Spotlight: Krystal Garcia Riley
You are currently running the Instagram account @in_a_skirt_podcast and the producer of @inaskirtpodcast - what inspired you to start recording a podcast?
I love podcasts. I listen to them all the time. Then, a few months ago, I started noticing an increase in the number of women running, cycling, working out, etc... in a skirt. The thought, “Look what she’s doing…in a skirt!” kept repeating itself in my mind. I think at some point the phrase on repeat in my mind -- “in a skirt” -- and my love for podcasts combined and I realized that I wanted to create a podcast that celebrated people who do things a little differently, whether it’s participating in sports in a skirt, or creating athletic opportunities for people who have traditionally been left out of sports.
How long have you been running & what first sparked your interest in this sport?
I have been running for about 6 ½ years. I started because I had two small children and I felt tired and out of shape. Running seemed like the simplest and most economic activity I could do. But the more I ran, the more I liked it and it eventually became a passion of mine. This is why I think it is so important not to give up on something just because you are not instantly passionate about it!
Who are your role models?
My mother, because she always has the mentality that she can do anything as long as she works hard at it. She never places limitations on herself. Also, my running buddy, Jerri Kay Boyd. She is an encourager and she genuinely celebrates other people’s victories. I want to be like that – a person who celebrates other’s accomplishments as much as my own.
If you could describe your personality as any Starbucks drink, what would it be?
I don’t ever go to Starbucks because I buy cheap coffee from McDonald's. So I guess that’s what I am…a plain, inexpensive coffee from McDonald's.
What has been your favorite part of creating & running the in a skirt podcast?
Getting to know people and their stories! I love to talk, but I have a difficult time finding a way to start a conversation with new people. I usually feel awkward introducing myself and breaking the ice. The podcast has given me a way to reach out to people and it’s given those people a way to tell me their stories.
What do you find are your audience’s biggest stumbling blocks and what are the best ways you’ve found to overcome them?
A lot of the people listening to the podcast right now think they have missed out on the opportunity to the best physical version of themselves. They think they’re starting out too late in life, or they’ll never be good at running or cycling. I’m hoping that the message we can send with this podcast is that you are stronger than you think you are and you are capable of so much more than you realize. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what you look like, what you’re wearing, what your background is – the key is to just get out there and start.
What is your favorite, go to meal?
I have two – anything wrapped in a tortilla, or anything thrown on top of spinach. I usually keep spinach and tortillas at home so I can make a taco or salad out of anything else I can find in the fridge or pantry.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished “26 Marathons” by Meb Keflezighi and loved it. Next on the list is “The Passion Paradox” by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magness. I haven’t started it yet, but I listened to a podcast interview with Brad Stulberg last week, and if the book is anything like the interview, it should be great.
Where do you draw fashion inspiration from?
A whole bunch of people I follow on Instagram. It’s so much easier to dress modestly and fashionable these days. I had a hard time finding clothes when I was younger, but now I can follow women on Instagram and easily buy their exact outfits!
If you could travel to any place in the world, where would it be?
Ireland. When I was younger, my dad made sure I traveled all I could before my life got too busy. I am very thankful for that. But one place I’ve never been and have always wanted to go to Ireland. My dream is to backpack across the country.
What are your goals for 2019?
I started off this year with four goals: (1) break four hours in the marathon, (2) run under 1:45 for a half marathon, (3) go on a 100-mile bike ride and (4) place in the top three female finishers in a trail race that’s held locally. I was able to complete the first two in January and March. I’m starting to get cold feet about the third! As for the fourth, that race is in September. I’ve also added a fifth goal – grow In A Skirt Podcast.
To follow along with Krystal and her podcast find her on Instagram @in_a_skirt_podcast and find her podcast here In A Skirt Podcast. 
