It’s hard to believe that Nicole Chyr didn’t get into distance running until her college years. What’s possibly even more surprising is that Nicole has a 6-year old son, works a full-time job, and still has time to put in 75-mile weeks and garner top honors in Colorado’s top races.
Maybe it’s Nicole’s Colorado nativity, or possibly the incredible support she has from her family, but after reading through Nicole’s interview, I tend to lean towards her positive attitude and raw approach to running: hard work, healthy living, and a deep determination to the sport she loves.
Quick Stats
Name: Nicole Chyr
Age: 35
Hometown & Current: Englewood Colorado –both hometown and current
Professional & Educational background: Degree in Exercise and Health Science from Colorado State University
Sports participated in: Softball and Lacrosse in high school, got into distance running in College
Years in current sport: Elite for the last 4 years
Racing Team: Newton Running Elite
Sponsors/Affiliations: Newton Running
Nicole says: I wouldn’t be where I am in running without the support of my family. They have helped to make me who I am today, and I could never thank them enough for all the support they have provided along the way.
The Long Run
What are some of the biggest highlights in your racing career?
Winning my 1st half marathon in 2008. It was the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon which unfortunately is no longer operating. I had never won a race in my life, and all of a sudden I started placing in many of the local races I ran it. Winning Maui in 2011 was awesome, but being able to hit the sub 2:50 at CIM a few months later was so exciting for me. I guess I had no idea what I could really do with running until I participated in this race, and coming minutes from the Olympic Time Trial qualifier was surreal.
What are your long-term goals? What do you want to achieve as an athlete?
I’d like to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Tine Trials, and train to hit a low 2:40 marathon, and run a sub 1:20 half marathon, but mostly I want to stay healthy so I can continue to compete. Running and working out is my saving grace, as it is for many, and I want my son to see that if you put the time and dedication into a sport, you can be successful.
Why Colorado? What makes Colorado so special for endurance athletes? What makes Colorado special to YOU?
I was born and raised in Colorado and my family is here so this will always be home. I love Colorado because you can potentially run in shorts on Christmas Day; there aren’t too many days here that you are forced to run on a treadmill. The trails that are available to runners are great, and I think the overall healthy/active lifestyles that Coloradans lead help to motivate a lot of us.
Middle Distance
Take us through a “day in the life,” what type of training regimen do you follow?
I try to run at least 5 days per week, and hit a couple of 2 a days twice a week. I also follow a strength training program and try and lift at least 2-3 times per week, really focusing on my legs and core. I get in runs at all different times because of my schedule.
What are one or two things you currently do in your training that are keys to your success?
Running with people who are faster than me, and training with the trainers at Viking Power Fitness. We focus a lot on core exercises and leg strength.
Do you follow any specific nutrition plans? What are you favorite recovery meals, drinks, etc.?
I like healthy food so I don’t ever feel like I’m restricting myself. I eat a ton of brown rice, veggies, salmon and ground turkey, and I love fruit especially in my protein drinks. My favorite recovery drink is either a Chocolate Orgain, or a Black and White Coffee from Ink. I have learned to intake more calories and to add more carbs into my diet than I did a few years back, and I think that has also played a role in my success.
Do you have any recommended resources to share (books, seminars, websites, coaches)?
Tristan Mitchell is the best audio book/running coach I have ever had! He talks the entire time we run, but he is full of knowledge on how to be a better runner, and he helps runners of all levels achieve the next level.
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Hitting high mileage is my biggest challenge because I work full time, and have a 6 year old, so trying to log more than 75 miles a week is almost impossible. I try to make every workout a quality workout, which helps me to maintain my level of fitness with only 50-75 miles per week.
What are your favorite races in Colorado?
Denver Marathon for sure! The crowd is always so inspiring and the course is one I’m very familiar with. I also like the Greenland Trail Run, and the Teva Vail Hill climb just to switch up the terrain and experience the beauty that Colorado has to offer.
Where do you like to train in Colorado?
Highline Canal is the number one trail I run on. It’s right up the street from my house, and offers miles of trail without a lot of traffic. I also run the Platte in the winter because it’s generally always plowed of snow.
Sprints
Favorite running shoe: Only Netwon!
Favorite post-run/race beverage: Black and White Ink from Coffee
Favorite post-run/race meal: Scrambled eggs and spinach on a whole wheat tortilla and a red bull vodka.
Role models: My Newton Teammates. They are amazing runners! I’m honored to be on a team with them!
Day job: Patient Coordinator for a surgeon in Lone Tree
Solo runner, running partner or team/group? I like to run with a group for long runs because we chit chat and that helps to make the runs seem to go by faster. But I like to do my tempo runs either alone or with someone who is faster, to help me concentrate on my stride and breathing.
Favorite Restaurant: Ocean Prime
Favorite Coffee Shop: Ink Coffee
Favorite Bar: My backyard patio
Favorite Running Store: Boulder Running Company off Arapahoe Road—employees are great!
Favorite non-running activity: Spending time with my son Lucas and our black lab Moose
Favorite TV Show: Modern Family
Favorite book: Born to Run inspired me
Favorite movie: I don’t really have one but I love to watch stand up comedies
Podium
Have you experienced a breakthrough, and if so, what led to it?
Having my son was a breakthrough for me because all of a sudden it wasn’t just about me anymore. He changed my life for the better, which also helped me to become more serious about running.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Your body can do more than you think it can.
Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by? That you train by?
I’m just happy that I’m healthy enough to be able to do the things I do. Life can change within the blink of an eye, so I try and remember to enjoy and appreciate what I get to do today, because it could all change tomorrow.
What keeps you motivated? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Other runners and athletes in general keep me inspired. I love to see people accomplish great goals; that fires me up and makes me want to work harder so I can continue to make gains and get better. I love how it feels after you put your body through a taxing event and succeed. It motivates me to push even more!