WellcommDC [07.28.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Ben Kaczmarski, one of the Co-Hosts of the Washington, DC stop for the Trail Running Film Festival on July 31st. [Note: We previously gave a High Five to other Co-Host Steve Ballesteros here.] See the trailer for Film Festival and buy your tickets here. You can also find Ben on Strava here.

WellcommDC: Where do you work…out?

Ben Kaczmarski: You'll mostly find me doing loops through Rock Creek Park. I find the most peace in the forest, so I try to hit the trails as often as I can. Occasionally, I'll stop by [solidcore] Adams Morgan for strength training.

WDC: What does wellness mean to you?

BK: To me, wellness is getting up each day and working towards a worthwhile goal that a previous version of me thought was impossible and doing it with the people I care about most. I'm so grateful: it's such a privilege to work towards big, scary goals supported by people who care about me and whom I care about, too.

WDC: What are your wellness goals over the next twelve months?

BK: My goal is to enjoy the ride and make really great memories. I have a 100 miler coming up in October with the HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathon, and my "A Goal" is to spend time with my closest friends, laugh a lot, stop and look up at the stars, and take lots of pictures of the changing leaves. I'll find a 100K or 100 miler early next year to pick up my Western States lottery ticket, but I'll see how I feel after October and pick one that will bring me the most joy.

WDC: Who are some people who inspire you, motivate you, or keep you accountable when it comes to your wellness?

BK: My inspiration, motivation, and accountability come from my closest friends, Paulius Dragunas and Kyle Hopkins, traveling around the country to support each other during races and the important moments in our lives. I'm so grateful for my local crew here of Steve Ballesteros, Dakota Butler, Piotr Andrzejczak, Sam Trioli, and the rest of the Arc'teryx DC Trail Run Crew.

WDC: What advice would you share with someone looking to change their wellness routine?

BK: I've found the most consistency in finding something that I’m so excited about that I can't help but jump out of bed in the morning. Whether that excitement and joy comes from chasing a distance or time PR or seeing the baby ducks swimming in the creek early in the morning, it sure is nice to start the day with a feeling of accomplishment and wonder.

Know a fitness instructor in the DMV who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommDC High Five profile!

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Go For It,

Your WellcommDC Team (@wellcommdc)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.