This week on '20 Questions' we spoke with Megan Kienholz. Kienholz is ranked eighth in the Big Sky in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes, 15.01 seconds.
20Q: How did you get started in track & field?
MK: I unintentionally found my love for track and running through other sports. I used to be involved with basketball and softball where I found that I enjoyed hustling up and down the court, punishment running, and only getting on base so I could run around them. Finally, I decided to go out for my hometown's middle school track & field team where I fell in love with running in circles and testing my speed against others. It's been my life ever since.
20Q: Describe your event and what you love about it?
MK: I run the 800-meter, which is a half a mile and a fast paced mid-distance race, which, I know, I must be insane. When I tell people that run the 800 they look at me with a bewildered expression and tell me I'm crazy. The 800 is one of the toughest races containing both speed and endurance, but that's exactly why I do it and love it so much. I love to push myself and fight to the very last second, giving it everything I have.
20Q: What is your goal for the season?
MK: My goal this season is to run a two-second personal best and thereby qualify for our indoor conference meet. I have been dreaming of that day for a while now and I am determined to make it there and compete along side my talented teammates and competitors.
20Q: What does a typical day in your life look like?
MK: A typical day for me during the week is pretty simple. I have fewer classes this semester, which is helpful towards both my academics and training. It balances out both nicely so I have time to focus on each during their designated times. I usually get up and eat breakfast. Then read a book for fun or do some homework. Go to class. Eat lunch, and then go to more classes. Suit up for practice (must put on three layers to survive the cold and wind). Run a hard workout or go for a 5-mile run. Lift weights, eat dinner, start up some homework, hangout with my roommates, watch some Netflix to relax myself and then go to bed. Then get up and repeat the next day!
20Q: Which athlete inspires you the most?
MK: Lindsey Vonn has always inspired me. Both of us being from the St. Paul, Minn., area, she has opened my eyes to the fact that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can fulfill your dreams if you put your mind to it. Most of the time you hear about others from around the world becoming famous and successful, and usually no one that you really know or can relate to. However, in this case Lindsey was from a town near mine and grew up just like me, striving to reach her goals as an athlete and in the end making it to the Olympics and winning gold. She makes me believe that anything is possible.
20Q: What would you like to be remembered for?
MK: For my hard work and always doing the best I can. I am a firm believer that no matter the outcome, as long as you are trying your hardest and doing everything you can to do your best, your moving forward towards success.
20Q: What is your pre-competition ritual, if you have one?
MK: Before every race I eat 4-5 bites of an apple. Don't ask why… It started long ago and without those few bites I simply just don't feel prepared.
20Q: What are your hobbies outside of athletics?
MK: Outside of running I love to color and read. They are two of my favorite past times that help me escape the crazy reality of life.
20Q: What is the best thing about living where you do?
MK: The best thing about Grand Forks is the people. One of the reasons I liked UND so much before coming to school here was how genuine everyone was. The community, my friends, coaches, and professors have made living here an easy place to call home.
20Q: Name one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
MK: Before getting to know me, many people would not know about my obsession for doughnuts. Some might be surprised at how many doughnuts my small body can consume.
20Q: The worst or most challenging part of being an athlete?
MK: Managing my time is a challenge for me as an athlete. Between practice, class, traveling, healing injuries, and competing, athletes have to find time for homework, family, friends, and ourselves. There is a lot that athletes must manage at once but it also gives us all the great qualities of having priorities and responsibility.
20Q: The best part of being an athlete?
MK: I believe the best part about being an athlete is getting to travel the country with my best friends. I think it is such an amazing opportunity to have and plus, who wouldn't love flying, running through airports, and matching outfits with 80 of your closest friends?!
20Q: If you weren't an athlete, what would you be doing?
MK: If I were not an athlete I would love to have a job working with kids. I am an education major and adore kids and their innocent humor and loving energy. I think spending my free time between/after classes with them would be tons of fun and extremely beneficial.
20Q: If you could do any event in track & field, what would it be & why?
MK: Oh, that's easy! I would love to throw shot put, discus, weight, or hammer. For those who do not know me, I am very petite and have very little upper body strength, so to be able to whip around and throw something heavy would be pretty enjoyable and entertaining to me.
20Q: Who has made the biggest impact in your life?
MK: There are a lot of people who have impacted my life but my parents are my biggest fans, supporters, and motivators. They are incredible people and have the biggest hearts. I am beyond grateful for what they have done in my life and they are the reasons I am doing what I do now. Both my parents were athletes when they were younger so they understand the hard work, sweat, and time put in as an athlete. They also are both teachers back in my hometown and have been a huge influence in my studies towards becoming a teacher. They are both great educators and are so humble. They make me excited to get into the classroom and to be able to help my own students grow.
20Q: What is your goal after you graduate?
MK: My goal after I graduate is to become an elementary teacher back in the cities. I would love to teach 2nd or 3rd grade because kids at that age are still in love with learning and school but are also independent workers. Another goal of mine is to be a running coach. Whether that is in cross country or track, it would be a dream of mine to be a head coach of the distance crew. Running has always been a passion of mine and I would love to motivate young runners to reach their greatest potential.
20Q: How would your teammates describe you?
MK: My teammates would most likely describe me as dedicated, smiley, and friendly. I am always saying hi to others and asking, “How are you?” I love making others around me smile and feel good about themselves.
20Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?
MK: My favorite movie of all time would probably be the Disney movie Tangled. The first time I watched this movie it was so good I had to watch it again. It makes me laugh every time and I have watched it so many times that I know all the words to the songs.
20Q: Which road trip are you most looking forward to this season and why?
MK: I'm most looking forward to our spring California training trip. That trip is always around the middle of the season where everyone is hitting great times and marks. With the great weather and good competition, qualifying for our outdoor conference meet is very possible and I hope to do just that!
20Q: What makes UND special to you?
MK: UND is special to me because I am the first person in my family to go to school here and over the years I've made Grand Forks my own place. I love it when my family comes to visit so I can share the experience of hockey games, freezing weather, crazy wind, and UND pride with them. Being apart of the Grand Forks community and the camaraderie of UND's sports is something that I will always cherish.
