It’s no secret that NRC is full of incredible people that are amazing runners and amazing people and our next Runner Spotlight checks both of those boxes! He’s spent his career teaching and researching MRI technology at a prestigious medical school, while raising a family of three boys alongside his wife, Mindy. His running resume is impressive too despite only having started running less than 10 years ago. I’ve logged many miles with Kevin Harkins and as always, the process of completing the Runner Spotlight article brought new insights about Kevin, even to me. Read on to learn more about him, including why he got started with NRC, his desire for hilly races (see the question about his running accomplishments thus far), and what he hopes is an NRC trip to the Grand Canyon someday. As always, I was inspired to hear Kevin’s story and I hope you are too!
NRC: Where are you from and how did you make your way to the Nolensville area?
Kevin: I am originally from Phoenix, Arizona and I have lived in many cities in Arizona, including Tucson and Flagstaff. I like to say, “If you’ve heard of it in Arizona, chances are I’ve lived there.” After graduate school, I moved to Tennessee in 2009 to work as a postdoctoral fellow at Vanderbilt and the rest is history.
NRC: What is your occupation and something you enjoy about it?
Kevin: I am a Research Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University. I do teach occasionally, but I primarily spend my time researching and developing new technology for MRI scans. I love my job- it’s intellectually stimulating, and I get creative solving problems. One of the projects I am currently working and excited about is the use of MRI technology to detect bone fragility; usually, those tests are done by DEXA, x-ray, or CT scans, but we have been developing specialized MRI scans that are sensitive to bone health. I also love that my job allows me to be flexible with family needs. And I get to travel from time to time- in fact, I am headed to Singapore this summer!
NRC: Wow! That sounds very cool and rewarding to do every day. When you’re not at work, how do you like to spend time with your family? Can you tell us a little bit more about them?
Kevin: My wife, Mindy, and I have three boys (ages 18, 14, 12), so we stay busy. They all run cross country and track at either Woodland Middle School or Ravenwood High School. Mindy ran prior to her stroke, so they get the running bug honestly, though I didn’t start until about 10 years ago! We spend a lot of time shuttling our kids to different events and Mindy just started volunteering at the library.
NRC: It sounds like you’re relatively new to running then. What was your experience with running growing up? Did you play any sports as a child?
Kevin: I wrestled in high school, but I was more of a Theater and Choir nerd back then. Once in college, I started cycling. As part of a relay team, we raced mountain bikes for 24 hours (similar set up to the local Black Toe Relay Race).
NRC: You mentioned making fun of runners when you were younger and look at you now! Was there a specific motivation to start running? When did running become part of your life?
Kevin: Exercise in general is a major outlet for coping with stress, both with work and family. In 2015, I was weightlifting with a friend, Matt, who was training for the Franklin Classic 5K and he talked me into doing it with him. Before that, I had several “false starts” where I’d start running but I never stuck with it long-term. However, finishing the 5K with Matt really propelled me into becoming a runner.
NRC: I think many of our club members can relate to that story- a friend peer pressuring you into a race that you love and then you sign up for more! How did you hear about NRC?
Kevin: My first experience with NRC was at that Franklin Classic 5K in 2015. There was a big contingency there from the club and I remember thinking how odd it was that they were all so happy and excited to be running a 5K! Not long after that race, my friend, Matt stopped running due to an injury and I came to NRC to meet some new running friends and give me the accountability I needed to keep running.
NRC: Many NRCers find lifetime friendships and the accountability here- we love that you have too! What is one of your favorite memories with NRC thus far?
Kevin: Like everyone, I really enjoy the destination races! Some recent favorites are the Memphis St. Jude Marathon in 2022 and the Stump Jump 10 Miler in 2023. I really like the chance to get to know the people I run with better during the road trip or the extra time hanging out at dinner the night before the race. I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys the break from family and the day-to-day; as my kids have gotten older, it’s easier for me to be able to do the destination races as well.
NRC: Destination races are the best! Who in NRC has been most motivating to you and in what ways?
Kevin: It’s so hard to NOT be motivated by some of the accomplishments of NRC members- Jason Loyd, Eric Waterman, and Joe Relyea are all so impressive! I also really love (and appreciate) the accountability from ALL my Wednesday and Saturday running crew- Scott Alexander, Andy Michael, Andy Dabson, Michael Teague, Andrea Klint, and Ruth Wilkins to name just a few. And of course, Wendy Mucci! But I assume everyone is motivated by Wendy Mucci?!
NRC: We could not agree more with each of those folks you named for motivation. We really do have some incredible runners in our midst. Let’s talk about your running accomplishments thus far- any favorites or races you’re particularly proud of?
Kevin: One of my proudest running accomplishments thus far was a continuous streak where I ran at least one mile for 501 days! It all started when Scott Alexander challenged us to run outside every day in January 2017; I completed January and just decided to keep going until I ended the streak right before my 50K in May 2018. In terms of racing accomplishments, I’ve had a few podium finishes, including placing 2nd overall in the Music City Trail 12K in 2017 and winning my age group at Smyrna Parks 5K in 2018. I’ve completed one ultramarathon (Gnaw Bone 50K in Nashville, Indiana) and five marathons so far- four of those five marathons are the Flying Monkey Marathon run right here in Percy Warner Park; my only other marathon is the Memphis St. Jude race. I guess hills don’t scare me; in fact, I’d argue you “get over them” (pun intended!).
NRC: We like what you did there! Those are some challenging and hilly races. How have you dealt with injuries or training setbacks? What has helped you train through the challenges?
Kevin: I’ve dealt with Plantar Fasciitis and Runner’s Knee at various points. I focus on prevention and am very intentional about strengthening my feet to remain injury free; I walk barefoot and wear shoes without much support as much as possible. I also cross train by swinging kettle bells or training Brazilian jiu jitsu a couple times each week.
NRC: We hope those continue to keep injuries at bay for you. What are your current training goals?
Kevin: My primary training goal is the Louisville Marathon at the end of April (see my answer on destination races above!). I plan to run the Oak Barrel Half Marathon in April too.
NRC: I am sure many of your NRC friends will be joining you for both of those races! If there were no limitations, what race would you like to run?
Kevin: It’s not exactly a race, but Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim! It’s about 50 miles in total and I’d love to get a group from NRC to complete it with me. I’ve hiked some of the Grand Canyon but I’ve not run it nor completed that course.
NRC: We have no doubt you could get some takers for that run! Maybe a destination race for 2025? It would be a great way to celebrate 10 years of running for you!
In all seriousness, your consistency and discipline are impressive and we’re glad you took a chance on all the happy and excited NRCers you found at the Franklin 5K back in 2015. Congratulations, Kevin, and we are so glad you’re a part of the NRC family!
Speed Round:
NRC: Favorite mid run fuel?
Kevin: Kids applesauce pouches or PB&J sandwich. Truthfully, I am too lazy to buy real runner food/fuel so I just raid the kids’ snacks.
NRC: Name a hidden talent or something surprising about you that no one in NRC would guess.
Kevin: I play guitar and sing; in fact, I cowrote songs in college with someone who went on to be part of a band signed to a major label. They’re called the Railers and they’re on Wikipedia, so you know it’s legitimate.
NRC: Most scenic or unique place you’ve run?
Kevin: Most scenic would be the Monterrey Bay Half Marathon in California; most unique would be at the MacRitchie Reservoir in Singapore.
NRC: Any hobbies?
Kevin: Running (obviously), kettle bells, playing guitar, and spending time with family.
NRC: Favorite thing about winter?
Kevin: Getting out to run in the cold; it always feels like such an accomplishment when you finish!