Name: Dana Kracaw
Age: 36
Important life realities (kids, two jobs, go to school, work big job, etc.): Grind hard at work for LinkedIn
What’s your favorite sport/season? Winter! Skiing!
If you’re having a cocktail and reminiscing, what training/racing story are you likely to tell?: Last year at the GT my partner and I missed all the COVID waves, beacon check was shut and we just casually strolled in, waited for someone to check our beacons and started. NBD. We finished 3rd. That was a lot of passing.
What’s your go-to pump-up song before a workout or race?: Right now, Halsey – I’m not a woman, I’m a god
What’s your favorite training or race fuel? Store bought or homemade? Donuts. Bought.
Do you have any pre-race superstitions? I used to think if I brushed my teeth the morning of my race, it was bad luck. Gross.
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to younger-athlete-you?: It’s all good. The non training days are the best days. Slow down, spend more time with friends and family.
Do you have a motto?: Stay humble.
Any big races or adventures coming up?: TDS!!!!!!!!
Do you prefer training partners or solo missions?: Both. After long days at work and meetings, I love to go solo and have the quiet. But I also love long days with my friends and partner!
What advice do you have for someone trying to do what you’ve done in sport?: Be kind, use your network, stay safe.
Why do you keep training?: Cause I’m old. Nah, it’s something to help my gears move for bigger efficient days in the mountains. Training is a means to the end for me!
Do you have short or long term goals that keep you focused?: Yes……both. Short is to build fast twitch muscles, long is to see as much as I can on my feet.
Is there a memorable piece of advice from your coach that really stuck with you?: I think Joe said this to me in 2014 – suck it up, toughen up.
