Hi, my name’s Kristin and I’m a 24 year-old Southern newlywed with a huge interest in healthy eating, exercise and most importantly, living a happy, fun and active life.
I have always been a very active person. I became a competitive gymnast at the early age of 7, took a State Title on the balance beam at 9 years old, and my fierce love for competition has stuck around since.
After 8 years, I gave up gymnastics and quickly got involved in track and cheerleading. My tumbling skills proved extremely beneficial and I became a die-hard competitive cheerleader throughout high school.
After 8 years, I gave up gymnastics and quickly got involved in track and cheerleading. My tumbling skills proved extremely beneficial and I became a die-hard competitive cheerleader throughout high school.
I entered college at The University of South Carolina in 2005. Despite the late nights and fraternity mixers, I was determined to fight the “Freshmen 15,” so I was a regular at our campus gym. Group exercise classes became a standard on my calendar (my favorites being Kickboxing and Pilates). I’ll admit- I wasn’t intrigued with running at this point; growing up in sports, running always meant punishment, so it was hard to perceive it as something “good."
Once I graduated college and moved back home to Rock Hill, I immediately joined our local gym, Omni. The summer after graduation, my high-school sweetheart, Cory, proposed. I knew I wanted to be in the best shape of my life, for the biggest day of my life. I hired a personal trainer and began working out much more seriously and developed a passion for healthy eating. I lost about 20 lbs and felt great! My trainer exposed me to many new types of exercises, including outdoor, boot-camp style workouts and indoor gym-wide fitness competitions. My competitive drive pulled me in full force and I was hooked!
At this point, I was working out 5-6 days a week, but was nervous that I would lose motivation for my new exercise regimen once the wedding was over. So, I signed Cory and I up for our very first 5k, scheduled for August; one month after the wedding. Little did I know that that race would change my life. While Cory vows to never ever run another race, I finally felt like I’d found “my thing” and have developed a strong passion for running.
 |
| My first race! |
Running lets my mind and feet wander freely while giving me the outlet for my competitive need. I absolutely love the thrill of a race, the crowds cheering, the nervous/anxious feeling before and the sense of accomplishment after.
I've run one trail 5K, two road 5K's, one 4-miler, one 5-miler, a 10k and two Half Marathons. Call me crazy, but I'm on my way to a Marathon in the Fall, and couldn't be happier!
I've run one trail 5K, two road 5K's, one 4-miler, one 5-miler, a 10k and two Half Marathons. Call me crazy, but I'm on my way to a Marathon in the Fall, and couldn't be happier!
Cory and I live in Rock Hill, SC with our two babies- Anney and Lily. Anney is a four year old Lhasa Apso that has enough personality to keep us rolling on the floor. She is absolutely hilarious and the highlight of most of my days. She is definitely a “mama’s girl,” but we’re hoping to get a “daddy’s boy” when we move into a larger place.
Lily was an Easter present from Cory two years ago. She is a Lop Ear bunny that loves to annoy her mom and dad with loud thumping and scratching. She can be a sweet pea, but also has a little temper when she wants out to play or half of her mama's banana!
 |
| Bad Hair Day |
 |
| Liller Bug |
I am so blessed to have both mine and Cory’s families all living in Rock Hill. They are our backbone and support us no matter what. I have the grand pleasure of being the middle child and have 2 amazing sisters (Jennifer and Melissa) and the best mom that’s ever lived. I also have two brother-in-laws, Jennifer’s husband, Tony, and Cory’s brother Chad; and one sister-in-law, Chad’s wife Page. Chad and Page have a sweet new baby, Reagan, who has stolen all of our hearts, as the first grandbaby on all sides of the family. Cory’s parents are the best in-laws and treat me like I’m their own daughter. I know they would do anything in the world for me if I asked and have always, always been there for me and my family.
 |
| Mom, Jen, Tony, Melissa and myself |
 |
| The girls- Jen, Me, Mom, Melissa |
 |
| The Hinton Family: Cory, Me, Steve, Julie, Page and Chad |
Follow me throughout my journey as I plunge into life face first as a newlywed, exercise enthusiast, and runner! I’ll try to keep my blog updated with workouts, eats and daily adventures while holding myself accountable; and hopefully I'll have the pleasure of inspiring a few others to embrace life by becoming active!
Please feel free to email me at southrnrunner@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions. Thanks!
