Stevie Kremer has been dominating the trail and mountain running scene for all of the three years she has been competing. You can typically find her standing atop the women’s podium, in addition to finishing towards the top of the overall standings and with the men.
It’s true – Kremer easily wins in the female category in the majority of the races she enters, and she gives the men a run for their money too. This young, 28-year old first grade teacher and resident of Crested Butte, Colorado, is taking the mountain and trail running scene by storm.
Kremer is currently living, working, training and playing in Trieste, Italy for the year. As a proud member of the 2012 Women’s US Mountain Running Team, Kremer recently took 2nd at the Sierre Zinal Race in Switzerland, 7th at the World Mountain Running Championships in Ponte di Legno (USA won gold), and she won the Long Distance World Championships at the JungFrau Marathon in Interlaken.
Kremer has clearly made a name for herself – both locally here in Colorado – and now nationally as a top athlete competing against the best mountain runners in the world.
Read on to learn about how Kremer’s easy going attitude and appreciation for the support systems in her life allow her to excel and push herself to be the best that she can be.
Quick Stats
Name: Stevie Kremer
Age: 28
Hometown & Current: Crested Butte but living in Trieste, Italy for the year
Professional & Educational background: I am a 1st grade teacher at the International School of Trieste
Sports participated in: Running and Ski Mountaineering
Years in current sport: Running- 3rd summer of competitive running and it will be my 3rd winter of competitive SkiMo racing
Sponsors/Affiliations: Team Salomon and Power Bar
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
For 2012 I was 2nd at the Sierre Zinal Race in Switzerland and 7th at the World Mountain Running Championships in Ponte di Legno (USA won gold) and I won the Long Distance World Championships at the JungFrau Marathon in Interlaken.
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I would love to continue racing competitively in Europe and throughout the World. I would be thrilled to go back to Sierre Zinal and the JungFrau Marathon and improve my times for both, as well as explore other competitive races throughout the World.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
Colorado is such a beautiful state, with mountains and lakes all around it. I especially love Crested Butte because of the variety of trails and terrain and the picturesque landscape that is all around no matter where you are.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I really enjoy waking up and starting my day with a run-no matter what time I have to be at work! It wakes me up and gets me ready to go! In CO, I would typically run up a dirt road in my backyard, while here in Trieste, I run closer to the water in the mornings. In the afternoons, if I have time and especially if I haven’t run in the morning, I like to find different trails to explore and run on.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
As of recently I have found the importance of speed work. Although I don’t use a timer or stop watch when I do speed work and intervals, I try to push myself as hard as I can for that certain amount of time.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are you favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
I don’t have any specific nutrition plans. I do have a “pre race meal” I eat before every race- Power Bar Protein Plus Vanilla Yogurt bar.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
One of my biggest challenges is going into a race with a positive attitude. I know that sounds awful, but I get so nervous for races and expectations, I just never want to let myself or anyone around me down. Of course in my head, I tell myself to just try my hardest and that’s the best I can do, and I am so lucky for all the positive support I have from family and friends all around me.
What are your favorite races in Colorado? Why?
The Golden Leaf Half Marathon in Aspen, CO is my favorite race. It is during the fall when the Aspen leaves are changing and it is a rolling course through The Government Trails. On top of phenomenal views and terrain, it is wonderfully supported and directed. I have run the Golden Leaf for four years now. I have to say, I have a new bucket list race-The Sierre Zinal 31K Race in Switzerland. It had breathtaking views no matter where you are on the course, the crowds are amazing and course is hilly and never lets up.
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
I love to train in and on any mountains in the state! I love the diverse terrain and the trails and love that the views are always changing.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Salomon SpeedCross 3
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Water then Beer 
Favorite post-run/race meal: Frozen Yogurt
Role models: People who are always smiling and being positive
Day job: 1st Grade Teacher
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? I love running on my own and clearing my head, but I genuinely miss my running partners from Crested Butte whom I ran with at least 2 times a week. It’s always fun to run with friends and enjoy the view with someone else.
Favorite Restaurant: Lils in Crested Butte
Favorite Coffee Shop: Camp 4 Coffee
Favorite Bar: Brick Oven
Favorite non-running activity: Ski Mountaineering and eating
Favorite TV Show: The Bachelor
Favorite book: “Good Night, Mr. Tom”
Favorite movie: Grease
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
I just recently experienced my biggest finish at the 2012 Long Distance World Championships at the JungFrau Marathon in Interlaken, Switzerland, where I placed first.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
“Stay focused, positive, and just enjoy.”
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Having such a supportive and encouraging family, as well as friends that are constantly cheering me on, helps me to continue striving to train harder and run faster.
September 26, 2012 by Amanda Hodges
Athlete Profiles, Regional News