjoy what you do.

We will follow the journey on which Tina is not planning on slowing down. Tina wants to find out her limits each time she is on the starting line.

How long have you been in the sport of running?

• I have been running since college through ROTC. Since 1989 (yikes, I am really dating myself). lol

How did you progress in your running career from open to master?

• Actually, I did not know the “open” and “masters” categories. I ran to compete without knowing about the “open” and “masters” categories, and later discovered that many women over 35 were winning races, which I did not realize was considered masters in track and field. (Note- a master is age 40 and over),
• Once I realized I was in the “master’s category” I had new goals to reach because many of the talented runners were masters’ athletes; and they pushed me to “up my game”.
• Many of the masters’ female athletes were helpful in teaching me the various opportunities for masters’ meets at the competitive level.

What have been some obstacles you have faced along the way?

• Running camps for masters athletes. There are many running camps for young and open athletes, but few for masters athletes who want to improve their skills. It would be great to help competitive masters athletes learn to peak and not stay in their “comfort zone” because of potential injuries.
• Learning to take time off and allowing my body to rest and heal. Having a coach helps with my training. (I of course, am also a certified coach, and I too coach youth, adults from beginners to those who want to run faster PRs). I do not coach myself. My coach helps me train for the races that I want to take part in, whether they are road races or Masters World Championships. I am accountable to him.
• Another obstacle is the nasty M word~ Menopause. As a master’s track and field runner, our bodies go through changes that are beyond our control. One project I am working on is having “clinics” (at various track & field masters championships). Doctors who are competitive athletes and familiar with Globaldro and menopause will present educational seminars for female athletes. The seminars will teach female athletes how to reach their full potential without being penalized for being on hormones that their bodies no longer produce. (that is a whole different topic for a different article). lol.

Were you involved in sports while you were in the military?

• Running, especially because I could join the Army Ten-Miler team. (I also cross trained but nothing competitive, strictly running).

What is your motivation to stay in the sport?

• The sense of accomplishment. Being able to clear my mind when I was stressed out. The feeling of freedom as I felt the wind against my face and the feel of the earth under every step I took. Looking for my next PR or placement award.

Do you feel there are certain skills that you need to be successful in the sport?

• Hah, yes, I took up steeplechase because a friend convinced me I could medal for TEAM USA in Finland. I knew how to run but never jumped a barrier in my life. I trained and never jumped the barrier until I toed the line at outdoor masters national championships in Finland. I sprinted in-between barriers and ended up with a bronze medal for Team USA.
• So now, I need to learn how to hurdle those barriers correctly without the risk of injury.
• Other skills include cross-training, nutrition, and rest. Again, therefore, I have a coach. That is exactly what I do for my athletes, I coach.

What can you say to a person who wants to start an exercise program?

• Foremost, ensure you have clearance from your healthcare provider. I have had many folks come to me saying, “I just watched the Boston Marathon” I want to train for it. (Not realizing the work that it entails to train and qualify for Boston. By the way, is one of my many favorite marathons to this day). First-timers often have underlying health issues, so I prioritize their safety by setting achievable goals.
• Second, invest in a certified coach who has you in their best interest. There are many options and plans on the internet, but those are generic. I would never try to repair my vehicle or cut my hair; I pay others for those specific services because they have experience. Same concept for your coach. Your coach should be available (on-site) to provide you with instant feedback. Your coach can look at your gait, give you time trials, etc. Hire an “on-site” coach. I can speak from personal experience; I have had a coach who was just interested in taking my money without truly providing me with value. 

Often suggesting that I run with the folks I am coaching and have them give me “feedback”. 

I quickly realized he was not the coach for me. A coach is there to serve and help their athletes discover their hidden talents and reach their potential, not the other way around.

• Listen to your coach. If you do not like your coach, shop around until you find the best fit for you and your goals.
• Invest in quality running items, i.e., shoes (at least 2 for rotation) and shoes for the sport you plan on competing in, i.e., trail shoes are made for trails, not the track or road. Running apparel, gear, nutrition, sports watch, etc.
• Invest or at least meet with a nutritionist to help you reach your goals (racing, weight, etc.)
• Invest in some type of preventative maintenance. i.e., massage therapy, physical therapy (if needed, before you have a severe injury); massage tools, NormaTecs, HyperVolt, BFF, foam roller, massage stick, etc. Do your research or ask your coach for tips on what best suits your training and recovery needs.
• Get the rest you need – you cannot be on the go without proper rest! Listen to your body!
• Give yourself permission to make mistakes. i.e., if you do not reach your PR or win a race. It is not the end of the world. Allow yourself some time to be upset. But do not wallow in it. Celebrate the victories, small or large, those are still your victories!

When you are on the starting line, what are your last thoughts?

• I have done the training!
• I have done what my coach told me to do!
• I have got to trust in my training!
• Now, Let Us Get This Party Started!

What have been some of your memorable moments?

• My grandfather had never seen me race. I was running the San Antonio Marathon, and I recalled seeing him at the half-way point. I heard him say, “go sweetheart, you’ve got this, you’ve trained for this moment!” That took my breath away, and I cried and pushed through the rest of the second half of the marathon. I was so happy; he was my hero. He never had the opportunity to run a race. So many times, I would hear him tell me stories of how his friends would refer to him as the “greyhound” because he could run fast like a dog. Ha ha.

I have crossed many finish lines, winning many races, but that was one race that is so vivid in my memory. I would give anything to live that day with him and my grandmother once again.

• The second memorable memory was when I realized I won Bronze in the steeplechase. I recall hearing my name announced: “and now the Bronze medalist for Team USA is Tina Klein.” Hearing my name sent chills down my spine because I had the honor to represent the United States of America. (And it was my first steeplechase).

What have been some performances which you felt you came up short?

• Yes, lack of training on my part or returning from an injury (thinking in my mind, I have done the training, I can do this now”) When in reality, my body was not prepared for racing.
• My coach would remind me with the cold heart truth, “you are NOT ready. This is only a base race to see where your current level of fitness is, so do not expect a miracle!”. Yes, that is why you need to hire a coach and be accountable and hear the ugly truth, even if you do not want to face reality.

What are the key parts of your training?

• Listen to your coach.
• Stick to your training plan.
• Be consistent.
• Change your training if needed. Life happens, and we should embrace those changes as they come at us.
• Stress is stress. Learn to accept what you can accomplish and chalk it up when things do not go as planned.
• Control what you can control.
• Be honest with your coach, but more importantly, be honest with yourself. You should share the good, the bad, and the ugly with your coach to accomplish your mission.

How important is diet?

• You should have a balanced, healthy nutrition plan in place.
• I love sweets! I will not deny myself from sweets, but it is all within moderation. My nutritionist and one of my former coaches would always tell me: “allow yourself 90% healthy and 10%” garbage. Do not deny yourself but be smart about it.
• Again, invest in a sports nutritionist to help you reach goals you have set for health or racing performance reasons.

Are there any changes you wish to see in the sport?

• This is a touchy topic. I believe everyone should have a right to compete, but it should be done in a fair and balanced way.
• It is amazing how athletes who regularly post on social media about their injuries, including broken bones, are back to winning races within two or three weeks. One of my teammates mentioned this to an athlete, “wow, you’re always injured with broken bones, how is it that your bones are healed in 3 to 4 weeks and you’re winning half marathons, 5ks, etc.? you must have some special bones”.
• For those of us to compete clean, it is heartbreaking to know you have those who are not so clean.

How do you manage family life and training?

• It is all about balance.
• Family should always come first. Without family, you will end up lonely.
• Training comes secondly. I have got to get my training in if I do not, it is not a beautiful sight. lol.
• Seriously, my husband and I are each other’s priority. However, I am no use to him if I am not active and healthy, the same goes for him. No one will give us our health or fitness; we are accountable for our own health and fitness. We want to set positive examples for our family members, our athletes we coach and lead by example.

How has your life changed because of your running?

• The military helped me with running. I
  •  wanted to jump out of perfectly good airplanes. 
  • I wanted to become an officer in the Army.
  • I had goals I had to meet and always wanted to max out on my APFT, especially wanted to beat the guys when it came to running.
• Running helped me become the person I am today. The road is my gym. I can run anywhere, any time. I have seen many areas of the world I would have otherwise not had if it were not for the military and the running. I needed to reach my goals.

Do you have any additional comments to share?

• In 2013, I founded the company: Balanced Running LLC for training opportunities to help athletes of all levels and abilities reach or excel in their goals. We provide functional fitness with a running development program and reachable goal setting. We help athletes with training, mindset, accountability and gait/form technique and sports performance.
• We are the official training program for Kennesaw Parks and Recreation 5k Grand Prix race series. We also provide specialized training for those interested in entering law enforcement/first responders and the military. We have coached over 100 athletes to reach and excel in their military and first responder careers.

*For more posts like this, check out George’s M:M Author Page.