The North Face

Ultrarunner | Nikki Kimball

The sport of ultrarunning is largely a series of humbling moments. As much as Nikki Kimball is amazed by what her body can do and the extremes it can handle, the sport constantly reminds her that she inhabits a body which requires constant upkeep I may have to slow my pace in response to relatively minor changes in temperatures or trail topography. Nikki says, "I cannot race ultra distances without aid stations providing thousands of calories and liters of water. I cannot race fast without race volunteers and my own crew. Basically I cannot do any of the things I’ve done without constant governance of my innately human physical weaknesses and the selfless help of volunteers and crew."

Learn more about Nikki Kimball.

Dec 18 | Off Season Diet, WHAT!

By Nikki Kimball

Off season diet……More beer. Do I need to be more specific? - Nikki Kimball

Dec 10 | Mental Break

By Nikki Kimball

Though I race cross country ski events, I limit my November and December racing as I need the mental break from competition. This does allow for some excess holiday gluttony, but this too is part of my mental break. - Nikki Kimball

Nov 19 | No Hibernation, I Take It To The Snow

By Nikki Kimball

Pretty much if it glides on snow, I want to play on it. I’m non-discerning in my winter sports: tele, snowboard, skate or classic XC skiing, snowshoeing. I’m also cross country ski racing again after more than a decade break. I’m really enjoying it, but sometimes regret that it leaves me little time for the alpine modalities. - Nikki Kimball

Nov 05 | Running Cycle

By Nikki Kimball

Now it’s time to do a little snow dance and get my summer athletic gear out of my car and replace it with skis and boards. I try to take 6 weeks completely off from running at the end of the year. I find it helps me recover. And though there is no clinical evidence to substantiate it, I believe this yearly running hiatus will prolong my running life. I want to enjoy running as much in 30 years as I do now. - Nikki Kimball

Oct 08 | Fun Times in Sub-Zero

By Nikki Kimball

I won’t run below negative 30 F. My last year living in upstate NY we had 6 weeks of lots of subzero weather. I really don’t like to run on treadmills, so if I wanted to run I couldn’t set my lower temp limit too high (you know, like minus 25 F), or I’d never run. I only missed one day by my minus 30 rule. Two of my running partners decided to brave that day. They ran ½ mile out, turned around and went back to bed. - Nikki Kimball

Oct 01 | Seasonal Gear Stock

By Nikki Kimball

For cold weather running I recommend lots of base layers. Not only that, I have a vest for every temperature, even hats, balaclavas, protective eye wear etc. - Nikki Kimball

Sep 13 | My Main Motivation

By Nikki Kimball

I love running. That’s my main motivation. However, if ever lacking, I have a 6 year old field dog that will tear my home apart if I don’t get her out for at least 40 of my weekly miles. She’s a lovely pet, provided I give her her recommended daily allowance of exercise. This dog gives me more than I can say, and I owe her long runs. It’s all she’s ever asked of me. - Nikki Kimball

Aug 04 | My First Breakthrough Race in Ultra

By Nikki Kimball

I’ve never been very confident of my ability to run flat road courses. However, American River 50 in 2003, showed me that I could be competitive. Much of the first 30-ish miles is flat, fast and paved. I remember passing the marathon point, running with Jen Devine-Pfeiffer, who is an incredible road 100K runner, in 3:09. She looked at me and said, “We’re speeding.” I agreed. But I had great crew support, perfect nutrition and a wonderful pacer. And, most importantly, I was just having fun. The running seemed close to effortless at times. I’m not sure if a perfect ultra is possible. But this one is still my 50 mile PR, and was as close to perfect in terms of me running the fastest time my body was capable of achieving on that day. And really running the best one can, given the fitness she has at the starting line of any race, is the best anyone can hope for. - Nikki Kimball

Jul 17 | Staying Cool Tip for Women

By Nikki Kimball

Eating frozen stuff at aid stations helps for a while. Ice in the hat/hair or bandana helps a lot. Ice in the sports bra is even better, sorry boys… - Nikki Kimball

Jul 12 | Kimball Trick for Avoiding Blisters

By Nikki Kimball

I don’t avoid them in the heat. I do have shoes available that are ½ size bigger than my normal size as my feet will swell. But one must actually change into this extra pair to have them do much good! I failed to do this at WS 100 2006 and had a profanity-laden last 40 miles or so every time my foot twisted oddly in my shoe, and really every time either foot hit the ground in the last 10 miles. - Nikki Kimball