Kir Selert
Women's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 2:36:18
Qualifying Race: 2022 Grandma's Marathon
Date of Birth
09/15/87
Age on Race Day
36
Current Residence
New Orleans, LA
Hometown
Westfield, NJ
Current Affiliation
Louisiana Running & Walking Company
Profession
Wordcrafter - Freelance/Self-employed
Marathon PB
2:36:18
First Trials qualification
No
Previous Trials
2020
Number of attempts to qualify
2
College(s)
Oberlin College
Career Highlights
14+ year running streak, beginning August 2009
Family
There are a lot of people I consider family, and I’m grateful for how they all are steadfast and grounding in their support. I started running to share and deepen a bond with my mom, Kim Schmidt/Selert, who ran marathons in the 1980s prior to having me. She was also the Division III national singles champion in tennis in 1980 and 1981, and I grew up admiring her mental toughness.
Greatest Accomplishment
Yikes! I try to feel that I navigate every day the best I can, and give as freely and deeply as I am able in each circumstance.
Interesting Story
I once ran circles inside the Amsterdam Airport for an hour, in sneakers and last night’s going-out clothes. I was holding my luggage with my headphones plugged in. After I missed my flight, I briefly fainted and called my mom. She told me a run would make me feel better. She was right.
Favorite Book
Book of Delights (Ross Gay), Heavy (Kiese Laymon), Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison), On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous (Ocean Vuong), and Salvage the Bones (Jesmyn Ward)
Favorite TV Show/Series
Big Mouth
Favorite Song
Naw Meen - Baby Boy Da Prince, Mannie Fresh
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Rice Krispies
Favorite Breakfast
Eggs, avocado, beans, plantains, ample hot sauce
Favorite Motivational Quote
“What is stronger than the human heart which shatters over and over and still lives.” – Rupi Kaur. "The sun and her flowers I create the whole universe, blink by blink." - John Gardner
Favorite Running Memory
It’s the day-to-day for me. I appreciate how running makes me feel – simultaneously a little free, a little floating, a little grounded – and how it’s allowed such deep, vulnerable and powerful connections.
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