Running Culture

Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards, founder of Fast Bananas. (Credit: Courtesy of Fast Bananas) Dr. Kate Mihevc Edwards is on a mission to change the culture of running. Edwards knows, from personal experience, how runners can strain their bodies by ignoring signs that they need to slow down or rest. After recovering from significant injuries sustained during a grueling training regimen, Edwards wanted to create a resource for runners that offered more than tips on how to run faster – she wanted to provide information from experts on how runners can take care of their bodies and minds. In 2022, she launched Fast Bananas, an online platform that hosts all kinds of content for runners: information about injuries, recipes, meditations, educational content about the best gear, and more. Today the Atlanta, Georgia-based entrepreneur is proud to help fellow runners avoid preventable injuries and address all aspects of their wellbeing. Here's our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project. How is your business different from others in your industry? Everything we put out into the world comes directly from experts. And, our site encompasses all aspects of health – mental, emotional and physical – in one place. Tell us about your biggest success so far. Every time we help a runner realize that whatever they have been missing is available at Fast Bananas. Also, building my company, Precision Performance & Physical Therapy, and using it to inform my decisions about Fast Bananas. What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? Getting the word out about Fast Bananas. Since I am bootstrapping the company, I don't have a lot of financial resources – so we have had to be very creative. We made each of our experts into affiliates, so that they talk about Fast Bananas with their patients and clients. We have partnered with run clubs, professional teams and running stores to build community around the brand. We have also leveraged our networks in the running community to create relationships and fortify existing connections. Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions? In 2015, I nearly died while training for a half Ironman. I was one of those athletes that pushed themselves to the edge every single day. I thought I was being healthy, but really, I was using running and sports to avoid all of my mental and emotional struggles. I was eventually diagnosed with ARVC, a rare genetic heart disease that gets worse with more exercise. I had to stop all endurance sports. But I did not have anything in my toolbox at the time to cope with that loss, and went into a huge downward spiral. But then, I started to realize I was not alone – that many athletes have a difficult time coping with injury because they don't have the necessary tools. What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? Don't be afraid to ask for help. And, track every conversation and connection you make, so you don't miss opportunities. How do you find inspiration on your darkest days? I remember that I have a responsibility to help others benefit from everything I went through, and everything I learned. I look at the emails, texts and cards I have received from patients thanking me for what I do. What is your go to song to get motivated on tough days? I love a good Florence and the Machine ballad to sing at the top of my lungs in the car! Who is your most important role model? I think my biggest role model is my 98-year-old grandmother, Francis. ◼ Instagram: @fastbananasrunFacebook: @fastbananasrun Share your story! Check out more stories about women in businessWatch our latest videosSubscribe to our podcast

Running Culture

She’s Helping Runners Improve Their Physical – and Mental – Health

The Story Exchange

Follow