Pilgrim Athlete Highlight: Meet Taylor Kallsen

“I focus heavily on my breath as my prayer while I run. Focusing on the natural rhythm that God has put in each of his creations.”

- Taylor Kallsen

1. Why do you run?

I run because it makes me feel free yet, connected to something bigger than myself. It’s just a feeling of joy to see where my feet can take me.

2. How is working with Pilgrim Endurance affecting the rest of your life (relationally, spiritually, mentally, etc.)?

I love working with Pilgrim endurance and Chris. I’ve always tried to go it alone, and working with Chris has changed my perspective on the value of having someone to help you along the way. It’s helped me realize that everything is connected and I don’t have secular parts of my life. All of my work, relationships, hobbies, dreams, stresses, all have an effect on who I am and how I experience the world.

3. Tell us about one of your running quirks.

I suppose one of my running quirks is I love to eat Nutella on my long runs!

4. How would you begin to describe the experience of encountering God on your run?

I experience God on my runs most often in that feeing of weightlessness. I often will run through grass barefoot just for the joy of it. I feel as though I am a part of the world and it provides a way out of my head. I also focus heavily on my breath as my prayer while I run. Focusing on the natural rhythm that God has put in each of his creations.

5. What does it take to be a good companion?

To be a good companion it takes being a mindful listener—a skill I’m still trying to develop! :)