Running Found Me At 30

/May 3, 2026

There’s something powerful about becoming a runner later in life—not because it’s easy, but because it’s honest. It strips away ego, pace, and comparison, leaving behind something far more meaningful: choice. Lindsay Kirchhoff’s story isn’t about podiums or personal bests. It’s about showing up after doubt. After kids. After wondering if you belong. Her journey into becoming a runner later is one built on quiet miles, evolving purpose, and the realization that consistency—not speed—is what defines success. And maybe that’s the story more of us need to hear.

Odd Duck Running Co. Athlete Spotlight

The Basics

Name: Lindsay Kirchhoff
Hometown / Where you are currently running: Indianapolis
Occupation or side hustle (optional): Nurse

Your Running Story

How did you get into running?I always wanted to “be” a runner. I tried track in high school, wasn’t that great, but loved being out there. I kept trying to “be” a runner as an adult but never felt like I belonged because I wasn’t fast and so wasn’t consistent. I didn’t really consider myself a runner until I was nearing 30 years old. I started a run/walk plan and found consistency after having my 2nd kid. It was my way to manage the postpartum feelings, get some personal time and reconnect with myself and be outside.

What keeps you coming back to it? The quiet time! 😁 My purpose keeps evolving. Over the last 10 years of running though, it is the opportunity to take care of myself and my future self in a way that clears my mind and helps me make better choices. I keep coming back to it because I have made lifelong friends, I learn that I can do really hard things (and still smile), and it settles my mind.

The “Odd Duck” Section

What makes you a little different as a runner? I really enjoy the slow easy runs alone and burning through audiobooks with the miles.
A quirky habit, superstition, or pre-race ritual: Gotta drink a ½ cup of black coffee before any run or race
Favorite weird or unexpected running snack: Cereal (Lucky Charms) and frozen dates with PB in the middle

Life Beyond the Miles

What does running give you outside of fitness?

Above all, it gives me mental stillness. I rely on running as part of therapy. On a run, the dust and chaos settle a bit, and I can reflect with some clarity.
Something you’re proud of that has nothing to do with running.I switched careers in my late 30s becoming a nurse. I’m thankful that I took the opportunity to make the change and for the support I had while going back to school. I love the way I can give back to my community as a nurse and the many ways it allows me to connect.

Community & Connection

How has the running community impacted you?One of my favorite people ever started as a “mom friend” and grew into my best running friend, motivating me to keep going, walk when needed, try new things and process daily life.

I’m otherwise a pretty solo runner. But over the last year I decided to set some bigger goals for myself. Motivation and community are essential. The Indianapolis running community has so much to offer. I am thankful for the inspiration put out by Average Athlete, Odd Duck, RTB… these groups have put out exactly what I needed in this moment to stay consistent and keep moving forward.
Advice for someone just starting out: Do it for you. Whether it’s a ½ mile, marathon, walk, run, bike, skip… make the choice but do it for you.
Shoutout to someone who’s inspired you (optional): I thought a lot about my inspirations as I ran to and from work today (little Odd Duck inspiration there 😉).

This was a scary thing for me to do, not because I didn’t think I could do it, but because it felt like really making myself visible in doing something and having a big giant goal in my future that I haven’t really talked with many people about… except for my 15 yr old daughter.

The first time I even hinted at thinking an ultra would be kind of cool one day she latched on to motivating me. She didn’t see the many obstacles I imagined and could not even fathom why I would care what anyone else thinks about when, where, and how I run. My daughter has always been the one to say “yes!” to any far out adventure I toss out there for a day. She sees and shuts down doubt sometimes before I even say anything. She’s the naggy (but in a bubbly way) voice in my head that pushes me another mile, or to do the wild out-there thing that I want to do regardless of what everyone else around me might say or think… I am inspired by her confidence. It’s a hard thing to manufacture at this age, but I will absolutely keep moving forward!

Looking Ahead

Current goals (races, adventures, or personal growth) I’m not typically a race person, but I am excited this year for a few that are just helping me stay consistent and giving me new experiences and opportunities to connect with my local running community.
- May 16 the Big 4 Trail High Five—excited to have my daughter run with me
- July 11 DINO Muscatatuck trail run—first trail 15k
- October 10 Hustle in the Heartland—this is what is keeping me most motivated right now. This is my toe dip into future ultra goals.
A dream race or challenge: I’d like to do 50k on a trail in the next year or 2.
What “success” in running looks like to you right now Success in this moment means consistency– making a choice every day that supports the goals I’ve set. Sometimes that means getting up and running 5 miles before work. Sometimes that means adjusting my plan for the week because my body needs more rest. All of the time it means listening and giving myself more grace. And daily mobility!
Last but not least: A mantra, phrase, or mindset you lean on: Just Breathe (thanks Pearl Jam)

Run • Tri • Bike serves the beginner endurance athlete by providing insight into the sports of running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon. We provide opportunities for athletes to learn about these sports by providing editorial that covers the nuances but we also look to inspire and motivate.