13 Questions with Kota Nutrition x Amanda Griffin
1) So you're a mom and a runner. Tell us more about that! -On February 1, 2017, I decided it was time to get physically active, again, so after about a 3.5 year hiatus, and the birth of two children, I turned on my treadmill and the rest is history. I ran that way almost every day for the first 3 years of my journey because of my children’s ages and my schedule. Now that they are both in school, I have more flexibility to run outdoors and spend time in the gym.
2) What is your favorite thing about running?
-My favorite thing about running is getting lost in the endless miles and peaceful solitude.
3) What is your favorite activity to do outside of running?
-My favorite activity to do outside of running is hiking.
4) How do you manage being a mom and a runner?
-My kids have never known me not running, so I try to stay as consistent with my schedule as possible with 2 young children, my husband and I running our own business, and having the discipline to do the workouts whenever a good time is available. I’ve literally gotten out of bed and on my treadmill in the middle of the night to run when everyone else is asleep because it’s my only window of opportunity, but thankfully I have access to a treadmill at home and a running trail on our farm.
5) What is your favorite pair of running shoes?
-My favorite pair of running shoes is the Hoka Mach 4. I started running in them in the fall of 2021 and they are hands down the best shoe for comfort, cushion, distance, lightweight and speed. I average 10-15 miles daily and these shoes are a game changer for me.
6) Do you have any upcoming races?
-My upcoming races are the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Distsnce Classic Weekend Michelob Ultra Challenge 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and 8K (30.4 miles in 2 days), LA Big 5K and LA Marathon, River to River Relay (8 runners 80 miles), Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon, Merrill’s Mile 48 Hour Ultra, Southern Fried 50/50 (50 miles), Abbott Chicago 5K and Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Urban Bourbon Half Marathon, and Louisville Marathon.
7) What is your current goal in fitness/personal life?
-My current goal in fitness and personal life is to be able to keep running 30-40 years from now. I don’t ever want to live a sedentary lifestyle. I would love to remain active and healthy for my children, and even my future grandchildren, if that’s a possibility.
8) If you have one, what is your favorite Kota Nutrition product?
-My favorite Kota Nutrition product is the BCAA Recovery Citrus Paradise.
9) We saw you have 20,000 miles behind you, how does it feel?
-Having 20,000 miles behind me feels surreal. I love that I want to run every day and that the total mileage is just a reflection of my own progress. All miles are good miles, and I’m just grateful to lace-up and have the privilege to run.
10) What are you most excited about this year?
- I’m most excited this year about my next long distance goal race in July. It’s a 48 Hour ultra, and anything past 102 miles will be a new personal achievement for me, but I’m going there with a goal of 150 miles.
11) Do you prefer interval runs or long easy runs?
-Long easy runs are always enjoyable to me.
12) What is the one supplement you think is the most beneficial for someone who's being active?
-The one supplement I think is the most beneficial for someone who's being active are BCAAs.
13) What is one fun fact about you?
-I took an internship in the recording industry in Nashville, Tennessee, my senior year of high school, at the biggest recording studio on Music Row at the time. I moved to LA to go to audio engineering school afterwards, but moved back to Nashville during my first semester to work at the same recording studio in the early 2000’s.