Kara Goucher is a long-distance runner from the United States.
Kara began running at six with her grandpa, a lifelong runner.
She excels in cross country and long-distance track, finding freedom in running.
Now, she focuses on preserving the sport and running for personal joy.
Let’s get started by some of the best quotes by Kara Goucher.
Best Kara Goucher Quotes
Don’t ever discourage someone from trying to better their life and health. ~ Kara Goucher.
Set small goals along the way and don’t be overwhelmed by the process. ~ Kara Goucher.
Don’t try to rush progress. Remember – a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Keep believing. ~ Kara Goucher.
Once you make the decision that you will not fail, the heart and the body will follow. ~ Kara Goucher.
There are a million reasons why you can’t. Focus on the few reasons why you can. ~ Kara Goucher.
Running allows me to set my mind free. Nothing seems impossible, nothing unattainable. ~ Kara Goucher.
Acknowledge all of your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great. ~ Kara Goucher.
Racing is the fun part; it’s the reward of all the hard work. ~ Kara Goucher.
Progress is rarely a straight line. There are always bumps in the road, but you can make the choice to keep looking ahead. ~ Kara Goucher.
Be unrelenting. If you don’t believe, then who will? ~ Kara Goucher.
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed to dream big. You’re living your life with hope, that’s a powerful thing. ~ Kara Goucher.
Famous Kara Goucher Quotes
When you’re hurting in the middle of a workout or race, it’s easy to hold back or let yourself off the hook from running faster. But regret is the worst feeling to me. You want to challenge yourself. The more you get out of yourself, you start wondering, Maybe I could get even more. It’s fun to see what you can get your body to do. ~ Kara Goucher.
Erase from your mind that your preparation must be perfect. Hard work + Dedication = A shot at your dreams. Keep believing. ~ Kara Goucher.
Focus on effort. I never know what’s changing around me. Opportunities can open up when we least expect them. Stay focused on goals. ~ Kara Goucher.
After we put my son to bed, my husband and I curl up and watch a movie or TV. That’s when I finally put up my feet and have my glass of wine and a brownie. ~ Kara Goucher.
Top Kara Goucher Quotes
We train together to make each other great. ~ Kara Goucher.
That’s the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is. ~ Kara Goucher.
As badly as I want a medal, I know there is a lot of luck involved in that. I want to put myself in position to be in the top three, give it my all and hope luck comes my way. ~ Kara Goucher.
Do the work. Do the analysis. But feel your run. Feel your race. Feel the joy that is running. ~ Kara Goucher.
It doesn’t matter how fast or how far you’re going. If you’re putting on your shoes and going out for a run, you are a runner, you are in that club. ~ Kara Goucher.
Get out there and do what you love! ~ Kara Goucher.
I have a power word that I use-when I qualified for the Olympics in 2008, it was fighter. That way when I’m in the race and I get to those dark moments, I can think of the word and it evokes that emotion for me. ~ Kara Goucher.
Popular Kara Goucher Quotes
Running is a head game. When you’re running, there are two options: let your mind wander or focus. To compete, you must focus. ~ Kara Goucher.
You can’t do in a race what you haven’t prepared for. ~ Kara Goucher.
I don’t feel like myself unless I run. It’s how I deal with sadness and happiness. I need it. It’s like therapy. ~ Kara Goucher.
So much of performance is about staying in the now. Active words like “focus” and “execute” can help pull you into the moment to concentrate on the task at hand. ~ Kara Goucher.
Never underestimate the power that one good workout can have on your mind. Keeping the dream alive is half the battle. ~ Kara Goucher.
The journey isn’t always perfect, but always worth taking. ~ Kara Goucher.
Great Kara Goucher Quotes
I try to think about positive things – how great my form is, how my arms are swinging, my breathing, how loud people are cheering. My sports psychologist taught me there are a million things telling you you can’t keep going, but if you find the things that say you can, you’re golden. ~ Kara Goucher.
Watching the world’s best compete fires you up to achieve your own feats of greatness. When it comes to running, participation and spectating go hand in hand. ~ Kara Goucher.
Hill sprints are good for everyone! ~ Kara Goucher.
Running has always been a relief and a sanctuary – something that makes me feel good, both physically and mentally. For me it’s not so much about the health benefits. Those are great, but I believe that the best thing about running is the joy it brings to life. ~ Kara Goucher.
So these were the 35 top Kara Goucher quotes and sayings.
If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other posts on Janis Joplin quotes and Melody Beattie quotes.
Short Biography of Kara Goucher
An accomplished American long-distance runner, this athlete shone at the 2007 World Championships and competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
Before her fame, she dominated in high school cross-country in Duluth, Minnesota, and later became a three-time NCAA champ at the University of Colorado.
| Full Name | Kara Goucher |
| Born | July 9, 1978 (age 45 years), Queens, New York, United States |
| Spouse | Adam Goucher (m. 2001) |
| Weight | 56 kg |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Country | United States |
| Event(s) | 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, marathon |
| College Team | Colorado Buffaloes |
| Parents | Mirko Grgas, Patty Wheeler |
| Siblings | Kendall Wheeler, Kelly Wheeler |
Notably, she set a U.S. record at the Great North Run in 2007. Married to Adam Goucher, another Olympic runner, they have a son named Colton.
She was a teammate of Julie Culley at the 2012 Olympics.
Quick Facts about Kara Goucher
- Kara Goucher, originally named Kara Grgas, was born on July 9, 1978, in Queens, New York.
- She moved to Duluth, Minnesota at the age of four after her father’s tragic death caused by a drunk driver.
- Goucher changed her last name to her stepfather’s, becoming Kara Grgas-Wheeler, and ran for Duluth East in high school.
- She married fellow US Olympian Adam Goucher in 2001 and they have a son named Colt, born in 2010.
- The Goucher family relocated from Portland, Oregon, to Boulder, Colorado in 2014.
- Kara was diagnosed with repetitive exercise dystonia in 2021, affecting her leg sensation and running ability.
- At the University of Colorado, she became the NCAA Outdoor Champion in 3000 m and 5000 m, and the NCAA Cross Country Champion.
- Goucher won a silver medal in the 10,000 m at the 2007 World Championships and competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
- She made her marathon debut in 2008 at the New York City Marathon, finishing third.
- Goucher placed third at the Boston Marathon in 2009 and tenth in the 2009 World Championships marathon.
- Post becoming a mother in 2010, she returned to competitive running, setting personal bests and securing podium finishes in various races.
- She qualified for the 2012 Olympics at the U.S. Olympic marathon trials and placed 11th in the London Olympics marathon.
- Goucher finished sixth at the 2013 Boston Marathon, which was later disrupted by a tragic bombing.
- In her post-running career, she joined Oiselle, a women-run running clothing company, in 2014.
- She has called prestigious races, including the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, from the announcer’s booth.
- Together with Des Linden, Goucher started a podcast in 2023 called “Nobody Asked Us,” discussing running-related topics.
- She released a book in 2023 titled “The Longest Race,” which became a New York Times Bestseller.
- Goucher’s personal bests include a 1:06:57 half marathon and a 2:24:52 marathon.
- She set American records and achieved top finishes across a range of distances from 1500 m to the marathon.
- Kara and Adam Goucher both hold individual NCAA cross country titles, showcasing their athletic prowess.
Top Questions about Kara Goucher
A: Kara Goucher calls Boulder home.
A: Her memoir talks about her time training with Nike, touching on a tough culture and her observations of her coach and possibly teammates using banned substances.
A: No, she didn’t win, but she did secure a third-place finish at the Boston Marathon in 2009.
A: Kara began running at six, inspired by her grandpa who was passionate about running. She’s always been drawn to cross country and longer track events.
A: Kara’s personal best in the 1500M event is 4:05:14.
A: In 2016, Kara Goucher finished 4th at the Olympic Trials Marathon.
A: Kara took 1st place at the 2015 Rock and Roll San Antonio Half Marathon.
A: Kara placed 6th at the 2013 Boston Marathon, and her personal best marathon time is 2:24:52.
A: Kara was named the University of Colorado Female Athlete of the Year twice, in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.
A: Kara loves the O-mazing style for her running gear, particularly appreciating the fit and the pockets on the waist for essentials like gels and keys.
A: Kara’s competitive spirit was sparked when she was tripped at the start of a mile race at age six, fell, and was determined to catch up despite the setback.
A: Beyond running, Kara enjoys calling races, reading, cooking, and spending quality time with her family.
Accomplishments of Kara Goucher
- 3-time NCAA Champion (cross county, 3000 meters, 5000 meters).
- World Championship Silver Medalist in 10,000 meters (2007).
- Beijing Olympics 8th in the 5000 meter and 9th in the 10000 (2008).
- 3rd NYC Marathon (2008).
- Faster half-marathon by an American (66:57).
- 3rd NYC Marathon (2008).
- 3rd Boston Marathon (2009).
- 10th in London Olympic Marathon (2012).
- 3rd North Face 50k California (2019).
