12 Days of 5Ks: Spotlight on Jessica Walhof

By: Greg Koch
​
As we continue the 12 Days of 5Ks, I’m thrilled to highlight Jessica Walhof—a powerhouse in the running community, accomplished ultramarathoner, and a passionate advocate for trail running. Jess is not only a board member of the Sioux Falls Area Running Club but also one of the most inspiring and down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet.

For this 5K, I met Jess at Good Earth State Park—her happy place—during a Winter Weather Advisory. It was a fitting backdrop for our time together, as Jess thrives in the elements and loves the trails. Sharing miles with her in this setting gave me a deeper appreciation for her love of the outdoors and dedication to the sport.

If you follow her Instagram feed, @jesswalhof.broadcastingnetwork, you’ll see all of her incredible trail adventures, from pacing friends at ultras to supporting our local running community. I recently had the privilege of chatting with Jess about her reflections on the holidays, her running journey, and her goals for the year ahead. Her thoughtful responses truly capture her passion for running and her generous spirit.

Holiday Reflections
"The holiday season is usually a time of reflection for me, celebrating what went well in life the past year and ruminating on how to improve. With that always comes a heart full of gratitude for the many wonderful experiences I’ve been fortunate to have and a thankfulness for my amazing friends—most of whom have come into my life because of running.

It’s also a time spent gathering more frequently with family, which I’m cherishing more and more as my niece and nephew are growing up so fast. They’re at that impressionable age where they think Auntie Jess is the best!"

Connection to 605 Running Company
"Back in 2016, I started attending group runs with 605, SFWR, and SFARC. I started making friends and gleaning information and inspiration that continues to influence my running to this day.

605 has also been my source for shoes as my only running setback has been a bout of plantar fasciitis. Thanks to a proper shoe fitting at 605, I haven’t had any issues since!"

Favorite Running Memories
"I honestly can’t pick out just one favorite running adventure or event because I’ve been fortunate to experience so many. Especially in just this last year, I’ve seen friends accomplish amazing feats: winning 1st female at Zumbro 100 despite setbacks, setting an FKT on the Mickelson Trail, finishing 200+ miles at Tahoe, overcoming challenges at Black Hills 100, and completing an impossibly hard 100-mile race in Montana’s Crazy Mountains.

Once again, I had the privilege of running side by side with a friend for her 3rd 100-miler of the year at Mines of Spain 100. All of these incredible experiences are a direct result of stepping out of my introverted comfort zone and attending group runs back in 2016."

Personal Running Goals
"I’m hoping to remain consistent despite some life changes. I want to continue to find joy in this running journey—both in the process and experiences. I love training and seeing steady progress, but I also love the time spent with my friends; whether that’s casual long runs at the same place every weekend, leading SFARC Thursday night group runs at Good Earth State Park, or getting a front-row seat to watch my friends do hard things while crewing and pacing them in amazing places at an event."

Upcoming News
"As I’m currently experiencing some hard personal life and job changes, I’m looking to use the opportunity to meld my passion for running and my career experience in health and personal training to begin some run coaching. I hope to provide guidance as an experienced source for aspiring trail and ultra runners."

Holiday Inspiration
"As someone who is very much heat-averse, I relish running through the winter because the cold makes me feel alive. I tend to wear shorts well below freezing temperatures, so I’m probably not one to ask for advice on how to dress. But layering appropriate clothing will make the temperatures more bearable—just remember to dress for the second mile (don’t overdress, you will warm up).

Also, as Midwesterners, we all know it’s not really the temperature that’s so bad but the wind! Find good wind blocks (hills, trees, buildings) or coordinate a point-to-point run with the wind at your back, and you’ll be able to outlast the cold. Most importantly, remember why you’re out there—have fun with it.

I like to make snowmen and snow angels and climb snow piles. My favorite reminder is, ‘If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life, but still the same amount of snow.’"

Community Appreciation
"Get involved in the running community—whether it’s group runs, races, or volunteering at events or on a board! Our running community has so much to offer, and you’ll be sure to make some friends, find running partners, be inspired, learn so much, and have a good time."

It has been such a privilege to join Jess for countless miles. I’ve seen her in action in the ultramarathon scene, crushing events like Black Hills 100. We originally met at a Lincoln High School group run back in 2016. I knew from the moment I saw her with a Ziploc bag of applesauce for fuel that she was hardcore!

Watching Jess grow within the trail and running community has been truly inspiring. Her commitment to the sport and to supporting others is what makes her a standout in our running family.

---