Kim Carmel

Kim Carmel

My family moved around a lot while I was growing up. In high school, I found myself the new kid (again) in a rural coastal California town. A classmate suggested I join the cross country team to make new friends and get out of gym class. I would have to run far—like, six miles at a time—but it meant I could eat anything I wanted. An entire loaf of French bread, for example. Or a burrito the size of a small child.

Yes, please.

I had no idea what I was getting into, but those four years on the team taught me more than I ever imagined—about myself, my strength, my role in this beautiful world, and the incomparable bond that forms when people run together.

And now, many years later, I’m still running. I’ve moved a few more times, changed jobs, gotten married, had two children, had foot surgery, stopped eating entire loaves of bread … but I’m still running. Because it’s pretty much the greatest thing I can think of.

The most beautiful and life-changing race I’ve ever run was the Big Sur Marathon. Second place goes to the Deception Pass 25k, which also sparked my love of long-distance trail runs. Have yet to run farther than marathon distance, unlike most of you wonderful, crazy Team7Hills folks … but perhaps someday. So thankful for the camaraderie, wisdom and general awesomeness of our local running shop.