Kirtana wears many hats: lawyer, policy analyst, yoga facilitator, wife, and mother. She also is a longtime-runner and placed in last year's Casey Cares 5K Top 10 overall and 3rd place in the Female Division!

At first, "while living in Chicago in my mid-twenties, I ran 3-4 times a week," she says. 

Kirtana continues, "Initially, I ran to destress from the rigors of law school. Running helped me step back from studying and writing briefs and simply focus on the task at hand: putting one foot in front of the other."

Soon, running transformed Kirtana's mindset. "It became a moving meditation for me.  And after every run, no matter how many miles I ran, I felt at ease with myself in the present moment, physically and mentally."

For Kirtana, the best part of running is two-fold.

She loves that running lets her learn "how to embrace the seasonal highs and lows of life.  Running has shown me that no season will be the same. I have experienced personal bests as well as setbacks. Both have taught me to accept things as they are which can feel very challenging, especially when it’s a setback such as an injury, practice gratitude for what my body can do, and cultivate patience with myself and my body." 

"The best part of running or walking is that you can show up as you are. Whatever pace you run or walk is a testament to your courage for showing up for yourself," she adds. 

Hydration is key and Kirtana is no stranger to it! Her running essentials are her "Nathan Water bottle and Nuun hydration. As I get older and wiser, I am learning the importance of hydrating properly and its impact on my physical well-being and recovery."

Kirtana has great words of wisdom for Casey Cares 5K runners!

"There is an African proverb that comes to mind, 'If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.' I chose to participate in the Casey Cares 5K last year because I want families and their children to know that they are not alone during what may be one of the most challenging times of their lives. When we come together to support one another, we can truly go further as a community and create a greater sense of belonging and unity for all of us," she concludes.

Thank you Kirtana for your positive spirit! Come together and build your team in support of Casey Cares programs for critically ill children - click here to register today before the July 15th t-shirt deadline!