Former Longhorn Hoaldridge pursuing professional running, modeling

Austin, Texas - This month former Texas track and field runner Katie Hoaldridge is featured on the cover of Runner's World Magazine. Doubling as a model and a professional runner, Hoaldridge solidifies her role as cover girl. Life seems to be going well for Hoaldridge, but she says things were not always this smooth.

During her tenure as a Longhorn student-athlete, Hoaldridge competed in not only the cross-country season, but also in indoor and outdoor track and field as well. Focusing mainly on the 800 meters, Hoaldridge struggled her first three years. She found herself grappling to compete.

"I sucked a lot at running until the very end of my time at UT. I ran the 800 meters and my first three years at Texas I was not able to run faster than my high school (personal record), was not making finals at the conference meet," she said.

But something changed during her fourth year at Texas. Hard work mixed with passion and a little bit of serendipity began to embody Hoaldridge, and to this day these principles continue to guide her.

"After sticking with it and not giving up, I beat my 800 meter PR by six seconds and by my final year qualified for the NCAA National Championships individually."

The NCAA Championship appearance combined with a tireless work ethic and some chance encounters have led Hoaldridge to an interesting career path: part-time professional runner and part-time professional model.

Running for the New Jersey New York Track Club under coach Frank Gagliano has been a dream come true for Hoaldridge. A professional and USATF Elite track development team, Hoaldridge said that NJNY Track Club is the perfect setting to progress her skill.

"I absolutely love working with [coach Gagliano] and have incredible training partners," Hoaldridge said. "I hate the arctic of the Northeast, but I feel like it is making me tougher, so whatever, I'll take it."

Although track has been a life-long love for Hoaldridge, modeling is newer to her. It is something that almost fell into place.

She got started in Austin doing some test shoots for fitness photographers and quickly realized there was a lot of fun and money to be made. Then when Hoaldridge moved to New York this year some of her pictures ended up in the hands of the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency and the rest is history. Hoaldridge said she is still in awe of how quickly everything happened.

"To my surprise they offered me a contract on the spot," she said. "I repeatedly asked them if they were sure, I was in such disbelief."

But the cherry on top of an unexpected year came when Hoaldridge found out she would be gracing the front cover of Runner's World. Hoaldridge knew her career was taking off but this just confirmed it. Hoaldridge said the cover is truly an honor.

"Like a majority of runners, I grew up reading the magazine so it was amazing being able to be a part of their work," Hoaldridge said. "I get really embarrassed when I walk into a drug store and see myself, though."

New York City seems to be the perfect fit for Hoaldridge. Filled with as much struggle, magic and persistence as Hoaldridge herself, it's a place where she can work and play.

"I very much enjoy the hustle of NYC. Everyone is so hard working and motivated and I really feed off that kind of energy."

You can see Hoaldridge and read about her training habits in the January/February issue of Runner's World on newsstands now.

The University of Texas at Austin Athletics

Former Longhorn Hoaldridge pursuing professional running, modeling