Kera Reinhard is one of the 2021 recipients of the LVRR Scholarship.
LVRR: What college will you attend and intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
KR: I will be running cross country and track & field at Bucknell University and majoring in mathematics.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
KR: I was always a very active kid. I actually began to love running through playing soccer, when I started playing at the age of 5. I ran some of the Lehigh Valley area kids’ fun runs and eventually I ran the Emmaus Halloween 5k at the age of 8 in 26:47. I was hooked from then onward.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
KR: My greatest accomplishment was probably my senior year District XI cross country race, when we had to race in 2 heats because of the COVID pandemic. Only 1 team would advance to states, instead of 2 teams. The course was at Blue Mountain ski resort, and the conditions weren’t ideal with rain and mud, but I actually enjoyed the challenge. There were a pack of strong girls trailing me the entire race, and I heard their coaches telling them to make the move and pass me. I knew I couldn’t let them pass me in order for our team to make it to states. We finished 1-2-3 in our heat, and I finished 5th overall to qualify both individually and help our team make it to states.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to sink or swim: What did you learn from it?
KR: In addition to running at Emmaus High School, I also swim for our swim & dive team, which I have loved so much. My swim coaches, Coach O and Coach Doug, were so great, and I got progressively faster each year in high school. In the last few weeks of the season this past senior year, I experienced my first swimming injury. I was devastated and emotionally drained, after muddling through the altered swim season we had from COVID issues. I hadn’t had a best time yet. Liz, one of the trainers at our high school, not only helped me realize this injury was no big deal, but she also helped me emotionally. She treated my injury, and she got me back on my feet quickly without missing any meets. My next race back ended up being a 3 second PR in the 200 IM, which happened to be my favorite event. I learned to be thankful and grateful for my coaches and trainers, and that these setbacks we have in life often lead to great things.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
KR: My parents are definitely the most influential role models in my life. My mom and dad met running in college at Shippensburg University, and they continue to run races, do triathlons, coach, and workout together. Ever since I can remember, I’ve watched my mom, Kami Reinhard, work so hard in everything that she does and she cares so much about others. One of the best memories I have is when she took me on a mission’s trip to the Jamaican Christian School for the Deaf when I was 11 years old, which opened my eyes and changed my whole life. She shaved her head a few years ago for Shave for the Brave, and raised over $6,500 for children with pediatric cancer. My dad, R Reinhard, has taught me to work hard and be accountable for my choices, but not to sweat the small stuff. He still plays soccer too, and loves being a soccer referee on the weekends. Together, they have guided me that hard times will come and life isn’t always fair, but being honest, working hard, and helping others will allow you to overcome basically anything. As my mom says, “Let go, let God.”
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
KR: I am a worship leader at Bethany United Methodist Church, and I absolutely love working with the praise team.
LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
KR: When you start running, it usually feels pretty hard at first. But as you keep running, it feels easier and easier, and eventually you get to a point where running is a reward. Running is something you can do anywhere and at any time. All you need is a pair of running shoes. So, it’s a lifelong sport, that teaches a lot of discipline and patience, but ends up being a huge reward.
LVRR: Is anyone else in your family a runner?
KR: My mom, dad, and sister all run. Even my aunt and cousins run.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
KR: My favorite events are the 4x800m relay and the 1600m, but I ran anything from the 400m up to the 3200m. I actually really enjoyed running the 4x400m relay my senior year.
LVRR: What cross training do you incorporate into your running routine, if any? Do you focus more on cross training in the off season (if there is an off season for you!), or do you tend to cross train throughout the entire training cycle?
KR: I’ve found a lot of benefit in swimming and cycling to cross train. I typically cross train in the off season, then focus on the sport I’m in during the season. During cross country, my swim coaches would work with me to still have me in the pool a day or 2 a week. And during swimming, my track coaches would work with me to still run a day or 2 a week.
LVRR: What are the top three “little things” that you do to prevent injury?
KR: Sleep, foam roll, and stretch
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
KR: Pre-race: Chicken and rice with salad. Post-race: Go out to eat with my sister (Core Life, Chipotle, Chick-fil a)
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have you participated in?
KR: As mentioned already, I swam for the Emmaus High School swim team and Emmaus Aquatic Club. I was involved in musicals and plays in elementary school and middle school, which hold some of my best memories. I also sang the National anthem at various colleges, sporting events, and local charity events, thanks to my vocal teacher Ellie Escher and piano teacher Mrs. Seem. I also really loved being part of Emmaus High School Chorale with Ms. Cortez. I have been pretty involved at my church and I have helped out in many different ways over the past 10 years. I helped with Operation Christmas Child, went on a mission’s trip to the Jamaican Christian School of the Deaf, helped out in soup kitchens, and helped my family with making/delivering meals on the meal team for families in need.
