Jeff Benjamin and Deena Kastor, by Jeff Benjamin
Amanda Benjamin With Deena Kastor At The Finish Of The 2018 NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon, photo by Jeff Benjamin
This is Jeff Benjamin’s piece on Deena Kastor, one of the iconic athletes in our American sport.
Awaiting The Baton In The Relay Exchange Zone – Profiles Of Athletes, Coaches & Legends During The War Against Corona
Profile # 48 –
17-Time USA Champion in Cross country, on the roads and the track.
2-Time World Cross Country Silver Medalist
2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Marathon
American Marathon Record Holder, Marathon, (2:19:36)
Deena Kastor!
By Jeff Benjamin
How You Doing During This Time And What Kind Of Advice/Encouragement Can You Give People Of All Ages At This Time?
“My running routine has minimized to easy runs each day since there are no races on the schedule and I am a purpose driven runner. And since I have another full-time job in home schooling, much of my day is at my daughter’s desk.”
What advice can you give to runners, -especially youth, high school, collegiate- who are challenged during this time as well.
“Its okay to feel the burden and struggle right now, but then create tactics to be flexible and creative. Much of my recent purpose and joy comes from traveling and connecting with the running community, and since I can’t do that, I’ve been connecting remotely. I’ve created Air BnB experiences to cultivate optimism. My advice is controlling what you can, and then be creative and flexible.
Add these two things to your day:
1) Gratitude (write down 3 things to be grateful for each day. Identifying what you are grateful for releases serotonin and oxytocin into your bloodstream having a positive physiological effect on your body and mind. Never duplicate an item. and soon enough, you’ll be going about your day looking for all the good…and in doing so letting negative aspects of you day recede to the background.)
2) Add strategic joy. Show your subconscious you are deserving of kindness and good things. Listen to upbeat music, post fun quotes around your room, buy flowers on your next trip to the grocery store, draw a bath, or make funny faces in front of the mirror. There is always good and bad to focus on, but the point is giving power to and emphasizing the good in your life.”
To Order a copy of Denna’s book and to learn more about Deena please go to
