Interview: Kim Alexis, supermodel and marathon runner
Posted November 12th, 2006 at 8:00 AM by Adam Jacobs
 This week I had the opportunity to speak with supermodel Kim Alexis about running in this years ING New York City Marathon and her love for fitness.
Most people know Kim because of her captivating beauty, and for good reason. She has served as the Revlon spokesperson, appeared on over 500 magazine covers, including six Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions, and the very term “supermodel” was created because of her. However, there is a lot more to Kim than just her looks. She has used her intellect and rare talents as an actress, broadcaster and television host. Kim continues to demonstrate her passion and dedication by speaking out about women’s issues and, of course, in being a wonderful wife and mother.
1. Kim, we appreciate you taking the time to tell our readers about running in the this year’s NYC Marathon, your eighth marathon to date. I know you have always been a fitness enthusiast, but what motivated you to get into marathon running?
I swam all through junior and senior high school. I never ran cross country. I used to see them train and wonder how they could run 3 miles! But, I had a friend who came up from Miami to run the Jacksonville marathon in 1985, he asked me to run part of the race. I had never run more than 10 miles or maybe a half marathon on a tread mill. I overheard my husband at the time and my friend whisper, “She’s never going to make it!” and that’s all it took. I ran the whole thing with him and finished in about 4:24. (I ran as Kim Stockton, but Runner’s World had looked it up and figured it out).
2. What other marathons have you run and which has been your favorite?
I ran 5 NYC, 2 LA and 1 Jacksonville [marathon]. New York [is my favorite] for sure, but I have a special place in my heart for that first one in Jacksonville as my friend has died from cancer since then.
3. Were you happy with time year’s time (4:39:04)?
NO! But, I really went into this race just wanting to finish. I purposely did not wear a watch. I tried not to be competitive, [and] just enjoy being alive and healthy and taking it all in as a great experience.
4. Your half marathon split was 2:11:22, so you ran the second half of the race about 17 minutes slower. Did anything go wrong in the later stages of the race?
No, except I [did] made a side stop to get a hug from Rod Gilbert (former NY Ranger great - whom I was staying with). I guess I just naturally slowed down. I never hit the wall and I never thought I slowed down.
5. What is your marathon personal record (P.R)?
Three hours and fifty one minutes (3:51:00) in 1992 [at the] NYC marathon. This last race at 22 miles I saw 3:53 and I knew that I was not going to break any records. :)
6. Were you involved with any fundraising efforts for this marathon or any of your past marathons?
This marathon I raised money and awareness for Team for Kids. I did the PR for them to help others understand about the charity.
7. Has your husband (former NY Ranger hockey player Ron Duguay) ever ran a marathon with you or plan to in the future?
NO, he tried to do a half marathon in San Diego when we were dating but got injured (so did Rod Gilbert by the way! What is it with these hockey players?? HA)
8. Do you plan to continue running marathons and at what point would you give it up?
No. I have done what I need to do which is run after all 3 son’s births. It just took 12 years after Noah. I plan on racing shorter distances now. I would love to do half’s.
9. What is the hardest aspect of running a marathon?
Making sure that you are fit and healthy. My mind has to KNOW that I can do it, my body has to have the long runs in for months in advance and my energy has to be there.
10. What is your training like in terms of duration, intensity, etc.?
I had been training resistance and weight training circuits with a personal trainer. After I ran the half marathon in NYC in August I realized I would not make the 26 without changing my workouts. I stopped the upper body strength [training] and had Toby Tanser, a world class marathoner, train me via email. He had run the half in NYC with me and knew my pace and body type. I ran 3-4 times a week. Tuesday was speed; Wednesday was in the gym on cardio [machines] or rest ; Thursday was 6-10 miles; and Saturday was a long run from 13-19 miles. I started this Sept 1st, [but had] been doing the other training before this. You gotta have the long runs and get used to running on tired legs. That was what I was missing before when I was I at the gym too much. I was fit but not used to the long runs. You gotta have that in your training!
11. Did you have to significantly change your diet during training? What was your typical daily diet?
I did not change much and found that I could not eat much more than normal. I actually had to take a product to keep my cortisol levels down as my body would get stressed and actually gain weight to protect itself. I [also] started to eat more raw foods. [In general], I just eat when I am hungry and I make sure that I have a lot of good oils and vegetables and fruits in my diet.
12. What type of running/training apparel, gear and shoes do you wear? Do you listen to music when you train?
All different [types of apparel] and I would love a fitness/apparel contract. YES, [I listen to] country, sermons and rap!!
13. Did you listen during the marathon and what type of mp3 player do you use?
I had the old fashioned headphones with a radio. I had them on for the race and ended up not turning them on, [because] I ran with someone I met before the race. I gave them away finally at mile 21!!! To a nice young guy who was just watching. He must have thought I was nuts! [I] would have to have my kids show me how to use a MP3 player!
14. What types of carbohydrate and hydration products do you use during your training? Do you take any vitamins or supplements?
I used Isagenix products. I love them.
15. Do you usually train by yourself? Does your husband or any of your friends come on your runs with you?
[I workout] by myself early in the morning with my radio.
16. What’s your favorite food?
Caesar salad with salmon or chicken
17. Who is your favorite athlete?
Anyone who tries and does not quit. Oh and my husband who played hockey in the NHL for 12 years.
18. Who are your personal role models and/or heroes?
My parents and husband
19. Do you have any advice for beginners who are thinking about training for and running their first marathon?
Find a good program and stick to it. Make sure that you get up in the morning and want to do this training for yourself. Look forward to your runs as something you are doing for yourself!
Kim, thank you for taking the time to give all of TFS’s loyal readers some insights into your life, your love of fitness and this year’s New York City Marathon. Good luck with everything! We look forward to seeing you run some half marathons in the future and let me know if you ever need a running/training partner!
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
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