Kimberly Shah
Triathlete + Founder, NJOY RacingGlobe trotting, road racing and looking good is all in a day’s work for Chicago-based triathlete Kimberly Shah. From 5K’s to her personal triumph at the Ironman competition in South Africa, Kimberly’s thirst for extreme competition has made her a sought after personality for her personal commitment to her health. But what attracts G&F to Kimberly is something a little deeper—it’s that sort of never-give-up motivation and total badass endurance that make her as chic off the track as she is on. Because if there is one thing we love, it’s a strong woman who knows what she’s doing. And Kimberly does it all—and then some! Kimberly is giving back through her company NJOY Racing, training beginner to advanced marathon runners and triathletes on good form and proper technique. Oh, and just a few doses of you-can-do-it tough love, too. Kimberly shares her philosophy toward beauty—apparently we need to stock up on our sunscreen this season!—and her favorite racing destinations in this week’s G&F Spotlight. On your mark, get set, GO!
BEAUTY MUST-HAVES>> body lotion: FOREST ESSENTIALS // face: LAURA MERCIER BAKED BLUSH BRONZER // mascara: MAYBELLINE VOLUM’ EXPRESS THE COLOSSAL // lips: CHANEL SCINTILLANCE LIP GLOSS // nails: OPI EURO CENTRALE COLLECTION // must-have: FOREST ESSENTIALS TUBEROSE BATH OIL
Q: Advice for those who want to start a healthier lifestyle?
A: Write your goals down and put them in a place where you can see them every day. Start with what is immediately realistic—cut out desserts or appetizers or walk 30 minutes a day. Don’t be afraid to hire a coach, trainer or nutritionalist if you don’t know how to get started. You are investing into a healthy future.
Q: Your competitions have taken you everywhere. Favorite destination?
A: United Arab Emirates has been my favorite destination race so far. It is such a unique part of the world and I feel like the people are misunderstood by many. I raced and spent 8 days traveling throughout the country on my own. It is a great country for women to go who wants to experience the Middle East by themselves and feel safe.
Q: What’s on the bucket list for travel?
A: Cairo, Moscow and Patagonia. But if I were to tell people three must-go places it would be: United Arab Emirates: see the whole country, not just Dubai. India: the Taj is a classic, but I love the Gujarat state. And Hong Kong if you love cites. It is best in the world.
Q: You run for a living. Favorite anthem while working out?
A: My iPod is filled with Bollywood film music. So if you are looking for a great beat to run to a few of my favorite songs are Subha Hone Na De, Yeh Ishq Hai and Goliyan
Q: You’re a natural beauty, but all of the time in the training must put some stress on your skin—what’s your secret?
A: I never walk out the door without wearing sunblock, even on a cloudy day. Hydration is essential to having healthy skin, so I even sleep with a water bottle by my bed. But my little post-swim moisturizing secret is coconut oil. It is the best!
Q: And when it comes to personal style, how would you describe yourself?
A: Is there such thing as athletic chic? I love cute loose tanks with a little sports bra underneath, running tights and boots or heels.
Q: Final thoughts. GO!
A: Always care. If you stop caring, you stop taking care of yourself. Then five years go by and you look in the mirror and wonder what happened.
Get more inspiration at KimberlyShah.com.