Kim Watkins has coached Team for Kids runners since 2010 and is excited to rejoin the team of coaches and the community at NYRR in 2021. Kim’s love of running began late in life, running her first race, a half marathon, just after she moved to New York in the 1990s. She completed her first marathon in 1997 and has since run the TCS New York City Marathon three other times. She has also run in Paris, Bermuda, and the Hamptons. She most recently ran the perimeter of Manhattan, (32 miles), in October 2020and strongly believes in the power of moving on two feet, regardless of age, speed, and competitive spirit. 

Kim also serves the NYC public school system as an elected official in Manhattan and is driven by the need to help the next generation learn how important it is to be healthy and happy as part of the educational experience. She lives in Harlem with her Rising NYRR sixth-grade daughter, husband, two cats, and a dog.

Q&A with Kim 

What Program do you coach?
Team for Kids

What languages do you speak?
English
French


How would you describe your coaching style?
Centered around fundamental mechanics, strength and stability, I try to mix scientific details into coaching sessions (on breathing, cadence, dominant leg strength, and posture while telling stories I've collected over the years about extraordinary people who have benefitted from marathon training. I am committed to long runs being slower than marathon pace, and to speed drills. I also love working with first time marathoners!


What is your proudest coaching moment?
Working virtually with a runner who suffered a life-changing injury (not running related), which was his motivation to start running. Getting him to the finish line on marathon day, despite his agony, showed the kind of grit and determination that defines the beauty of the human condition.



What is your favorite workout to coach and why?
The long run! It's an experience, a trip along the longer journey, and we get to know each other, struggle together, and celebrate the finish as a group!


How many years have you been coaching?
More than 10 years.


Please list any awards, achievements, or certifications below.
RRCA and NASM personal training


What is your favorite place to run in New York City?
Riverside Park



What is your favorite NYRR race?
Anything with all women!



What is your personal running motto?
Run to live, live to run!