Today on the podcast I’m talking with Krissy Gear — 2023 U.S. steeplechase champion, road mile champion, and fresh off a win at the NACAC steeplechase. She’s lining up for the Fifth Avenue Mile this weekend, so the timing of this conversation is perfect.

I first met Krissy at the Sir Walter Mile in Raleigh, and I knew right away I wanted to have her on the show. She’s fun, curious, thoughtful, and one of the biggest cheerleaders for the people around her. In this conversation, Krissy opens up about her journey from Furman to Arkansas, how she found her way into the steeplechase, and what it’s been like to train on her own after leaving NAZ Elite. She talks candidly about navigating confidence, nerves, and the mental side of racing — plus what she’s learning about setting boundaries, keeping perspective, and building trust in herself.

You’ll also hear some lighthearted stories — about her dog Miss Oat, her boyfriend Michael, running with her Flagstaff crew, and even playing Fortnite with friends. Krissy is genuine, honest, and refreshingly open about both the highs and the challenges of professional running. I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her just like I did.

Topics Discussed:

Miss Oat the dog and how having a dog in college shaped Krissy’s routine
College experience during COVID and transitioning from Furman to Arkansas
NACAC steeplechase win and what the small field was like
Sir Walter Mile experience
Relationship with her boyfriend (meeting story, running goals, Whole Foods job, RBF stereotype)
Running history: pole vault beginnings, high school mile and state titles, progression to steeplechase
Transition from NAZ Elite to training independently with Hayden Cox, contract structure, and HOKA details
Mental side of racing: therapy, nerves vs. excitement, building confidence, and her sunflower timing quote

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