Katie Visco is passionate about running. So passionate, in fact, that she is trying to become the youngest woman to run across the U.S. But she is not just running for herself. Visco is also raising money and awareness for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that helps pre-teen girls develop self-respect through running. That's Fit sat down with Visco during a pitstop in New York City, and here is what she told us:

TF: How did you decide to do this run?

Katie: I'm passionate about running but I wanted to do something big with it that can also do something good in the world. There were certain triggers that catalyzed that action. Last year, I gave a year of my life to service with City Year in Boston. I saw that these high schoolers had big, bold designs in life. I realized that people need inspiration in taking a step in pursuing their grand designs. They inspired me to become that role model. What better way than to take something I love to do and do something big and bold in the world and give back at the same time?

TF: When did you start running?

Katie: I started running when I was in middle school. I thought it would be a good way to get fit for soccer. So really, I was duped into joining the running team. I didn't know what I was getting myself into. But I loved the camaraderie and the way it made me feel and I became a runner.



How has the first month been?

Katie: I've learned a lot. But logistics are still being worked out. I know my general route but on a day-to-day basis I come up with the route the day of. Google maps are a lifesaver.

What's your schedule like?

Katie: The goal is 100 miles a week. That's about 17-ish miles a day for six days a week. But the most important thing is to listen to my body.

TF: What are you eating and drinking to sustain you 100 miles per week?

Katie: I came into this thinking, oh my god, how am I even going to stay alive during this? The very first thing was I found a nutritionist and talked to people who had done this run before. I know how to eat healthy, but this is something bigger. I need to be eating about 4,000 calories a day. Really, I'm running to and from food. Breakfast is a banana, lots of water, a concoction of whole grain cereals, raisins, almonds and flaxseed. And then an hour later, I'll have an apple, pretzels, some peanut butter, continue to hydrate with Fruit20 Essentials. I'll have a slice of vegetable pizza for a snack. Yogurt is a blessing. Lots of fruit. And then I'll go for my morning run, about 10 to 12 miles.

TF: Are there things you're eating for this run that you weren't eating before?

Katie: Protein has been really important, especially whey protein.

TF: How often are you stretching?

I'm stretching constantly. And another godsend is a foam roller.

TF: What is the charity you're raising money for?

Katie: It's called Girls on the Run. The organization helps to build bold, confident women. There are about 160 different chapters across the country, and they're basically running clubs. The girls are elementary school to middle-schoolers and they have practices every week and are training for a spring 5K. Most of them have never run before, but not only do they run, after each practice they talk about hard-hitting issues that are so important for women to talk about, like self-respect.

TF: Is there one part of the U.S. you look forward to seeing?

Katie: Everyday there is something beautiful to see and something ugly to see. It's totally different. I'm excited to see Santa Fe area, Albuquerque, I've been there, but never experienced it in this way. I'm looking forward to everything, minus dogs (editor's note: Katie is afraid of dogs).

TF: How many pairs of sneakers will you go through?

Katie: About 15. I'll start walking in a new pair for about a week, then hop in them.

TF: What do you tell people who are looking to take up running?

Katie: I tell them the things I've learned from the sport. If you want to feel like you've succeeded every day of your life, pick up this sport.